Main Menu > Imager
The Imager menu icon is on the Main Menu, and lists parameters that affect the characteristics of the captured image. The Imager menu is used to access the Auto Exposure routine, manually adjust Exposure and Gain, set Trigger and Strobe options as well as the size of the field of view (FOV).
5.3.1 Auto Exposure
Main Menu > Imager > Auto Exposure
Auto Exposure optimizes the exposure time and gain for the current lighting conditions. Multiple triggers are required to complete this function.
NOTE: The Auto Exposure option is not available on the Emulator.
5.3.2 Exposure
Main Menu > Imager > Exposure
Exposure is the amount of time the sensor allows light to energize the imager. Increasing the exposure time by moving the slider to the right allows more light to energize the imager, which brightens the image.
NOTE: This feature is not effective on the emulator.
5.3.3 Gain
Main Menu > Imager > Gain
Gain is an electronic boost to the image signal. Increasing Gain by using the '-' and '+' keys or moving the slider to the right increases image brightness without increasing exposure time. Note that Gain brightens both the light pixels and dark pixels and may reduce the image quality.
NOTE: This feature is not effective on the emulator.
5.3.4 Trigger
Main Menu > Imager > Trigger
A Trigger is a signal that makes the sensor capture an image and inspect it. Use the dropdown list to selectExternal Trigger, Internal Trigger (default), Free Run, Industrial Ethernet Only, or Command.
• If Internal Trigger is selected, triggers are based on timed intervals, and you need to select a trigger interval between 10 and 10000 milliseconds.
NOTE: If the interval is less than the inspection time, then missed triggers will occur.
• If External Trigger is selected, inspections are triggered in response to an electrical signal on the Trigger input line.
• If Free Run is selected, the sensor automatically runs continuous inspections.
• If Command is selected, the command channel is used to trigger the sensor from a remote device.
• If Industrial Ethernet Only is selected, trigger commands from the Industrial Ethernet communications channel only are accepted.
5.3.5 Focus
Main Menu > Imager > Focus
The Focus Number displayed at the bottom of this screen is used to fine-tune image focus. Loosen the lock on the lens cover, turn the focus ring on the sensor until the Focus Number peaks (or the image appears sharp), then lock the focus ring.
NOTE: For the Focus Number to work, the sensor must be triggering and the images must be similar over time.
5.3.6 Strobe
Main Menu > Imager > Strobe
The Internal Strobe configures the operation of the integrated ring light. The External Strobe configures the operation of an external light.
Internal
Main Menu > Imager > Strobe > Internal
The Internal Strobe setting configures the operation of the integrated ring light. Strobe options are Always ON, Always OFF, or Exposure Based. If Exposure Based is selected, then the ring light is on during the time the sensor is capturing an image. For UV models, the Always ON option is not available.
5.3.7 FOV (Field of View)
Main Menu > Imager > FOV
The field of view (FOV) is the area that the sensor can see at a given working distance. The working distance is the distance from the sensor's lens cover to the part being inspected. The effective FOV can be reduced in order to speed up the processing time of an inspection or to decrease background noise.
Adjust the Field of View
Select the resize icons to adjust the FOV. After pressing the back button, the Imager menu FOV button updates to say
"Custom" to indicate that a custom FOV is in use.
If the FOV has been modified and you want to quickly return to the default, click Set Default to restore the FOV to the default. The green box representing the FOV moves and the button changes to Set Max. The default for Fine resolution is 640×480 pixels and the default for Coarse resolution is 320×240 pixels.
The maximum FOV is 752×480 for Fine resolution and 376×240 for Coarse resolution. To quickly set the FOV to the maximum, click Set Max. The green box representing the FOV expands to fill the screen and the button changes to Set Default.
5.3.8 Resolution
System > Imager > Resolution
Two resolution options are available on the iVu Plus TG: Fine and Coarse.
Coarse resolution has a maximum FOV of 376×240 pixels, and Fine resolution has a maximum FOV of 752×480 pixels.
Fine resolution has 4 times more pixels than Coarse resolution. Inspection performance may be affected when using Fine resolution, depending on the application. By default, the FOV is set to the default FOV size (320×240) in Coarse resolution mode.
When a new resolution is selected, Match and Sort patterns must be taught again. A trigger is required before any on- screen data is updated.
Any sensor within the inspection will use the selected resolution. Only one resolution is used per inspection.