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Camera Performance and Features
Linea HS Multifield Camera
Image Response Uniformity & Flat Field Calibration
See the section Flat Field Category in Appendix A for GenICam features associated with this section
and how to use them.
Related Features: Calibrate FPN, Calibrate PRNU, Calibration Algorithm, Calibration Target
Images commonly have lower response at the edges of the camera’s field of view compared to its
center. This is a result of lens vignetting and structure in the illumination source.
Diffusing elements in the light path removes structure in the illumination and may improve edge-
responsivity.
Decreasing the lens aperture can also improve edge-responsivity, if barrel vignetting (a shadow
cast on the sensor by the focus helical or extension tubes) is present.
The camera can compensate for edge roll-off and other optical non-uniformities by using flat field
calibration.
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When performing Flat Field (PRNU) calibration, the camera should be imaging a front
illuminated white target or rear bright field illumination source. The optical setup should be
as per the inspection system, including lens magnification, aperture, illumination intensity,
spectral content and illuminator beam structure.
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Flat field calibration should be performed when the camera temperature has stabilized.
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Flat field calibration will adjust all pixels to have the same value as the peak pixel value or
target level, as per the calibration mode selected.
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If the flat field calibration is set to a target level that is lower than the peak value and the
system gain is set to a low value, then it is possible that the sensor will maximize its output
before the camera’s output reaches 255 DN. This can be seen when a portion of the output
stops increasing before reaching 255 DN with increasing illumination and the PRNU
deteriorates. This effect can be resolved by decreasing the light level or exposure control
time.
Following a flat field calibration, all pixels should be at their un-calibrated peak value or target
value. Changing gain values now allows the user to make refinements to the operating responsivity
level.
Note: The best flat field calibration can be achieved by performing it at the mid DN
level of the working range used in the operation. Any flat field error associated with
residual non linearity in the pixel will be halved as compared to performing a calibration
at the peak value of the operating range. A simple way of performing this is to reduce
exposure time to half what is used in the operation in order to get the mid DN level for
flat field calibration. Once complete, return the exposure time to its original setting.
Those areas of the image where high roll-off is present will show higher noise levels after flat field
calibration due to the higher gain values of the correction coefficients. Flat field calibration can only
compensate for up to an 8:1 variation. If the variation exceeds 8:1 then the line profile after
calibration will include pixels that are below the un-calibrated peak level.