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FLIR Tau CNV User Manual

FLIR Tau CNV User Manual

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10-10032-01
Rev A1
Tau CNV
User's Manual
Tau Color Night Vision Camera
2011 FLIR Advanced Imaging Systems
Tau CNV Camera User's Manual
ECO: 594
Page 1 of 49

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Summary of Contents for FLIR Tau CNV

  • Page 1 Tau CNV User’s Manual Tau Color Night Vision Camera 2011 FLIR Advanced Imaging Systems 10-10032-01 ECO: 594 Rev A1 Tau CNV Camera User’s Manual Page 1 of 49...
  • Page 2 FLIR AIS designs, develops, and manufactures its high performance cameras at its facility in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA, and is part of FLIR Systems Inc., a world leader in the design, manufacture, and marketing of sensor systems that enhance perception and awareness for a wide variety of users in the commercial, industrial, and government markets, internationally as well as domestically.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    & M ..........................26     OUSING ATERIALS ..............................27     IMENSIONS ..................27     OUNTING AND OCUS DJUSTMENT 2011 FLIR Advanced Imaging Systems 10-10032-01 ECO: 594 Rev A1 Tau CNV Camera User’s Manual page 3 of 49...
  • Page 4   Figure 4: Tau CNV Camera with M42 Lens and C-Mount Adapter ................15   Figure 5: Tau CNV Camera with M42 Lens Mount, Integrated IR-Cut Filter Slider (color only), and C-Mount Adapter ................................16   Figure 6: Camera Parallel Interface Back Plate Diagram................... 19  ...
  • Page 5 Copyright and Trademark Notification This document is subject to change without notice. FLIR Systems, Inc. is not responsible for the use, or misuse, of the FLIR products that are associated with this document. After using this document, and the associated referenced documents, you may need to contact FLIR support for additional assistance.

  • Page 6: Introduction

    Interface Control Document (ICD) for detailed interface and control information. Your Tau CNV camera is backed by FLIR’s worldwide service and support team. If you do not find the information that you need in one of these documents; please contact your sales representative and we will get your questions answered quickly.

  • Page 7: Camera Features And Functions

    3 Camera Features and Functions The FLIR AIS Tau CNV (see Figure 1) is an ultra-low light and small form factor video camera with user programmable gain and on-chip electronic shuttering that provides large dynamic range and image processing features that make it suitable for full sunlight to overcast starlight applications.

  • Page 8: Programmable Electronic Shutter

    The Tau CNV supports noise suppression using image subtraction techniques. Noise suppression allows frame-to-frame noise to be filtered out to improve image quality, especially for low-light imaging applications. The amount of noise suppression is programmable (see Tau CNV ICD). Note: This use of noise suppression can cause image-lag in dynamic scenes.

  • Page 9: Integrated, Motorized, Ir Cut Filter Option

    3.6 Integrated, Motorized, IR Cut Filter Option The Tau CNV color camera can be purchased with an integrated, motorized, IR-cut filter option. The lens mount assembly hosts a motorized two-glass position filter slider mechanism: (1) a BG38 IR-cut filter for daytime operation to preserve accurate color representation, and (2) a clear glass filter that is used for low-light imaging applications.

  • Page 10: Flat Fielding (Non-Uniformity Correction)

    3.9 Digital and Analog Video Output Options The Tau CNV provides both digital and analog video output. The digital output is a NUC corrected RGB video output and is available using the Parallel or Camera Link interface. The analog video has NUC, color, white balance and contrast corrections (as enabled) and is available in NTSC or PAL (future) formats on the Group Interface and on the Parallel Interface.

  • Page 11: Camera Specifications

    4 Camera Specifications 4.1 Camera Specifications Table 1: Tau CNV Camera Specifications Camera Specification Image Sensing Color or Monochrome Pixel Type 6.5um 5T Active Pixels Resolution 1280 x 960 and 1280x720 (HD 720p) Dynamic Range 84 dB Shutter Mode Rolling Shutter...
  • Page 12 Power Consumption < 4W (typical) Notes: These are the specifications for camera performance at 20 °C. For camera performance specifications over the operating temperature range, please contact your FLIR representative. 2011 FLIR Advanced Imaging Systems 10-10032-01 ECO: 594 Rev A1 Tau CNV Camera User’s Manual...

  • Page 13: Quantum Efficiency (Qe) Response Curves

    4.2 Quantum Efficiency (QE) Response Curves Figure 2: QE Response Curves for Color Camera and Monochrome Cameras 2011 FLIR Advanced Imaging Systems 10-10032-01 ECO: 594 Rev A1 Tau CNV Camera User’s Manual page 13 of 49...

  • Page 14: Theory Of Operation

    C-mount and F-mount lenses interface to the M42 mechanical mount using their associated adapter mechanisms. 2011 FLIR Advanced Imaging Systems 10-10032-01 ECO: 594 Rev A1 Tau CNV Camera User’s Manual page 14 of 49...

  • Page 15: Figure 4: Tau Cnv Camera With M42 Lens And C-Mount Adapter

    The filter is controlled manually using serial commands, or under automatic control for detected low-light conditions. The default operation is manual control. Figure 4: Tau CNV Camera with M42 Lens and C-Mount Adapter 2011 FLIR Advanced Imaging Systems...

  • Page 16: Tau Cnv Cmos Sensor

    Figure 5: Tau CNV Camera with M42 Lens Mount, Integrated IR-Cut Filter Slider (color only), and C- Mount Adapter 5.3 Tau CNV CMOS Sensor The FLIR AIS Tau CNV is based on a high dynamic range Scientific CMOS (sCMOS) imager technology.

  • Page 17: Sensor Mount And Heat Sink

    The sensor mount also includes a tapped ¼-20 tripod adapter mounting hole, and the tripod adapter can be procured from FLIR. See section 7 for the mechanical mounting information and section 8 for camera mounting & cooling information.

  • Page 18: Camera Interface

    The Tau CNV has two interface types: (1) The parallel interface; and (2) the group interface. The parallel interface is a 3.3V Low Voltage CMOS (LVCMOS) interface connector that includes camera control, digital video output, analog video output, and camera synchronization signals.

  • Page 19: Camera Interfacing

    6 Camera Interfacing The Tau CNV camera parameters are controlled and status monitored using serial communication via an LVDS parallel, USB, or Camera Link connection. Digital video data and triggering are also available over the LVDS parallel and Camera Link connection. Non-digital NTSC analog video is also available.

  • Page 20: Power Connector

    +12 VDC No Connection 6.1.2 Parallel Data Connector The Tau CNV camera (with LVDS parallel configuration) can provide 14-bit or 16-bit CMOS data with sync signals as well as analog video output simultaneously. Table 3: Parallel Interface Connector Pin Out...
  • Page 21 41,42 Ground Analog 75Ohm VIDEO_OUT Analog Video 1Vpp 44,45 Ground 3.3 Volt Supply for Adaptor Power Boards 47,49 Ground 48,50 Unused 2011 FLIR Advanced Imaging Systems 10-10032-01 ECO: 594 Rev A1 Tau CNV Camera User’s Manual page 21 of 49...

  • Page 22: Group Interface

    6.2 Group Interface The Tau CNV group interface supports: (1) Camera Link control and digital video output; (2) USB / RS232 (future) camera control and analog video output; (3) trigger input/output; and (4) video IRIS (future). Figure 7: Group Interface Back Panel View 6.2.1 Group Interface Default Settings...

  • Page 23: Power Connector

    Link cable that includes a male SDR-26 connector on the camera end and an MDR-26 connector on the frame grabber end. Figure 8: Camera Link SDR-26 diagram 2011 FLIR Advanced Imaging Systems 10-10032-01 ECO: 594 Rev A1 Tau CNV Camera User’s Manual page 23 of 49...

  • Page 24: Table 6: Camera Link Sdr-26 Connector Pin Assignment

    A complete description of the Camera Link standard can be purchased from the AIA organization at http://www.machinevisiononline.org/store/category.cfm?category_id=76. The FLIR AIS Tau CNV camera provides a Frame Valid (FVAL) pulse which goes high during the reading out of the frame and goes low after reading out the complete frame.

  • Page 25: Analog Video Output And Serial Interface (Default Configuration)

    The Trigger IO connector is a Hirose SR38-4R-3S(71) and is labeled “TRIG IN/OUT on the rear of the camera. Table 8: TRIG IN/OUT Interface Description Pin # Function Logic Level TRIGGER IN Logic Level TRIGGER OUT Signal Ground 2011 FLIR Advanced Imaging Systems 10-10032-01 ECO: 594 Rev A1 Tau CNV Camera User’s Manual page 25 of 49...

  • Page 26: Trigger In Mode

    NOTE: For proper operation, external trigger falling edges must never occur at a rate faster than the minimum frame period (approximately 33ms). These trigger modes are fully described in the Tau CNV interface control document (ICD). Contact your local sales or technical support for details.

  • Page 27: Dimensions

    7.3 Lens Mounting and Back Focus Adjustment The FLIR AIS Tau CNV camera has two options for lens mounting: The M42/C-mount and the M42/F-mount. After mounting the lens into the C-mount lens adapter, the camera must be back focus adjusted and locked prior to use.

  • Page 28: Camera Mounting & Cooling

    The Tau CNV operating temperature is specified as a case temperature range of -20°C to +50°C with degraded performance in the +35°C to +50°C The Tau CNV sensor mount is used to both mount the camera to the user’s assembly, and to conduct heat away from the camera electronics. The camera makes automatic and continuous adjustment to compensate for changes in case temperature;...

  • Page 29: Command And Control Of The Camera

    7 operating system using a standard PC serial COM port, USB port or a Camera Link compatible frame grabber which enables a serial COM port. With one of these connections cabled to the Tau CNV camera, the camera controller GUI can be used to control operating modes and gather status. Most of the user programmable functions that can be set and read by serial commands may also be set and read by using the Universal Camera Controller.
  • Page 30 In this case, click “Cancel” and proceed to the section on installing the USB serial bridge driver (or directly to the section on installing UCC if you will not be communicating with the camera through its USB connection). 2011 FLIR Advanced Imaging Systems 10-10032-01 ECO: 594 Rev A1 Tau CNV Camera User’s Manual page 30 of 49...
  • Page 31 Check “I have read and accept the license terms,” and click “Install.” The following window will appear when installation is complete: 2011 FLIR Advanced Imaging Systems 10-10032-01 ECO: 594 Rev A1 Tau CNV Camera User’s Manual page 31 of 49...
  • Page 32 Click “Finish.” 2011 FLIR Advanced Imaging Systems 10-10032-01 ECO: 594 Rev A1 Tau CNV Camera User’s Manual page 32 of 49...
  • Page 33 USB flash drive or CD. Double click the file. The following window will appear: Click “Next.” Select “I accept the terms of the license agreement,” and click “Next.” 2011 FLIR Advanced Imaging Systems 10-10032-01 ECO: 594 Rev A1 Tau CNV Camera User’s Manual page 33 of 49...
  • Page 34 Click “Next.” Click “Install.” 2011 FLIR Advanced Imaging Systems 10-10032-01 ECO: 594 Rev A1 Tau CNV Camera User’s Manual page 34 of 49...
  • Page 35 Make sure “Launch the CP210x VCP Driver Installer” is checked, and click “Finish.” The following window will appear: Click “Install.” Wait until the following window appears: Click “OK.” 2011 FLIR Advanced Imaging Systems 10-10032-01 ECO: 594 Rev A1 Tau CNV Camera User’s Manual page 35 of 49...
  • Page 36 Choose the location to install the program. In most cases you should be able to select the default location. Click “Next.”. 2011 FLIR Advanced Imaging Systems 10-10032-01 ECO: 594 Rev A1 Tau CNV Camera User’s Manual page 36 of 49...
  • Page 37 Click “Install.” The install should take a few moments. When complete, the following window will appear: 2011 FLIR Advanced Imaging Systems 10-10032-01 ECO: 594 Rev A1 Tau CNV Camera User’s Manual page 37 of 49...
  • Page 38 The program installation is complete. Click “Finish” to exit setup. UCC is now installed and ready to use. See below for details on operating the software. 2011 FLIR Advanced Imaging Systems 10-10032-01 ECO: 594 Rev A1 Tau CNV Camera User’s Manual page 38 of 49...

  • Page 39: Camera Connection Screen

    When Camera Controller GUI is first executed, the “Connections” screen will come up as shown below. Select Camera > Connect> Connect to the camera. See the screenshot below: 2011 FLIR Advanced Imaging Systems 10-10032-01 ECO: 594 Rev A1 Tau CNV Camera User’s Manual page 39 of 49...
  • Page 40 If successful, the “Connected” status will appear in the lower left of the GUI window along with the camera status information as shown in the example screen shot below: 2011 FLIR Advanced Imaging Systems 10-10032-01 ECO: 594 Rev A1 Tau CNV Camera User’s Manual page 40 of 49...
  • Page 41 Once connected, you can click on “Image” to access options on the “Image” screen. This screen allows access to the basic controls of the camera as seen in the screenshot below. 2011 FLIR Advanced Imaging Systems 10-10032-01 ECO: 594 Rev A1 Tau CNV Camera User’s Manual page 41 of 49...

  • Page 42: Gui Advanced User Mode

    There are features in the advanced mode that can produce poor images if used improperly. Entering advanced mode indicates the user understands and accepts this responsibility. The password is “www.flir.com” (without quotes). Once the correct password has been entered, the initial connection window will be slightly different as in the following screenshot.
  • Page 43 All of the available ports should show up in this screen. If a connection option isn’t available here, the software is unable to see it and further troubleshooting may be required. 2011 FLIR Advanced Imaging Systems 10-10032-01 ECO: 594 Rev A1 Tau CNV Camera User’s Manual page 43 of 49...
  • Page 44 The software should automatically choose the proper camera type; however, if it does not, you can select it manually here. 2011 FLIR Advanced Imaging Systems 10-10032-01 ECO: 594 Rev A1 Tau CNV Camera User’s Manual page 44 of 49...
  • Page 45 As you can see from the screenshot the “Tools” menu item is still there and there is a new window button “Config”. 2011 FLIR Advanced Imaging Systems 10-10032-01 ECO: 594 Rev A1 Tau CNV Camera User’s Manual page 45 of 49...
  • Page 46 Noise Suppression – Enable or disable the automatic noise suppression algorithm and adjust the level of noise filtering applied in manual mode. 2011 FLIR Advanced Imaging Systems 10-10032-01 ECO: 594 Rev A1 Tau CNV Camera User’s Manual page 46 of 49...
  • Page 47 Number of Lines (Camera Link Only) – The user can select whether the output is 1280x960 or 1280x720. Note that this only affects the digital output. 2011 FLIR Advanced Imaging Systems 10-10032-01 ECO: 594 Rev A1 Tau CNV Camera User’s Manual page 47 of 49...

  • Page 48: Camera Care And Maintenance

    10 Camera Care and Maintenance 10.1 Maintenance, Returns, and Repair Your FLIR AIS camera should be handled with care as with any delicate high precision opto-electronic instrument. The camera should not be exposed to liquid or shock environments. Temperature and humidity should be kept within the operating and storage range specified.

  • Page 49: Cleaning The Camera Housing

    11 Revision Control ECO # Date Initiator Revision Description 10-30-2011 D. Jenkins Pre-release draft 11-23-2011 D. Jenkins Preliminary 1-4-2012 D. Jenkins First Release 2011 FLIR Advanced Imaging Systems 10-10032-01 ECO: 594 Rev A1 Tau CNV Camera User’s Manual page 49 of 49...

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