Camera Alignment Tools

ClosedHOW TO USE THE FOCUS HELPER?

The Focus Helper tool in the Hardware Control window makes it easier to optimize the image focus by displaying a relative number calculated by FinishLynx. The higher the number, the better.

When FinishLynx is in Align Mode, clicking the right mouse button allows you to select image either while aligning, or after alignment has stopped.

This can be used with the Focus Helper tool:

  • If a region of image is selected, then the Focus Helper operates only on that region.
  • If no region is selected, then the Focus Helper operates on the entire image.
NOTE: If you change the zoom level, either select a different camera, or left click in the image, to make the selection disappear.
ClosedHOW TO ZOOM IN ALIGN MODE?

FinishLynx allows the operator to zoom in or out in Align Mode.

  • To zoom:
  1. Click the or icons.
ClosedHOW TO USE SMART ZOOM?

In align mode, you can now shift-click the zoom buttons to “shrink to fit” the image to the vertical size of the window, avoiding the need to scroll.

NOTE: 2D Align for EtherLynx Vision-Series cameras supports repeated shift-clicks to adjust the horizontal zoom. This can facilitate alignment by zooming into the finish line while still seeing the entire vertical image.
ClosedHOW TO BE SURE THE CAMERA IS LEVEL?

EtherLynx Vision-Series offer an electronic level option.

  • To make sure the camera is level:
  1. Adjust the camera swivel until the electronic level icon is green, ideally displaying 0.0.
ClosedVIDEO

ClosedHOW TO USE THE ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDER?

The Electronic View Finder (EVF) function is available as an option or upgrade on all EtherLynx Vision-Series cameras. EVF allows an external video display (sold separately) to be connected to the camera's HDMI port for local viewing during alignment. This can greatly facilitate the alignment process of EtherLynx Vision-Series cameras far from the FinishLynx computer.

  • To output the alignment view to a video display via the camera's HDMI port:
  1. Connect the EtherLynx Vision-Series camera's HDMI port to a video display.
  2. Check the EVF box on the Hardware Control window in FinishLynx.
  3. Click the 1D or 2D alignment buttons.
  4. Use the Zoom buttons (+ -) to zoom in the alignment view.

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NOTE: Visit our website to find out more on Electronic Viewfinders available for purchase.

 

Remote operations:

Alignment mode can also be controlled by pressing the A button on the camera back. Each press will cycle through different views - 2D Zoom 100% > 2D Zoom 200% > 2D Zoom 400% > 1D 100%.

NOTE: When both EVF and VDM are enabled on a camera, the EVF check box is used to coordinate the output type.
  1. EVF checked + Alignment OFF = VDM Output
  2. EVF checked + Alignment ON = EVF Output
  3. EVF unchecked + Alignment ON/OFF = VDM Output
ClosedHOW TO USE AUTOMATIC EXPOSURE CONTROL

Automatic Exposure Control (AEC)

Automatic Exposure Control (AEC) is a 2D-Align mode for Vision-Series cameras. It is similar to the concept of shutter (vs aperture) priority on standard SLR cameras, and allows the 2D-Align exposure time to be controlled by FinishLynx, instead of being set to the 1D frame rate.

Video

Optimize Focus

After adjusting a Vision-Series camera's focus during a bright sunny day, you may find that the image becomes soft later in the day as light fades. This is caused by decreased depth of field, a trade-off of opening the iris. With AEC, you can simulate the worst case scenario by opening the iris completely during the initial set up. AEC will shorten the exposure time, avoiding a washed out image and allowing you to set the focus while depth of field is poor. Once AEC is disabled for operations, the aperture can be closed down as much as light allows. This ensures optimal focus throughout the day, regardless of the light conditions.

Low-light Alignment

Turn on AEC if you need to align a Vision-Series camera using 2D-Align in low-light conditions. The increased exposure time will reduce the noise and improve the image quality, making it easier to align.

How-to

  • To enable AEC mode:
  1. From the Hardware Control window, select a Vision-Series camera configured for AGC.
  2. Start 2D-align.
  3. Check the AEC checkbox.

NOTE: AEC is only available if the Gain method is set to Auto-Gain Control (AGC). When AEC is active, Auto-Iris Control (AIC) is temporarily disabled.
TIP: The exposure time (ms) appears between square brackets [ ] in the Gain field of the Hardware Control window.