2D Camera Management

You are currently viewing the documentation for the latest version (2.2.0). To access a different version, click the "Switch version" button located in the upper-right corner of the page.

■ If you are not sure which version of the product you are currently using, please feel free to contact Mech-Mind Technical Support.

The 2D Camera Management window is used to centrally manage all industrial 2D cameras in the system, providing access to device configuration and tuning before image acquisition.

In this window, you can perform the following operations:

  • Search and add multiple 2D cameras

  • Manage camera connection status (connection, disconnection, deletion, etc.)

  • Configure triggering method and connection parameters

  • Adjust image acquisition parameters and preview effects in real time

This window is primarily used for camera debugging during project preparation. After configuration, the camera can be used by the 2D Camera Step in a project workflow for image acquisition.

Start the Feature

You can use the following methods to open the 2D Camera Management window:

  • In the Step Parameters pane of 2D Camera, click the Camera Management button to enter.

  • Select Camera  2D Camera Management from the menu bar.

User Interface

The 2D Camera Management window consists of the following areas.

user interface
No. Area Description

①

Camera list area

Displays all added 2D cameras. You can add, connect, disconnect, rename, or delete cameras.

②

Camera information

Displays the basic information of the selected camera, including serial number, IP address, firmware version, manufacturer, and type.

③

Live image preview area

Displays the acquired live images for debugging.

④

Message box

Displays the camera connection status, trigger information, and error messages.

⑤

Camera parameter panel

Configure the trigger and connection settings, image acquisition settings, and control the image acquisition status.

Add Camera

In the camera list area, click the Add button to add a 2D camera in the following ways.

Make sure that the SDK or configuring tool provided by the camera manufacturer (check the supported version) is installed on the same IPC so that the camera can be discovered by the software.

  • Automatic search

    The system will automatically scan the current network environment, search for available cameras on the same subnet, and list the search results. Applicable to most standard deployment scenarios.

  • Search by IP address

    Supports adding devices by manually entering the camera IP address (except for Basler cameras).

Once added, the camera is set to connected by default. You can disconnect, rename and delete a camera in the Camera List.

Image Acquisition and Debugging Workflow

Follow the steps below to debug:

  1. Add the camera and establish the connection.

  2. Set the Data Acquisition Trigger Source parameter to Software.

  3. Click the Acquire continuously button.

  4. Ensure that the brightness, clarity, and orientation of the image are correct. If the results are not as expected, adjust Exposure Time, Gain, and the parameters related to Image Flip.

  5. Switch the Data Acquisition Trigger Source to the external trigger mode.

Camera Parameter Description

  • By default, only frequently used parameters will be displayed. To view all parameters, you can switch the display mode of camera parameters from common parameters to all parameters in the upper-right corner.

  • If you need to modify some advanced settings (such as the IP address, image pixel format, or I/O configuration before connection), you can do so through the SDK or tuning tool provided by the camera manufacturer (check the supported version).

Trigger and Connection Settings

Used to configure the data acquisition triggering method and connection behavior of the camera.

Parameters Description

Enable heartbeat detection

Once enabled, the system periodically monitors the camera connection status. If connection fails, the system automatically attempts to reconnect. The default value of Auto reconnect attempts is 5; adjust it based on network stability.

Data acquisition trigger source

Set the image acquisition image, such as software. Software is recommended for configuring. If using external, ensure the hardware wiring is correct.

Max number of reconnections

Set the maximum number of automatic reconnect attempts. If automatic reconnect attempts are too few, temporary losses of connection may not be recovered. If too many, connection timeout may be delayed.

Trigger delay

The delay in image acquisition after triggering.

Buffer settings

Used to configure the image buffer strategy. Visible only when Data Acquisition Trigger Source is set to External.

  • Max Buffered Frames: Set the maximum number of image frames that can be buffered in the camera. The default value is 1.

  • Buffer Overflow Handling Policy : This parameter is used to select the policy for handling buffer overflow. Selects whether to Delete earliest acquired data or Pause current data acquisition.

  • Clear Buffer: Click the Clear buffer button to manually clear the buffered image data.

  • Output All Buffered Frames: Once enabled, the 2D camera Step using this camera outputs all buffered frames at each run. The data type changes to an image list.

    When Output All Buffered Frames is enabled, do not click Acquire continuously button, as the live image preview area can only display a single frame.

Image Capturing Settings

Used to configure image quality parameters.

Parameter Description

Exposure Time

Specifies the exposure duration for a single frame. In dark conditions, increase the exposure time; in bright conditions, decrease it.

Adjust Exposure Time first. If the image quality still does not meet expectations, then adjust Gain.

Gain

Amplify image signals. Excessive gain amplifies noise. Increase gain only when exposure cannot provide required brightness.

Gamma Correction

Specifies a non-linear correction applied to image brightness, typically used for display optimization. Enable it with caution. After enabling it, you need to set the gamma value.

Horizontal flip

Flips the image horizontally.

Vertical flip

Flips the image vertically.

Image Width

The width (in pixels) of the captured image, defined relative to the image center.

Image Height

Height (in pixels) of the captured image, defined relative to the image center.

After adjusting the parameters, click the Acquire continuously button in the lower-right corner and see the result in the live image preview area. If the image does not meet expectations, click the Stop acquisition button and continue adjusting the parameters until the desired result is achieved.

Troubleshoot

Any Camera Cannot Be Found in the Automatic Search Window

Symptom:

Cameras could not be automatically discovered in the Add Camera window.

Possible Causes:

  • The camera is not on the same subnet as the IPC.

  • The camera is not powered on or the Ethernet cable is disconnected.

  • The corresponding camera plugin is not enabled.

  • The camera is occupied by other software.

Solutions:

  • Check whether the IP addresses of the camera and the IPC are on the same subnet and adjust the network settings.

  • Confirm that the camera is powered on and make sure that the Ethernet cable is securely connected.

  • In the menu bar, select Help  About Plugins, make sure that the corresponding camera plugin is enabled, and restart the software. Note that enabling the camera2d_bsl plugin may prevent DAHENG IMAGING and Hikvision cameras from being detected.

  • Close other software that may occupy the camera. Ensure the camera is idle, then search again.

Connected but No Image

Symptom:

The camera is connected, and after clicking the Acquire continuously button, the live image is blank or black.

Possible Causes:

  • The data acquisition trigger source is incorrectly configured.

  • If the data acquisition trigger source is correctly configured, the external signal may not be connected.

  • The exposure time is too short, resulting in black images.

Solutions:

  • Make sure the data acquisition trigger source matches the actual acquisition method (software or external).

  • If using external, ensure that the trigger cable is correctly connected and receives a valid signal input.

  • Adjust the exposure time to achieve proper image brightness. If necessary, increase the gain while avoiding excessive noise.

Excessive Image Noise

Symptom:

Captured images exhibit significant noise and a grainy appearance, which can affect detection or measurement effect.

Possible Causes:

  • The Gain value is set too high.

  • Insufficient ambient light.

Solutions:

  • Increase the intensity of the light source first to enhance the overall image brightness.

  • Increase the exposure time to allow more light to be captured by the sensor.

  • If the issue persists, decrease the Gain setting appropriately.

Is this page helpful?

You can give a feedback in any of the following ways:

We Value Your Privacy

We use cookies to provide you with the best possible experience on our website. By continuing to use the site, you acknowledge that you agree to the use of cookies. If you decline, a single cookie will be used to ensure you're not tracked or remembered when you visit this website.

  • Preference
  • I accept
  • I don't accept