Video Format (IEEE-1394)

Toolbar:

Menu:   Acquire > Video Format

Script:   setVideoFormat

Use this command to select the video format settings for a DCAM compliant camera connected through the FireWire interface. The corresponding video driver must be selected in the Video Preferences.

If you choose this command, the Video Settings dialog box will appear. Click the Video Format tab, and you will see the following options:

Format

Use this option to select the desired video format from the list of formats available for the current camera. In addition to the standard formats defined by the DCAM 1.03 specifications, camera-dependent flexible scan formats can be available at the bottom of the list.

Frame Rate

Lets you choose the frame rate available for the currently selected Format. Select among the following possible frame rates: 3.75 fps, 7.5 fps, 15 fps, 30 fps, 60 fps. If one of the flexible scan formats is selected, this option will be unavailable, as the frame rate will depend on the size of the scan window.

Width, Height

Lets you select the width and height of the partial scan window, in pixels. This option is available only if the partial scan Format is selected.

Left, Top

Lets you choose the horizontal and vertical offset of the top left corner of the scan window, in pixels. This option is available only if the partial scan Format is selected.

Trigger

Select this check box to set the board to the one trigger mode. This mode is typically used with an asynchronously resetable camera. The acquisition of a frame will occur upon receiving a signal from an external hardware trigger. To set the camera to the continuous mode, clear the Trigger check box.

Trigger Mode

Lets you select the trigger mode as defined by the DCAM 1.03 specifications. Choose one of the following modes:

Mode 0

Camera starts integration of the incoming light from external trigger input falling edge. Integration time is defined by the Shutter option.

Mode 1

Camera starts integration of the incoming light from external trigger input falling edge. Integration time is equal to low state time of the external trigger input.

Trigger Polarity

Lets you change polarity of the trigger input: Choose one of the following options:

High Active

Trigger has high active input.

Low Active

Trigger has low active input.

Shutter

Move this slider to adjust the integration time of the incoming light. Note that this option is available only for the cameras that support the software shutter control.

Gain

Move this slider to adjust the camera circuit gain control. Note that this option is available only for the cameras that support the software gain control.

Exposure

Move this slider to change the reference value for the automatic exposure control. Note that this option is available only for the cameras that support the auto exposure control.

Each slider has a corresponding check box Auto located on the right. If such a box is enabled, the camera supports an automatic or one-push mode for the corresponding control. Checking the box will either put a camera to the continuous automatic control of the feature, or will momentarily adjust the feature to the optimal setting and switch back to the manual control with the slider.