Difference between revisions of "Using the cameras"

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<div style="display:inline; color:blue">'''''Elphel Network Cameras Manual'''''</div>
+
{{Manual legacy_pages}}
−
----
+
 
−
[[Using the cameras]] |
+
{{Manual Header}}
−
[[Camera software]] |
 
−
[[Camera hardware]] |
 
−
[[Diagnostic and repair]] |
 
−
[[Development documentation]] |
 
−
[[Information]] |
 
−
[[Glossary]] |
 
−
[[About Elphel, Inc]]
 
−
----
 
  
 
== Introduction ==
 
== Introduction ==
  
−
Elphel network cameras — complex devices by which development the advanced technologies and non-standard program decisions are used. We constantly improve our products that users could to use the cameras with the least expenses of time and forces. In this section of Elphel Network Cameras Manual you can find out the detailed information about using the Elphel cameras.
+
Elphel network cameras — complex devices in whose development advanced technologies and non-standard program decisions are used. We constantly improve our products so that users can use the cameras with the least expense of time and effort. In this section of Elphel Network Cameras Manual you can find detailed information about using Elphel cameras.
  
 
== Complete set ==
 
== Complete set ==
  
−
The camera complete set of delivery includes actually the network camera Elphel-313/323/333 and Live-CD or Live-DVD with special edition of the Debian-based GNU/Linux operational system Knoppix completed with the camera's necessary software.  
+
The complete camera delivery set includes the actual network camera Elphel-353/363, and Live-DVD with a special edition of the GNU/Linux operating system Ubuntu, complete with all the necessary software for the camera.  
  
−
Also the complete set of delivery can include lenses, an external power unit and connection cables for an additional payment.
+
The complete delivery set can also include lenses, an external power unit and connection cables for an additional payment.
  
 
== Appearance ==
 
== Appearance ==
  
−
[[Image:Cam side.jpg]] The Elphel-313/333 camera's box is folding and made of anodized aluminium. Overall dimensions 116х45х45 mm, weight approximately 150 g (without lens).  
+
[[Image:Elphel2.jpg|thumb|Elphel NC353L network camera]] The Elphel NC353L camera case is folding and made of anodized aluminium. Overall dimensions 116х45х45 mm, weight approximately 150 g (without lens).  
  
−
[[Image:Cam front.jpg]] On the front side of the camera's box the carving socket for standard C/CS-mount lenses is located.  
+
[[Image:Cam front.jpg]] The carving socket for standard C/CS-mount lenses is located on the front of the camera.  
  
−
[[Image:Cam back.jpg]] On the back side of the camera's box are located a socket for connection of a network cable, the switch-on push button for the software reloading mode and camera's model number mark. We constantly improve the products, therefore amount and appearance of the elements placed on the back panel, can change.  
+
[[Image:Elphel3.jpg|thumb|Back side of the Elphel NC353L network camera]] On the back side of the camera case are located a socket for connection of a network cable, a switch-on push button for the software reloading mode, and camera's model number mark. We constantly improve our products, therefore the number and appearance of the elements placed on the back panel can change.  
  
−
On the bottom side of the camera's box the standard carving socket for installation of the camera on a support is located.
+
On the bottom of the camera case is the standard carving socket for installation of the camera on a support.
  
 
== Connection ==
 
== Connection ==
 +
 +
48V DC power supplies are used to provide power to the Elphel cameras, using the same cable as that used for network connection.
 +
 +
The Elphel camera has a standard RJ-45 Ethernet port, and can be connected to a local network. This port is also used to provide power to the camera. You can do it in two ways:
 +
 +
1. Use the external power supply with integral DC Injector
 +
 +
2. Use a switch with integrated 48V DC Injector (IEEE802.3af compatibility is possible with an optional PoE module from Linear Devices)
 +
 +
=== External power supply ===
 +
 +
[[image:power_supply.png]]
 +
 +
The power supply has two built in RJ-45 jacks. J1 jack provides 48VDC and is used for connection to camera (IEEE802.3af compatibility is possible with an optional PoE module from Linear Devices). You must use CAT5 "Crossover" cable for connection between J1 and the camera's RJ-45 jack.
 +
 +
J2 jack is used for connection to a hub/switch. You must use standard CAT5 cable for connection between J2 and the hub/switch RJ-45 jack.
 +
 +
switches have special RJ-45 jacks which provide the 48VDC PoE (IEEE802.3af).  You must use standard CAT5 cable for connection between the switch special RJ-45 jacks and the camera's RJ-45 jack.
 +
 +
=== Necessary cables ===
 +
[[image:cable.jpg]]
 +
 +
Two cable types are necessary for Elphel cameras - standard CAT5 cable and CAT5 "Crossover" cable if ''the camera is connected directly to the computer''. Crossover cable is the same as used to connect two computers together with a single cable. If the camera is connected to a switch/hub (directly to the powered switch or through additional ''midspan'' power supply) no crossover cable is needed, all cables are straight.
 +
 +
 +
How to wire a &quot;Crossover&quot; Cable.
 +
 +
  <table width="600" border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" >
 +
    <tr>
 +
      <td>
 +
        <div align="center">connector #1</div>
 +
      </td>
 +
      <td>
 +
        <div align="center">connector #2</div>
 +
      </td>
 +
    </tr>
 +
    <tr>
 +
      <td height="135">
 +
        <p align="center">
 +
          1 WHT/ORG<br>
 +
          2 ORG/WHT<br>
 +
          3 WHT/GRN<br>
 +
          4 BLU/WHT<br>
 +
          5 WHT/BLU<br>
 +
          6 GRN/WHT<br>
 +
          7 WHT/BRN<br>
 +
          8 BRN/WHT</p>
 +
      </td>
 +
      <td height="135">
 +
        <p align="center">
 +
          1 WHT/GRN<br>
 +
          2 GRN/WHT<br>
 +
          3 WHT/ORG<br>
 +
          4 BLU/WHT<br>
 +
          5 WHT/BLU<br>
 +
          6 ORG/WHT<br>
 +
          7 BRN/WHT<br>
 +
          8 WHT/BRN</p>
 +
      </td>
 +
    </tr>
 +
  </table>
 +
 +
Color abbreviations:
 +
 +
WHT-WHITE
 +
 +
BRN-BROWN
 +
 +
ORG-ORANGE
 +
 +
GRN-GREEN
 +
 +
BLU-BLUE
 +
 +
The first color listed in the color pair is the dominant color of the wire. In other words, WHT/ORG is a white wire with orange stripes.
 +
 +
*Pin 7 and 8 (Brown Pair): Power (+)
 +
*Pin 4 and 5 (Blue Pair): Ground (-)
 +
 +
For further information about CAT5 Cables, try this link: [http://www.trangobroadband.com/infobase/cable_pinouts.shtml Cable Standards  and Pin out]
  
 
== Main Control Page ==
 
== Main Control Page ==
  
−
The Main Control Page uses javaScript to process user input (input fields and window of interest that can be selected by dragging a frame with the mouse), combines all camera acquisition parameters in a single GET request to a CGI program in the camera through the embedded web server (Boa). Currently camera does not support simultaneous access as each request actually controls the camera operation mode (including sensor resolution and frame rate) and not just connects to the camera output.  
+
The Main Control Page uses javaScript to process user input (input fields and window of interest that can be selected by dragging a frame with the mouse), and combines all the camera acquisition parameters in a single GET request to a CGI program in the camera through the embedded web server (Boa). Currently the camera does not support simultaneous access as each request actually controls the camera operation mode (including sensor resolution and frame rate) and does not just connect to the camera output.  
  
 
=== Page layout ===
 
=== Page layout ===
  
−
On the top part of the page you should see preview image. It is always 640x512 pixels (1/2 camera resolution) and does not change with the selected decimation and window of interest (red rectangle over the image).  
+
On the top part of the page you should see a preview image. It is always 640x512, 800x600 or 512x386 pixels (1/2 or 1/4 of camera resolution depending on the sensor) and does not change with the selected decimation and window of interest (red rectangle over the image).  
  
−
Below the preview image there are camera controls:  
+
Below the preview image there are the camera controls:
  
 
=== General Controls ===
 
=== General Controls ===
Line 47: Line 119:
 
[[Image:Control panel 1.jpg]]
 
[[Image:Control panel 1.jpg]]
  
−
In '''Window''' section there are 2 buttons at the low-right corner of window. You may specify window of interest (WOI) by dragging this buttons with the mouse. You may also change it numerically by entering data to '''W'''(idth), '''H'''(eight), '''L'''(eft) and '''T'''(op) input fields below. That numbers are rounded according to the selected sensor decimation and to use integer multiple of 16x16 pixels MCUs in JPEG compression.  
+
In the '''Window''' section there are 2 buttons at the bottom-right corner of window. You may specify window of interest (WOI) by dragging these buttons with the mouse. You may also change it numerically by entering data to '''W'''(idth), '''H'''(eight), '''L'''(eft) and '''T'''(op) input fields below. That numbers are rounded according to the selected sensor decimation and to use integer multiples of 16x16 pixels MCUs in JPEG compression. You may also change WOI by choosing one of the frequently used size from the list.
 +
 
 +
<table border=1><tr><td>
 +
 
 +
==== Autoexposure ====
 +
 
 +
By default the autoexposure is enabled. There is the special multicolor button for autoexposures management. The button colors is:
 +
 
 +
[[Image:Aegreen.png]] - Autoexposure is enabled
 +
 
 +
[[Image:Aered.png]] - Autoexposure is disabled
 +
 
 +
[[Image:Aeblue.png]] - The autoexposure control window is opened
 +
 
 +
When Autoexposure window is opened, the area of exposure calculating is appeared in the '''Window''' section.
 +
 
 +
In the Autoexposure window there are a few buttons for positioning the area of exposure calculating. The fields below are used for settings changing of the exposure calculating.
  
−
In '''Exposure''' field there is an input field to specify frame exposure time (in ms) - it is possible to specify fractions. You may change this parameter by dragging the slider with the mouse.  
+
In the '''Screen zone''' field you can change the area which should be used for exposure calculating (in percents).
 +
 
 +
In the '''Analyze pixels 1/_number_''' field you can specify the amount of pixels which will be used for overlightening.
 +
 
 +
In the '''Max exposure''' field you can specify the maximal exposure time (in ms).
 +
 
 +
</td>
 +
<td>
 +
 
 +
[[Image:Autoexp_1.png]]
 +
 
 +
</td></tr></table>
 +
 
 +
In the '''Exposure''' field there is an input field to specify frame exposure time (in ms) - it is possible to specify fractions. You may change this parameter by dragging the slider with the mouse.  
  
 
'''Saturation''' section allows adjusting contrast saturation.  
 
'''Saturation''' section allows adjusting contrast saturation.  
Line 55: Line 156:
 
'''Gamma''' field controls contrast by adjusting intensity conversion, gamma=1.0 corresponds to linear response (high contrast). Values less than 1 increase input dynamic range by expanding low intensity values (low contrast). You may change this parameter by dragging the slider with the mouse.  
 
'''Gamma''' field controls contrast by adjusting intensity conversion, gamma=1.0 corresponds to linear response (high contrast). Values less than 1 increase input dynamic range by expanding low intensity values (low contrast). You may change this parameter by dragging the slider with the mouse.  
  
−
JPEG '''Quality''' sets standard JPEG compression quality. The higher the quality the bigger is the result file. It does not change the camera frame rate.  
+
JPEG '''Quality''' sets standard JPEG compression quality. The higher the quality the bigger the resulting file. It does not change the camera frame rate.
 +
 
 +
'''White balance''' section is a drop-down menu containing four static parameters: '''Sunlight''', '''Cloudy''', '''Incandenscent''' and '''Fluorescent'''. You can choose one of these parameters to achieve the highest quality image depending on the lighting conditions.  
  
−
'''White balance''' section is the drop-down menu containing four static parameters: '''Sunlight''', '''Cloudy''', '''Incandenscent''' and '''Fluorescent'''. You can choose one of these parameters for achievement of the most qualitative image depending on conditions of illumination.  
+
In the '''Image size''' drop-down menu you may choose the static window size.  
  
−
In '''Image size''' drop-down menu you may choose the few static windows size.  
+
In the '''Resolution''' section there are a drop-down menu containing a few parameters (from 0 to 8) for changing sensor decimation (resolution). 0 - full sensor decimation, 2 - 1/2 of full sensor decimation, 3 - 1/3 of full sensor decimation etc.
  
−
In '''Resolution''' section there are radiobuttons to select sensor decimation (resolution). Selecting '''1''' uses all pixels in WOI, '''1/2''' - each other (in both directions) - 1/4 total, '''1/4''' - 1 in 4 in each direction - 1/16 total and so on. Both WOI and decimation control actual sensor operation that runs at 20 MHz pixel clock, so the smaller the total number of pixels the higher is the frame rate (it is actually slower as the sensor has some "margins" around the active area).  
+
In the '''Binning''' section there are a drop-down menu containing a few parameters (from 0 to 3) which change the binning mode. Binning can be used only when decimation is greater than 1. Increases sensor sensitivity by combining values from several pixels instead of just discarding them (as done with just decimation).
  
−
[[Image:Color.jpg]] In monochrome mode (when '''Color''' radiobutton is not checked) "R" gain settings are used for all channels and color conversion is disabled.  
+
[[Image:Color.jpg]] In monochrome mode (when the '''Color''' radiobutton is not checked) "R" gain settings are used for all channels and color conversion is disabled.  
  
−
Below are 3 buttons '''Preview''', '''Reset''' and '''Apply'''. '''Preview''' button refreshes the image in the top portion on a page (ignoring selected WOI and decimation), '''Reset''' button returns the initial adjustment parameters. The '''Apply''' button allow to accept the new changes.  
+
Below are 3 buttons '''Preview''', '''Reset''' and '''Apply'''. '''Preview''' button refreshes the image in the top portion on a page (ignoring selected WOI and decimation), The '''Reset''' button returns to the initial adjustment parameters. The '''Apply''' button is used to accept the new changes.  
  
−
Also there are two links after '''Photo''': '''New''' contains a link to a camera CGI program that has all acquisition parameters attached. You may just click it to open the image in a new window or right-click it and select "Save link target as..." (or equivalent) to save the image on your computer. The second link '''Last''' points to last image already in the camera memory, you may use it to save already aquired image to your hard drive.  
+
Also there are two links after '''Photo''': '''New''' contains a link to a camera CGI program that has all the acquisition parameters attached. You may just click it to open the image in a new window or right-click it and select "Save link target as..." (or equivalent) to save the image on your computer. The second link '''Last''' points to the last image already in the camera memory; you may use it to save the previously aquired image to your hard drive.  
  
 
[[Image:Help.png]] button opens this help page.  
 
[[Image:Help.png]] button opens this help page.  
  
−
[[Image:Info.png]] button opens information window where is a list of the acquisition parameters used during the last image/clip acquisition.  
+
[[Image:Info.png]] button opens the information window where there is a list of the acquisition parameters used during the last image/clip acquisition.
  
 
=== Video Controls ===
 
=== Video Controls ===
  
−
'''Video Controls''' in this section allow users to record a video clip in the camera memory and send it over the LAN/Internet as Quicktime video file. All settings for the image size, resolution, compression quality, analog gains and exposure are the same as for a still images described above, and that link adds extra parameters - '''Frame Rate''' and '''Time Scale'''. The first of them set desired frame rate (leave blank or set to 0 for the maximal rate), the secon field sets how much the playback time is longer than the acquisition one. I.e. setting of "10" makes the clip play 10 times slower that it was shot.  
+
'''Video Controls''' in this section allow users to record a video clip in the camera memory and send it over the LAN/Internet as a Quicktime video file. All settings for the image size, resolution, compression quality, analog gains and exposure are the same as for still images described above, and that link adds extra parameters - '''Frame Rate''' and '''Time Scale'''. The first sets the desired frame rate (leave blank or set to 0 for the maximal rate), the second field sets how much the playback time is longer than the acquisition one. I.e. setting of "10" makes the clip play 10 times slower that it was shot.  
  
−
Total size of the clip (6-7MB) is determined my a camera internal buffer used for compressed images storage and the total number of frames as the frame headers are attached during the clip output and are not stored in the buffer. There are 2 ways to shoot a clip (usual duration 3-5 sec, depending on compression quality). First is to press '''Start stream''' button, wait for the event to occur and then press '''Acquire'''. In this mode after '''Start stream''' the camera continuously writes to the buffer, overwriting footage when all the available space is used. Pressing '''Stop stream''' button ends data saving and so the buffer contains the last data recorded. Other way - is to press '''Acquire''' before the event. In that mode the clip recording starts after the trigger and stops when the whole buffer is full.  
+
Total size of the clip (6-7MB) is determined by a camera internal buffer used for compressed image storage and the total number of frames as the frame headers are attached during the clip output and are not stored in the buffer. There are 2 ways to shoot a clip (usual duration 3-5 sec, depending on compression quality). First is to press '''Start stream''' button, wait for the event to occur and then press '''Acquire'''. In this mode after '''Start stream''' the camera continuously writes to the buffer, overwriting footage when all the available space is used. Pressing the '''Stop stream''' button ends data saving and so the buffer contains the last data recorded. Another way is to press '''Acquire''' before the event. In that mode the clip recording starts after the trigger and stops when the whole buffer is full.  
  
−
There are additional controls to preview videoclip from the camera memory. Frame number 1 is the first one, 2 - second, etc. Frame number 0 is the last one in the clip, -1 - previous before last, etc. Any image acquisition (including '''Preview''') erases the stored clip and makes it one frame long.  
+
There are additional controls to preview a videoclip from the camera memory. Frame number 1 is the first one, 2 - second, etc. Frame number 0 is the last one in the clip, -1 - previous before last, etc. Any image acquisition (including '''Preview''') erases the stored clip and makes it one frame long.  
  
−
Clicking on the '''Video Clip''' link opens the clip in the Apple QuickTime ™ (or compartible) player plugin (if installed), you may also use this link to save the clip as a file in your computer.  
+
Clicking on the '''Video Clip''' link opens the clip in the Apple QuickTime ™ (or compatible) player plugin (if installed) - you may also use this link to save the clip as a file on your computer.
  
 
=== Advanced Panel ===
 
=== Advanced Panel ===
Line 87: Line 190:
 
[[Image:Control panel 2.jpg]]
 
[[Image:Control panel 2.jpg]]
  
−
'''Advanced Panel''' tab opens additional adjustment parameters of the image. In this section you may specify the more exact adjustments of color levels of the image.  
+
'''Advanced Panel''' tab opens additional adjustment parameters for the image. In this section you may specify more exact adjustments of color levels of the image.  
  
−
'''Gains''' section control the sensor analog gain settings. '''R''', '''G''' and '''B''' input fields control color components gains. Using high gain settings increases sensor noise but is required to view fast events with 1ms exposure time with the lightning used in the current setup.  
+
'''Gains''' section controls the sensor analog gain settings. '''R''', '''G''' and '''B''' input fields control color component gains. Using high gain settings increases sensor noise but is required to view fast events with 1ms exposure time with the lighting used in the current setup.  
  
 
'''R-Y''' specifies color saturation for red color component.  
 
'''R-Y''' specifies color saturation for red color component.  
Line 99: Line 202:
 
'''W''' specifies level saturation for white color component.  
 
'''W''' specifies level saturation for white color component.  
  
−
The '''Flip-X''' button allows to turn the image horizontally.  
+
The '''Flip-X''' button allows turning the image horizontally.  
 +
 
 +
The '''Flip-Y''' button allows turning the image vertically.
 +
 
 +
''NOTE: Some parameters (e.g. window size) cannot be changed without stopping the acquisition/compression.''
 +
 
 +
== Technical Information for the Elphel-353 ==
 +
 
 +
=== Default Setup ===
 +
 
 +
The default IP address of the camera is '''192.168.0.9''' netmask '''255.255.255.0'''
 +
 
 +
You should be able to ping the camera from another machine on the same subnet.
 +
 
 +
By default, the following TCP ports are open:
 +
 
 +
21/ftp
 +
 
 +
23/telnet
 +
 
 +
80/http (lighttpd web server)
 +
 
 +
82/http (boa )
 +
 
 +
=== Logging in ===
 +
 
 +
You can log in to the camera via telnet on TCP port 23
 +
 
 +
User: '''root'''
 +
 
 +
Password: '''pass'''
 +
 
 +
=== Serial port ===
 +
 
 +
The serial port settings (additional IO board [[10349]] is needed)
 +
 
 +
Speed: 19200 8N1
 +
 
 +
RTS/CTS: None
 +
 
 +
XON/XOFF : None
 +
 
 +
=== Changing IP address of the camera ===
 +
 
 +
The camera network settings can be changed by going to:
 +
 
 +
<code>http://<camera_ip>/axis.html</code>
 +
 
 +
from an attached computer.
 +
 
 +
=== Multicast routing in Linux ===
 +
 
 +
In order to receive the multicast streaming from the cameras, you need to add the following route rule to an attached PC:
 +
    route add -net 224.0.0.0 netmask 240.0.0.0 <interface>
  
−
The '''Flip-Y''' button allows to turn the image vertically.  
+
where <interface> is the interface connected to the camera (e.g. eth0).
  
−
''NOTE: Some parameters (i.e. window size) cannot be changed without stopping the acquisition/compression.''
+
The [[ElphelSoftwareKit]] live DVD does this for you automatically.
  
 
----
 
----
 
''Free Software and Open Hardware. Elphel, Inc., 2005''
 
''Free Software and Open Hardware. Elphel, Inc., 2005''

Latest revision as of 22:48, 7 May 2008

This is a legacy page. The information bellow is not compatible with Elphel 393 or 353/363 series cameras.
Elphel Network Cameras Manual

353/363 | Using the cameras | Camera software | Live CD | Camera hardware | Diagnostic & repair | Development documentation | 333 prices | Information | FAQ | About Elphel, Inc

Introduction

Elphel network cameras — complex devices in whose development advanced technologies and non-standard program decisions are used. We constantly improve our products so that users can use the cameras with the least expense of time and effort. In this section of Elphel Network Cameras Manual you can find detailed information about using Elphel cameras.

Complete set

The complete camera delivery set includes the actual network camera Elphel-353/363, and Live-DVD with a special edition of the GNU/Linux operating system Ubuntu, complete with all the necessary software for the camera.

The complete delivery set can also include lenses, an external power unit and connection cables for an additional payment.

Appearance

Elphel NC353L network camera
The Elphel NC353L camera case is folding and made of anodized aluminium. Overall dimensions 116х45х45 mm, weight approximately 150 g (without lens).

Cam front.jpg The carving socket for standard C/CS-mount lenses is located on the front of the camera.

Back side of the Elphel NC353L network camera
On the back side of the camera case are located a socket for connection of a network cable, a switch-on push button for the software reloading mode, and camera's model number mark. We constantly improve our products, therefore the number and appearance of the elements placed on the back panel can change.

On the bottom of the camera case is the standard carving socket for installation of the camera on a support.

Connection

48V DC power supplies are used to provide power to the Elphel cameras, using the same cable as that used for network connection.

The Elphel camera has a standard RJ-45 Ethernet port, and can be connected to a local network. This port is also used to provide power to the camera. You can do it in two ways:

1. Use the external power supply with integral DC Injector

2. Use a switch with integrated 48V DC Injector (IEEE802.3af compatibility is possible with an optional PoE module from Linear Devices)

External power supply

Power supply.png

The power supply has two built in RJ-45 jacks. J1 jack provides 48VDC and is used for connection to camera (IEEE802.3af compatibility is possible with an optional PoE module from Linear Devices). You must use CAT5 "Crossover" cable for connection between J1 and the camera's RJ-45 jack.

J2 jack is used for connection to a hub/switch. You must use standard CAT5 cable for connection between J2 and the hub/switch RJ-45 jack.

switches have special RJ-45 jacks which provide the 48VDC PoE (IEEE802.3af). You must use standard CAT5 cable for connection between the switch special RJ-45 jacks and the camera's RJ-45 jack.

Necessary cables

Cable.jpg

Two cable types are necessary for Elphel cameras - standard CAT5 cable and CAT5 "Crossover" cable if the camera is connected directly to the computer. Crossover cable is the same as used to connect two computers together with a single cable. If the camera is connected to a switch/hub (directly to the powered switch or through additional midspan power supply) no crossover cable is needed, all cables are straight.


How to wire a "Crossover" Cable.

connector #1
connector #2

1 WHT/ORG
2 ORG/WHT
3 WHT/GRN
4 BLU/WHT
5 WHT/BLU
6 GRN/WHT
7 WHT/BRN
8 BRN/WHT

1 WHT/GRN
2 GRN/WHT
3 WHT/ORG
4 BLU/WHT
5 WHT/BLU
6 ORG/WHT
7 BRN/WHT
8 WHT/BRN

Color abbreviations:

WHT-WHITE

BRN-BROWN

ORG-ORANGE

GRN-GREEN

BLU-BLUE

The first color listed in the color pair is the dominant color of the wire. In other words, WHT/ORG is a white wire with orange stripes.

  • Pin 7 and 8 (Brown Pair): Power (+)
  • Pin 4 and 5 (Blue Pair): Ground (-)

For further information about CAT5 Cables, try this link: Cable Standards and Pin out

Main Control Page

The Main Control Page uses javaScript to process user input (input fields and window of interest that can be selected by dragging a frame with the mouse), and combines all the camera acquisition parameters in a single GET request to a CGI program in the camera through the embedded web server (Boa). Currently the camera does not support simultaneous access as each request actually controls the camera operation mode (including sensor resolution and frame rate) and does not just connect to the camera output.

Page layout

On the top part of the page you should see a preview image. It is always 640x512, 800x600 or 512x386 pixels (1/2 or 1/4 of camera resolution depending on the sensor) and does not change with the selected decimation and window of interest (red rectangle over the image).

Below the preview image there are the camera controls:

General Controls

Control panel 1.jpg

In the Window section there are 2 buttons at the bottom-right corner of window. You may specify window of interest (WOI) by dragging these buttons with the mouse. You may also change it numerically by entering data to W(idth), H(eight), L(eft) and T(op) input fields below. That numbers are rounded according to the selected sensor decimation and to use integer multiples of 16x16 pixels MCUs in JPEG compression. You may also change WOI by choosing one of the frequently used size from the list.

Autoexposure

By default the autoexposure is enabled. There is the special multicolor button for autoexposures management. The button colors is:

Aegreen.png - Autoexposure is enabled

Aered.png - Autoexposure is disabled

Aeblue.png - The autoexposure control window is opened

When Autoexposure window is opened, the area of exposure calculating is appeared in the Window section.

In the Autoexposure window there are a few buttons for positioning the area of exposure calculating. The fields below are used for settings changing of the exposure calculating.

In the Screen zone field you can change the area which should be used for exposure calculating (in percents).

In the Analyze pixels 1/_number_ field you can specify the amount of pixels which will be used for overlightening.

In the Max exposure field you can specify the maximal exposure time (in ms).

Autoexp 1.png

In the Exposure field there is an input field to specify frame exposure time (in ms) - it is possible to specify fractions. You may change this parameter by dragging the slider with the mouse.

Saturation section allows adjusting contrast saturation.

Gamma field controls contrast by adjusting intensity conversion, gamma=1.0 corresponds to linear response (high contrast). Values less than 1 increase input dynamic range by expanding low intensity values (low contrast). You may change this parameter by dragging the slider with the mouse.

JPEG Quality sets standard JPEG compression quality. The higher the quality the bigger the resulting file. It does not change the camera frame rate.

White balance section is a drop-down menu containing four static parameters: Sunlight, Cloudy, Incandenscent and Fluorescent. You can choose one of these parameters to achieve the highest quality image depending on the lighting conditions.

In the Image size drop-down menu you may choose the static window size.

In the Resolution section there are a drop-down menu containing a few parameters (from 0 to 8) for changing sensor decimation (resolution). 0 - full sensor decimation, 2 - 1/2 of full sensor decimation, 3 - 1/3 of full sensor decimation etc.

In the Binning section there are a drop-down menu containing a few parameters (from 0 to 3) which change the binning mode. Binning can be used only when decimation is greater than 1. Increases sensor sensitivity by combining values from several pixels instead of just discarding them (as done with just decimation).

Color.jpg In monochrome mode (when the Color radiobutton is not checked) "R" gain settings are used for all channels and color conversion is disabled.

Below are 3 buttons Preview, Reset and Apply. Preview button refreshes the image in the top portion on a page (ignoring selected WOI and decimation), The Reset button returns to the initial adjustment parameters. The Apply button is used to accept the new changes.

Also there are two links after Photo: New contains a link to a camera CGI program that has all the acquisition parameters attached. You may just click it to open the image in a new window or right-click it and select "Save link target as..." (or equivalent) to save the image on your computer. The second link Last points to the last image already in the camera memory; you may use it to save the previously aquired image to your hard drive.

Help.png button opens this help page.

Info.png button opens the information window where there is a list of the acquisition parameters used during the last image/clip acquisition.

Video Controls

Video Controls in this section allow users to record a video clip in the camera memory and send it over the LAN/Internet as a Quicktime video file. All settings for the image size, resolution, compression quality, analog gains and exposure are the same as for still images described above, and that link adds extra parameters - Frame Rate and Time Scale. The first sets the desired frame rate (leave blank or set to 0 for the maximal rate), the second field sets how much the playback time is longer than the acquisition one. I.e. setting of "10" makes the clip play 10 times slower that it was shot.

Total size of the clip (6-7MB) is determined by a camera internal buffer used for compressed image storage and the total number of frames as the frame headers are attached during the clip output and are not stored in the buffer. There are 2 ways to shoot a clip (usual duration 3-5 sec, depending on compression quality). First is to press Start stream button, wait for the event to occur and then press Acquire. In this mode after Start stream the camera continuously writes to the buffer, overwriting footage when all the available space is used. Pressing the Stop stream button ends data saving and so the buffer contains the last data recorded. Another way is to press Acquire before the event. In that mode the clip recording starts after the trigger and stops when the whole buffer is full.

There are additional controls to preview a videoclip from the camera memory. Frame number 1 is the first one, 2 - second, etc. Frame number 0 is the last one in the clip, -1 - previous before last, etc. Any image acquisition (including Preview) erases the stored clip and makes it one frame long.

Clicking on the Video Clip link opens the clip in the Apple QuickTime ™ (or compatible) player plugin (if installed) - you may also use this link to save the clip as a file on your computer.

Advanced Panel

Control panel 2.jpg

Advanced Panel tab opens additional adjustment parameters for the image. In this section you may specify more exact adjustments of color levels of the image.

Gains section controls the sensor analog gain settings. R, G and B input fields control color component gains. Using high gain settings increases sensor noise but is required to view fast events with 1ms exposure time with the lighting used in the current setup.

R-Y specifies color saturation for red color component.

B-Y specifies color saturation for blue color component.

B specifies color saturation for blue color component.

W specifies level saturation for white color component.

The Flip-X button allows turning the image horizontally.

The Flip-Y button allows turning the image vertically.

NOTE: Some parameters (e.g. window size) cannot be changed without stopping the acquisition/compression.

Technical Information for the Elphel-353

Default Setup

The default IP address of the camera is 192.168.0.9 netmask 255.255.255.0

You should be able to ping the camera from another machine on the same subnet.

By default, the following TCP ports are open:

21/ftp

23/telnet

80/http (lighttpd web server)

82/http (boa )

Logging in

You can log in to the camera via telnet on TCP port 23

User: root

Password: pass

Serial port

The serial port settings (additional IO board 10349 is needed)

Speed: 19200 8N1

RTS/CTS: None

XON/XOFF : None

Changing IP address of the camera

The camera network settings can be changed by going to:

http://<camera_ip>/axis.html

from an attached computer.

Multicast routing in Linux

In order to receive the multicast streaming from the cameras, you need to add the following route rule to an attached PC: 

   route add -net 224.0.0.0 netmask 240.0.0.0 <interface>

where <interface> is the interface connected to the camera (e.g. eth0).

The ElphelSoftwareKit live DVD does this for you automatically.

Free Software and Open Hardware. Elphel, Inc., 2005
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