5.1.13. Firmware settings (Widget “Settings”)
The Evaluation Kit requires firmware that runs on the ARM controller. This firmware configures the chip, performs the measurements, cal -
culates the result values, interfaces to the computer software and much more. As the development around the epc TOF devices is ongo-
ing, there will be regular updates of this software. By using the “Upload Firmware” button, it is possible to flash such updated versions on
the Evaluation Kit.
Figure 26: Firmware settings
Remark:
After a change of the camera, the upload of the corresponding firmware is necessary to operate it correctly.
Each camera has its own calibration parameters.
The firmware is on the CD enclosed in the camera package.
5.1.14. Calibration settings (Widget “Settings”)
3D TOF performance can be increased by calibration. There are several influencing factors on the 3D TOF performance. These factors
are:
•
Fixed pattern noise
•
Ambient-light (DC light)
•
Temperature
•
Target reflectivity
The epc TOF devices are designed to suppress ambient-light and to compensate for different target reflectivities internally. For many appli -
cations, the chip performance will be sufficient in these aspects. However, an additional external calibration will always improve accuracy.
Due to the extremely short timeframes that are relevant for TOF, there is an inherent temperature dependency that leads to a distance drift.
Therefore, the epc TOF chips have integrated temperature sensors whose readings can be used to offset this effect.
In order to deliver optimal performance, each epc610 camera module is calibrated in the factory. These calibration values can be loaded to
the Evaluation Kit with the “Upload Firmware...” button. Do this every time the camera module is changed. The absolute distance reference
can additionally be fine-tuned with the “Dist off” setting (distance offset).
Note:
The specific calibration data is provided by epc in the camera assigned firmware file and is specific to the respective chip whose ID is dis -
played in the Calibration Settings section.
Figure 27: Calibration settings
When set “Enable FPN correction”, the software applies a fix pattern noise correction per pixel to get a smoother 3D picture. It reduces de -
viations from pixel to pixel caused by manufacturing tolerances.
“Enable AVG” averages the distance data per pixel over several pictures to reduce noise.
5.1.15. Application settings (Widget “Settings”)
This dialogue allows the user, to save and reload user interface configurations. It simplifies the work with predefined user interface set-
tings.
Figure 28: Application settings
© 2014 ESPROS Photonics Corporation
Characteristics subject to change without notice
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Manual epc610_Camera - V1.5
www.espros.ch