2D Smart Camera

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Function

This Step captures image data through a 2D smart camera, which serves as the input for subsequent visual processing tasks.

Camera connection and configuration are completed in the 2D Camera Management tool. You can then select a configured camera in this Step and adjust parameters such as "Exposure time" and "Gain" as needed. When the project runs, the camera parameters set in this Step take precedence.

Usage Scenario

This Step is typically used as the initial Step of a vision project. You can use a 2D smart camera to capture data, or use data from a virtual camera.

Input and Output

Output

Output ports Data type Description

Image

Image/Color

The image captured by the camera.

Timestamp String

String

The timestamp string corresponding to the image captured by the camera.

Parameter Description

Camera Settings

Parameter Description

Select Camera

Parameter description: This parameter is used to select the camera to connect from the drop-down list.

Instruction: Click the Camera Management button to open the 2D Camera Management window, where you can manage the available cameras and camera parameters.

Camera Type

Parameter description: This parameter is used to display the type of the currently connected camera. This is a read-only parameter and cannot be modified.

Value list: Smart camera, Industrial camera

Basic Settings

Common Parameters

Parameter Description

Virtual Mode

Parameter description: When enabled, this Step can be connected to a virtual camera.

Default value: Disabled

Instruction: To run the project using locally saved data, enable Virtual Mode. For the Step parameters after enabling, refer to Virtual Mode.

Enable Calibration

Parameter description: This parameter is used to enable the calibration function.

Instruction: Once enabled, select a calibration parameter group to apply the 2D Camera Distortion Calibration and 2D Camera Hand-Eye Calibration results. After applying calibration, image distortion can be corrected and vision system accuracy can be improved.

Advanced Parameters

Parameter Description

Timeout

Description: This parameter specifies the maximum time (in milliseconds) from when the camera receives the information to when it returns the data to the client. When the timeout is reached, image acquisition is automatically stopped to prevent process blocking.

Default value: 3000 ms

Virtual Mode

Parameter Description

Data Path

Parameter description: This parameter is used to specify the folder path where the image data is stored. When the Step runs, images will be read from this path.

Play Back Mode

Parameter description: This parameter is used to specify the order to read the images.

Value list:

  • Sequential: Default value. Read the images in the order of the images in the folder.

  • Repeat one: Read the current image repeatedly.

  • Repeat all: Read all images in order, and then read them from the beginning after all images are read.

  • Random: Read images randomly.

Select the image data reading mode based on actual requirements.

Current Frame Name

Parameter description: This parameter is used to display the name of the currently read image.

Image Acquisition Settings

When the Step runs, parameters in the table below that overlap with those in the 2D Camera Management window take the values set in the Step parameters panel.
Parameter Description

Exposure Time

Parameter description: This parameter is used to control the exposure duration for a single frame.

Adjustment: In dark conditions, increase the exposure time; in bright conditions, decrease it. It is recommended to adjust Exposure Time first. If the image quality still does not meet expectations, then adjust Gain.

Gain

Parameter description: This parameter is used to amplify the image signal. Excessive gain amplifies noise. Increase gain only when exposure cannot provide the required brightness.

Adjustment: Do not set Gain too high to avoid increased noise that affects image quality.

Gamma Correction Value

Parameter description: This parameter is used to adjust the contrast of the image.

Focus Distance

Parameter description: This parameter is used to set the focal point position of the camera lens, i.e., the distance range at which the camera can produce clear images. By adjusting the focus distance, the target object can appear with clear details in the image.

Max Capture Attempts

Parameter description: This parameter specifies the maximum number of automatic retries allowed when image capture fails, which helps improve the acquisition success rate.

Default value: 3

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