Sigma Digital Camera LBA 300 User Manual
OPERATOR’S MANUAL  
Version 4.xx  
Laser Beam Analyzer  
Models LBA-300/400/500PC  
Models LBA-700/708/710/712/714PC  
For Windows® 2000 and Windows® XP Pro  
Spiricon, Inc.  
60 W 1000 N  
Logan, Utah 84321  
Phone 435-753-3729  
Fax 435-753-5231  
E-mail, Sales: [email protected]  
E-mail, Service: [email protected]  
© Copyright 2005, Spiricon Inc., All rights reserved.  
Operator’s Manual  
Doc. No. 10654-001, Rev 4.10  
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LBA-PC  
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Table of Contents  
OPERATOR’S MANUAL  
__________________ 1  
Version 4.xx ____________________________________________ 1  
Laser Beam Analyzer __________________________________ 1  
Models LBA-300/400/500PC_____________________________ 1  
Models LBA-700/708/710/712/714PC __________________ 1  
For Windows® 2000 and Windows® XP Pro ____________________ 1  
© Copyright 2005, Spiricon Inc., All rights reserved. __________________ 1  
NOTICE  
Chapter 1  
2
INTRODUCTION___________________________________ 11  
1.1 General Information ______________________________________________ 11  
1.2 System Requirements_____________________________________________ 11  
1.3 Optional Equipment ______________________________________________ 12  
1.4 Specifications ___________________________________________________ 13  
1.5 Safety Considerations_____________________________________________ 14  
1.5.1 Optical Radiation Hazards____________________________________________ 14  
1.5.2 Electrical Hazards __________________________________________________ 14  
Chapter 2  
EQUIPMENT SETUP ________________________________ 15  
2.1 Equipment Setup ________________________________________________ 15  
2.1.1 Step 1  
2.1.2 Step 2  
Installation of the Frame Grabber Board ________________________ 15  
Camera Connections ________________________________________ 18  
2.1.2.1  
2.1.2.2  
Analog Cameras_______________________________________________________ 19  
Digital Cameras _______________________________________________________ 19  
2.1.3 Step 3 LBA-PC Software Installation __________________________________ 19  
2.1.4 Step 4 Start LBA-PC_______________________________________________ 20  
2.1.5 Step 5 Configure Camera Type ______________________________________ 21  
2.1.6 Step 6 Collect Data _______________________________________________ 21  
2.1.7 Step 7 Sample Configurations _______________________________________ 21  
2.2 Error Messages __________________________________________________ 22  
2.3 Optional Equipment ______________________________________________ 24  
2.4 Connections_____________________________________________________ 24  
2.4.1 Camera Power_____________________________________________________ 25  
2.4.2 Shutter Controls Signals _____________________________________________ 25  
2.4.3 Trigger Out _______________________________________________________ 26  
2.4.4 Pass/Fail Out ______________________________________________________ 26  
2.4.5 Trigger In ________________________________________________________ 26  
2.4.6 Video In__________________________________________________________ 26  
2.5 Camera Control Cables ____________________________________________ 26  
2.6 Special Setup for Pyrocam I Operation _______________________________ 27  
2.6.1 Pyrocam I with Non-Digital LBA-PC’s ___________________________________ 27  
LBA-300/400/500/708/710/712/714PC w/o digital camera option ______________________ 27  
2.6.1.1  
2.6.1.2  
Pyrocam I Setup Requirements: __________________________________________ 27  
Setup requirements for LBA-PC with pyrocam cameras: _______________________ 28  
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2.6.1.3  
2.6.1.4  
Some Restrictions apply when interfaced to a Pyrocam I ______________________ 28  
Image synchronization considerations _____________________________________ 29  
2.6.2 Pyrocam I with Digital LBA-PC’s _______________________________________ 29  
2.6.2.1  
2.6.2.2  
2.6.2.3  
Pyrocam I setup requirements:___________________________________________ 29  
LBA-500/7XXPC-D Setup requirements: ____________________________________ 30  
Image Synchronization Considerations_____________________________________ 31  
Chapter 3  
MENUS AND DIALOG BOXES _________________________ 32  
3.1 File. . . Drop Down Menu Selections _________________________________ 32  
3.1.1 File | Load. . . _____________________________________________________ 32  
.lb3/4/5/7 Files _____________________________________________________________ 32  
.lba Files ____________________________________________________________________ 32  
.lbb Files ____________________________________________________________________ 32  
.lbc Files ____________________________________________________________________ 32  
3.1.1.1  
3.1.1.2  
3.1.1.3  
Load Frame Dialog Box _________________________________________________ 33  
Special Frame Numbers_________________________________________________ 34  
Drag and Drop Data Frame Loading_______________________________________ 34  
3.1.2 File | Save As… ____________________________________________________ 34  
3.1.2.1 Save As … Dialog Box __________________________________________________ 35  
3.1.3 Export Image… to a disk file__________________________________________ 35  
3.1.3.1 Export Image… dialog box ______________________________________________ 36  
3.1.4 Save Config… to a file_______________________________________________ 37  
3.1.5 Restore Config… from a file __________________________________________ 37  
3.1.6 Set Reference, copy the current to the reference frame ____________________ 37  
3.1.7 Generate Gain _____________________________________________________ 38  
3.1.7.1  
3.1.7.2  
3.1.7.3  
How to generate gain __________________________________________________ 38  
What is Gain Correction?________________________________________________ 38  
What Disables Gain Correction? __________________________________________ 38  
3.1.8 File | Load Gain… __________________________________________________ 39  
3.1.9 File | Save Gain As… ________________________________________________ 39  
3.1.10  
3.1.11  
Gain Off/On  
_________________________________________________ 39  
______________________________________________ 39  
File | Logging...  
3.1.11.1 Beginning and Terminating Logging _______________________________________ 40  
3.1.11.2 Data, Results & Export Logging, dialog box _________________________________ 40  
3.1.11.3 Logging Method_______________________________________________________ 41  
3.1.11.4 Pass/Fail Filter ________________________________________________________ 42  
3.1.12  
Implications of Combining Logging, Statistics,  
Post Processing and Block  
Capture 42  
3.1.12.1 Combinations using Logging, Statistics and Block Mode _______________________ 43  
3.1.12.2 Combinations using Logging, Statistics and Post Processing. ___________________ 43  
3.1.13  
3.1.14  
3.1.15  
File | Print… _____________________________________________________ 44  
File | Print Setup...________________________________________________ 45  
File | Exit _______________________________________________________ 45  
3.1.16  
File | Save FROG as…  
__________________________________________ 45  
3.1.16.1 Save FROG as…Dialog Box ______________________________________________ 46  
3.1.16.2 FROG Data Orientation _________________________________________________ 47  
3.1.16.3 FROG Data Collection Tips ______________________________________________ 47  
3.2 Options... Drop Down Menu Selections _______________________________ 49  
3.2.1 Hide/Show; Capture, Display, Aperture Toolbar __________________________ 49  
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3.2.2 Aperture... display and define apertures ________________________________ 49  
3.2.2.1  
3.2.2.2  
3.2.2.3  
3.2.2.4  
3.2.2.5  
Aperture Shapes ______________________________________________________ 49  
How to create a Drawn Aperture _________________________________________ 50  
Drag and Drop Apertures _______________________________________________ 50  
Using Auto Apertures___________________________________________________ 51  
Display Beam Width ___________________________________________________ 51  
3.2.3 Camera... selection and display resolution_______________________________ 52  
3.2.3.1  
3.2.3.2  
3.2.3.3  
3.2.3.4  
3.2.3.5  
3.2.3.6  
3.2.3.7  
3.2.3.8  
3.2.3.9  
Camera type selection. _________________________________________________ 52  
Creating a new Camera Type ____________________________________________ 52  
Resolution and Frame Size ______________________________________________ 53  
Frame Buffer Size _____________________________________________________ 54  
Am I using Virtual Memory yet? __________________________________________ 55  
Sync Source__________________________________________________________ 55  
Pixel Scale, Pixel Units__________________________________________________ 56  
Gamma Correction_____________________________________________________ 56  
Lens ________________________________________________________________ 57  
3.2.3.10 Special Camera Settings ________________________________________________ 57  
3.2.4 Capture... define acquisition method and processing ______________________ 57  
3.2.4.1  
3.2.4.2  
3.2.4.3  
3.2.4.4  
3.2.4.5  
Capture _____________________________________________________________ 58  
Capture Interval_______________________________________________________ 60  
Camera _____________________________________________________________ 60  
Trigger ______________________________________________________________ 62  
Processing ___________________________________________________________ 64  
3.2.4.6  
3.2.4.7  
3.2.4.8  
3.2.4.9  
Frame Summing  
Frame Average  
__________________________________________________ 65  
___________________________________________________ 65  
___________________________________________________ 65  
______________________________________________ 65  
Gain Correction  
Reference Subtraction  
3.2.4.10 Convolution __________________________________________________________ 66  
3.2.5 Capture Toolbar... design the toolbar contents ___________________________ 66  
3.2.5.1  
3.2.5.2  
3.2.5.3  
Logging  
Print  
_________________________________________________________ 67  
____________________________________________________________ 67  
Write Protect  
_____________________________________________________ 67  
3.2.6 Computation... Energy calibration select results items _____________________ 67  
3.2.6.1  
3.2.6.2  
3.2.6.3  
3.2.6.4  
3.2.6.5  
3.2.6.6  
3.2.6.7  
3.2.6.8  
3.2.6.9  
Energy of Beam_______________________________________________________ 67  
Energy Calibration Procedure ____________________________________________ 68  
Quantitative display, on/off______________________________________________ 68  
Beam Width Method ___________________________________________________ 69  
Elliptical _____________________________________________________________ 71  
Gauss Fit ____________________________________________________________ 71  
Top Hat _____________________________________________________________ 71  
Divergence___________________________________________________________ 72  
Histogram ___________________________________________________________ 73  
3.2.6.10 Statistics_____________________________________________________________ 74  
3.2.7 Beam Display... define the beam display ________________________________ 75  
3.2.7.1  
3.2.7.2  
Beam View  
_______________________________________________________ 76  
Cursors______________________________________________________________ 76  
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3.2.7.3  
3.2.7.4  
3.2.7.5  
3.2.7.6  
3.2.7.7  
3.2.7.8  
3.2.7.9  
Cursor Orientation_____________________________________________________ 76  
Origin Location________________________________________________________ 77  
Beam Colors__________________________________________________________ 78  
Z Axis Scale __________________________________________________________ 78  
Beam Display_________________________________________________________ 79  
Set Reference Source __________________________________________________ 80  
Display Thresholds_____________________________________________________ 81  
3.2.7.10 Color Bar  
________________________________________________________ 81  
3.2.7.11 Copy Image to Clipboard  
3.2.7.12 Copy Image to Wallpaper  
___________________________________________ 82  
___________________________________________ 82  
3.2.7.13 2D Only Beam Display Items_____________________________________________ 82  
3.2.7.14 3D only______________________________________________________________ 83  
3.2.8 Beam Display Toolbar _______________________________________________ 85  
3.2.9 Beam Stability _____________________________________________________ 85  
3.2.9.1  
3.2.9.2  
3.2.9.3  
Main Controls_________________________________________________________ 86  
Strip Chart Controls____________________________________________________ 87  
Peak/Centroid Scatter Plot and Histogram __________________________________ 89  
Create Palette… __________________________________________________ 94  
3.2.10  
3.2.10.1 Saving the Palette _____________________________________________________ 96  
3.2.10.2 Save Colors __________________________________________________________ 96  
3.2.10.3 Load Colors __________________________________________________________ 97  
3.2.10.4 Clearing Colors________________________________________________________ 97  
3.2.11  
Password Lockout ________________________________________________ 98  
3.3 Pass/Fail... Drop Down Menu Selections ______________________________ 98  
3.3.1 Pass/Fail... enable and define its operation ______________________________ 98  
3.3.1.1  
3.3.1.2  
3.3.1.3  
PASS or FAIL results ___________________________________________________ 99  
Pass/Fail Units ________________________________________________________ 99  
Pass/Fail dialog boxes __________________________________________________ 99  
3.3.2 Quantitative Pass/Fail _______________________________________________ 99  
3.3.2.1  
3.3.2.2  
Min Fluence __________________________________________________________ 99  
Centroid ____________________________________________________________ 100  
3.3.3 Elliptical Pass/Fail _________________________________________________ 100  
3.3.3.1 Orientation__________________________________________________________ 100  
3.3.4 Gauss Pass/Fail ___________________________________________________ 100  
3.3.5 Top Hat Pass/Fail _________________________________________________ 100  
3.3.5.1  
3.3.5.2  
Top Hat Fluence _____________________________________________________ 101  
Divergence Pass/Fail __________________________________________________ 101  
3.4 Window... Drop Down Menu Selections______________________________ 101  
3.4.1 Tile_____________________________________________________________ 102  
3.5 Start!/Stop!... A Toggle Menu Action Item____________________________ 102  
3.6 Ultracal! Menu Action Item________________________________________ 102  
3.6.1 How to Ultracal! __________________________________________________ 102  
3.6.2 What Disables Ultracal!_____________________________________________ 103  
3.7 AutoExposure!… Menu Action Item _________________________________ 103  
3.7.1 AutoExposure! Operation ___________________________________________ 103  
3.7.2 AutoExposure Interacts with Ultracal __________________________________ 103  
Chapter 4  
DISPLAY WINDOWS ______________________________ 106  
4.1 Main Window __________________________________________________ 106  
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4.2 The Beam Display Window________________________________________ 106  
4.2.1 Frame Comment __________________________________________________ 107  
4.2.2 Shortcuts ________________________________________________________ 109  
4.3 The Results Display Window ______________________________________ 109  
4.3.1 Shortcuts ________________________________________________________ 110  
4.4 The Pan/Zoom Display Window ____________________________________ 111  
4.4.1 Hardware Zooming ________________________________________________ 111  
4.4.1.1  
4.4.1.2  
Analog Camera Zooming_______________________________________________ 112  
Digital Camera Zooming _______________________________________________ 113  
4.4.2 Soft Zooming_____________________________________________________ 113  
4.4.3 Panning _________________________________________________________ 113  
4.4.4 Zooming and Panning Constraints ____________________________________ 114  
4.5 The Tilt/Rotate Display Window____________________________________ 114  
4.6 The Histogram Display Window ____________________________________ 115  
4.7 Shortcuts using the Mouse ________________________________________ 116  
4.7.1 Shortcut to the Computations Dialog Box ______________________________ 116  
4.7.2 Shortcut to the Beam Display Dialog Box_______________________________ 116  
4.7.3 Shortcut to the Capture Toolbar Dialog Box_____________________________ 116  
4.7.4 Shortcut to the Capture Dialog Box ___________________________________ 116  
4.7.5 Shortcut to the Beam Display Toolbar Dialog Box ________________________ 116  
4.7.6 Shortcut to the Beam Display Dialog Box_______________________________ 116  
4.7.7 Shortcut to the Aperture Dialog Box___________________________________ 116  
Chapter 5  
TRIGGERING TYPES & CAPTURING METHODS __________ 118  
5.1 Triggering the LBA-PC ___________________________________________ 118  
5.1.1 A Note to Pulse Laser Users _________________________________________ 118  
5.1.2 Trigger Type CW __________________________________________________ 119  
5.1.2.1  
5.1.2.2  
Interlaced Cameras ___________________________________________________ 119  
Non-interlaced Cameras _______________________________________________ 119  
5.1.3 Type Trigger Out__________________________________________________ 119  
5.1.3.1  
5.1.3.2  
5.1.3.3  
5.1.3.4  
5.1.3.5  
5.1.3.6  
5.1.3.7  
5.1.3.8  
Trigger Interval ______________________________________________________ 119  
Trigger Delay________________________________________________________ 120  
CCD Frame Transfer Camera, Interlaced __________________________________ 120  
CCD Interline and Full Frame Transfer Camera, Interlaced ____________________ 120  
CMOS Camera, Interlaced______________________________________________ 120  
Tube Camera, Interlaced_______________________________________________ 120  
CCD Frame and Interline Transfer Cameras, Non-interlaced (Progressive scan) ___ 121  
CMOS, CID Line Transfer and Tube Cameras, Non-Interlaced (Progressive scan) __ 121  
5.1.4 Type Trigger In ___________________________________________________ 121  
5.1.4.1  
5.1.4.2  
5.1.4.3  
CCD Frame Transfer Camera, Interlaced __________________________________ 121  
CCD Interline and Full Frame Transfer Camera, Interlaced ____________________ 121  
CCD Frame and Interline Transfer Cameras, Non-Interlaced (Progressive scan) ___ 121  
5.1.5 Type Video Trigger ________________________________________________ 121  
5.1.5.1 CCD Frame and Interline Transfer Cameras, Interlaced_______________________ 122  
5.2 Capture Methods and Rate Control _________________________________ 122  
5.2.1 Programming the Capture Interval____________________________________ 122  
5.2.1.1  
5.2.1.2  
5.2.1.3  
5.2.1.4  
With Trigger Type set to CW____________________________________________ 122  
With Trigger Type set to Trigger Out _____________________________________ 123  
Trigger Type set to Video Trigger with the LBA firing the laser_________________ 123  
Trigger Type set to Video Trigger without the LBA firing the laser ______________ 123  
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5.3 Integration Control ______________________________________________ 123  
5.3.1 Integration Operation ______________________________________________ 124  
5.4 Digital Camera Operations ________________________________________ 124  
5.4.1 Digital Camera Control _____________________________________________ 124  
5.4.1.1  
5.4.1.2  
5.4.1.3  
5.4.1.4  
5.4.1.5  
Digital Camera Binning Effects __________________________________________ 124  
Digital Camera ROI Formating __________________________________________ 125  
Digital Camera Exposure Controls________________________________________ 125  
Digital Camera Triggering ______________________________________________ 125  
Digital Camera Gain and Black Level Control _______________________________ 126  
Chapter 6  
COMPUTATIONS _________________________________ 128  
6.1 Computational Accuracy __________________________________________ 128  
6.2 Numerical Formats ______________________________________________ 128  
6.3 Beam Presentation Affects Results__________________________________ 129  
6.4 Manual Background Energy Nulling _________________________________ 129  
6.4.1 What is Ultracal! __________________________________________________ 129  
6.5 Clip Level______________________________________________________ 130  
6.6 Total Energy ___________________________________________________ 130  
6.7 Percent in Aperture______________________________________________ 131  
6.8 Peak and Min __________________________________________________ 131  
6.9 Peak Location __________________________________________________ 131  
6.10 Centroid Location______________________________________________ 131  
6.11 Beam Widths and Diameters _____________________________________ 132  
6.11.1  
6.11.2  
6.11.3  
6.11.4  
D4-Sigma Method _______________________________________________ 132  
Knife Edge Method_______________________________________________ 133  
Percent of Energy Method_________________________________________ 134  
Percent of Peak Method___________________________________________ 134  
6.12 Elliptical beam ________________________________________________ 134  
6.13 Gauss Fit ____________________________________________________ 135  
6.14 Whole Beam fit equations _______________________________________ 136  
6.15 X/Y or Major/Minor line fit equations ______________________________ 136  
6.16 Deviation of Fit________________________________________________ 137  
6.17 Correlation of Fit ______________________________________________ 137  
6.18 Top Hat _____________________________________________________ 138  
6.18.1  
6.18.2  
Top Hat Mean and Standard Deviation _______________________________ 139  
Top Hat Minimum and Maximum intensities___________________________ 139  
6.19 Top Hat Factor________________________________________________ 139  
6.20 Effective Area and Effective Diameter______________________________ 141  
6.21 Far-Field Divergence Angle computations___________________________ 141  
6.21.1  
6.21.2  
The Focal Length Method _________________________________________ 141  
The Far-Field Method_____________________________________________ 142  
6.22 Histogram____________________________________________________ 142  
6.23 Statistics_____________________________________________________ 143  
6.24 Frame Averaging ______________________________________________ 144  
6.25 Frame Summing_______________________________________________ 144  
6.26 Gamma Correction_____________________________________________ 145  
6.27 Convolution __________________________________________________ 146  
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Chapter 7  
DIGITAL CAMERA OPTION__________________________ 148  
7.1 Digital Camera Option____________________________________________ 148  
7.2 I/O Connections ________________________________________________ 148  
7.3 Digital Camera Advanced Timing Setup______________________________ 152  
7.3.1 Transfer Mode____________________________________________________ 152  
7.3.2 Scan Mode_______________________________________________________ 152  
7.3.3 Vertical Start _____________________________________________________ 152  
7.3.4 Vertical Size______________________________________________________ 153  
7.3.5 Horizontal Start ___________________________________________________ 153  
7.3.6 Horizontal Size____________________________________________________ 153  
7.4 Digital Camera and Ultracal Operation_______________________________ 154  
Chapter 8  
REMOTE OPERATION ______________________________ 156  
8.1 Remote Operation_______________________________________________ 156  
8.2 How to Disable Remote Operation__________________________________ 156  
Chapter 9  
ACTIVE X _______________________________________ 158  
9.1 Introduction ___________________________________________________ 158  
9.2 Using ActiveX __________________________________________________ 158  
9.2.1 Microsoft Excel ___________________________________________________ 158  
9.2.2 Visual Basic (Visual Studio)__________________________________________ 159  
9.2.3 LabVIEW ________________________________________________________ 160  
9.3 Properties, Methods, and Events ___________________________________ 160  
9.3.1 Properties _______________________________________________________ 161  
9.3.1.1  
9.3.1.2  
9.3.1.3  
9.3.1.4  
9.3.1.5  
9.3.1.6  
9.3.1.7  
9.3.1.8  
9.3.1.9  
AppInfo ____________________________________________________________ 161  
Running ____________________________________________________________ 161  
OperationComplete ___________________________________________________ 161  
OperationError_______________________________________________________ 162  
NewFrame, HoldNewFrame_____________________________________________ 162  
FrameData, FrameWidth, FrameHeight ___________________________________ 162  
PixelHScale, PixelVScale _______________________________________________ 162  
FrameMonth, FrameDay, FrameYear _____________________________________ 162  
FrameHour, FrameMinute, FrameSecond, FrameMilliseconds __________________ 162  
9.3.1.10 CursorX, CursorY, CursorZ______________________________________________ 162  
9.3.1.11 CrosshairX, CrosshairY, CrosshairZ _______________________________________ 163  
9.3.1.12 CursorDelta _________________________________________________________ 163  
9.3.1.13 EnergyOfBeam_______________________________________________________ 163  
9.3.1.14 Bitmap _____________________________________________________________ 163  
9.3.1.15 FrameNumber _______________________________________________________ 163  
9.3.1.16 Results _____________________________________________________________ 164  
9.3.1.17 Quantitative Results __________________________________________________ 164  
9.3.1.18 Elliptical Results______________________________________________________ 165  
9.3.1.19 Gauss Fit Results _____________________________________________________ 165  
9.3.1.20 Top Hat Results ______________________________________________________ 166  
9.3.1.21 Divergence Results ___________________________________________________ 167  
9.3.1.22 Statistics Results _____________________________________________________ 167  
9.3.1.23 Pass/Fail Results _____________________________________________________ 168  
9.3.2 Methods_________________________________________________________ 169  
9.3.2.1  
9.3.2.2  
9.3.2.3  
9.3.2.4  
LoadConfig__________________________________________________________ 169  
Open ______________________________________________________________ 169  
OpenIndex__________________________________________________________ 170  
Start_______________________________________________________________ 170  
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9.3.2.5  
9.3.2.6  
9.3.2.7  
Stop _______________________________________________________________ 170  
Ultracal_____________________________________________________________ 170  
Auto Exposure _______________________________________________________ 171  
9.3.3 Events __________________________________________________________ 171  
9.3.3.1  
9.3.3.2  
OnNewFrame________________________________________________________ 171  
OnOperationComplete_________________________________________________ 172  
9.4 DCOM ________________________________________________________ 172  
9.4.1 Remote Access ___________________________________________________ 173  
9.4.1.1  
9.4.1.2  
Server (LBA-PC) Computer _____________________________________________ 173  
Client (Application) Computer ___________________________________________ 174  
9.4.2 If you have a problem______________________________________________ 175  
Chapter 10 REMOTE GPIB OPERATION _________________________ 177  
10.1 Introduction __________________________________________________ 177  
10.2 Hardware and Software Requirements _____________________________ 177  
10.3 Remote GPIB Setup____________________________________________ 177  
10.4 Command Formats and Responses________________________________ 179  
10.4.1  
10.4.2  
10.4.3  
10.4.4  
IEEE 488.1 Command Support _____________________________________ 179  
IEEE 488.2 Common Commands____________________________________ 180  
LBA-PC Command and Data Formats ________________________________ 180  
Establishing Remote Control _______________________________________ 181  
10.5 Configuration Commands _______________________________________ 182  
10.5.1  
Restore and Save Configuration Files ________________________________ 182  
10.5.1.1 LDC - Restore Config… ________________________________________________ 182  
10.5.1.2 SDC - Save Config… __________________________________________________ 182  
10.5.2  
Configuration Commands _________________________________________ 183  
10.6 Transfer Commands____________________________________________ 186  
10.6.1  
Transferring Raw Data____________________________________________ 186  
10.6.1.1 RCC?, RCR? - Read Cursor Transfer ______________________________________ 187  
10.6.1.2 RDD? - Read Frame Transfer ___________________________________________ 189  
10.6.2  
Transferring Data Files ___________________________________________ 190  
10.6.2.1 FRM? - Download Data Frame __________________________________________ 191  
10.6.2.2 FRM - Upload Data Frame______________________________________________ 192  
10.6.2.3 LDD - Read Data File__________________________________________________ 193  
10.6.2.4 SDD - Save Data File__________________________________________________ 194  
10.6.2.5 RDR? - Read Results __________________________________________________ 195  
10.6.2.6 LOG - Logging _______________________________________________________ 197  
10.6.2.7 FST? - Transferring Status Information ___________________________________ 198  
10.6.3  
PFS? - Pass/Fail Status _____________________________________________ 200  
10.7 COORDINATE SYSTEMS ________________________________________ 200  
10.7.1  
10.7.2  
Spatial Coordinates ______________________________________________ 200  
Pan/Zoom Window Detector Coordinates _____________________________ 201  
10.7.2.1 DIS - Set Manual Origin Location ________________________________________ 202  
10.7.2.2 PAN - Set Capture Window Location______________________________________ 202  
10.7.3  
10.7.4  
Frame Coordinates_______________________________________________ 204  
Beam Window World Coordinates___________________________________ 205  
10.8 ERROR MESSAGES_____________________________________________ 206  
10.9 SERVICE REQUEST ____________________________________________ 209  
10.9.1  
Service Request Response_________________________________________ 209  
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Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION  
1.1 General Information  
The Spiricon, Laser Beam Analyzer, Models LBA-300/400/500/700/708/710/712/714PC, is a low cost, PC  
based product for use in modern Pentium generation personal computers with high performance PCI  
bus architecture. It provides all the essential features needed for laser beam analysis. Some of these  
features are:  
•
•
•
•
High-speed high-resolution false color beam intensity profile displays in both 2D and 3D.  
Operates in Windows 2000, XP Professional, or higher operating systems.  
Numerical beam profile analysis employing advanced patented calibration algorithms.  
User selectable choices for making beam width measurement, including Second Moment  
methods.  
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Pass/fail testing available on most measured parameters.  
Both Whole beam and Linear Gaussian fits to beam data.  
Top Hat measurements based on the beam profile or a user defined area or line.  
Signal-to-noise ratio improvement through averaging and background subtraction.  
Frame summing for cumulative effect analysis.  
Statistical Analysis of all measured parameters.  
Beam Stability analysis.  
Histogram display and results.  
Post processing capabilities.  
Both Drawn and Auto Aperturing for isolating beam data.  
Both Results and Data logging capabilities.  
Flexible printing options for hard copy generation.  
Two Divergence measurement techniques.  
1.2 System Requirements  
A complete LBA-PC system consists of the following equipment:  
1. The Spiricon LBA-PC frame grabber card, with software.  
2. A CCD style camera, or a Spiricon Pyrocam III pyroelectric camera.  
3. A Pentium style or compatible PC with:  
a) High speed PCI bus, one slot available.  
b) A Pentium® or Pentium Pro® or equivalent processor based motherboard.  
c) Graphics accelerator card (support for 1024 x 768 minimum).  
d) At least 256 MB of main memory, 512 MB recommended.  
e) At least 15 MB of hard disk space available. Much more (>1 GB) if you want to log data files.  
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f) A high resolution color monitor.  
g) Windows® 2000 or Windows® XP Professional operating system with at least 64MB of main  
memory.  
h) A CD-ROM Drive.  
i) A PC compatible mouse & keyboard.  
Pentium and Pentium Pro are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.  
Windows 2000 and Windows XP Pro are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.  
Notice: PC operating system, component and hardware manufactures are constantly revising their products.  
Therefore Spiricon, Inc. makes no guarantee that any one brand or model of Personal Computer will be compatible  
with any or all of the features contained in the LBA-PC application, either now or in the future.  
1.3 Optional Equipment  
1. Four-camera adapter, allows you to choose between 1 of 4 connected analog cameras or  
automatically cycle between them.  
2. Digital Camera adapter, allows you to interface the output from an RS-422 or LVDS digital camera.  
3. A printer with appropriate Windows compatible drivers.  
4. LBS-100, BA-VIS, -NIR, or -BB Laser Beam Attenuator.  
Most laser beam energy will need to be attenuated before applying it to the camera sensor.  
Attenuation requirements vary greatly depending upon application. Spiricon offers optional equipment  
for beam attenuation. Consult your Spiricon Representative or call Spiricon's Sales Department for  
further information.  
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1.4 Specifications  
ENVIRONMENTAL  
Operating Temperature:  
0 °C to +50 °C  
Storage Temperature:  
Humidity:  
-55 °C to +75 °C  
95% non-condensing  
POWER REQUIREMENTS  
PCI bus loading:  
+5 Vdc @ 350 mA., +3.3Vdc @ 50mA.  
+12 Vdc @ 140 mA.* (w/o camera)  
-12 Vdc @ 110 mA.  
Power consumption:  
4.75 watts (w/o camera)  
*Total PCI load on +12 Vdc w/camera not to exceed 500 mA.  
WEIGHT  
Net:  
Approximately 0.23 kg (0.5 lb.)  
Shipping:  
Approximately 1.4 kg (3 lb.)  
INSTRUMENT CHARACTERISTICS  
Video Input:  
75 ohm Termination, ±5 volts dc max  
Trigger Input:  
edge sensitive (positive or negative), max input +12 Vdc, lower  
threshold 1.1Vdc, upper threshold 2.5 Vdc, minimum pulse  
width 10µs.  
Trigger Output:  
+5 or +12 Vdc (positive or negative),  
pulse width 700µs +/- 70µs.  
Video Gain Adjust  
Pass/Fail Output  
.8 to 1.4 w/ LBA-7XX; .8 to ~5 w/LBA-300/400/500  
+5 or +12 Vdc positive pulse, 250ms  
Shutter Control Outputs  
TTL positive logic  
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1.5 Safety Considerations  
While the LBA-PC does not present the operator with any safety hazards, this instrument however is  
intended for use with laser systems. Therefore, the operator should be protected from any hazards  
that the laser system may present. The greatest hazards associated with laser systems are damage to  
the eyes and skin due to laser radiation.  
1.5.1  
Optical Radiation Hazards  
With almost any camera used with the LBA-PC, the optical radiation at the camera sensor is low  
enough to be considered relatively harmless. However, usage of this instrument may require the  
operator to work in the optical path itself where exposure to hazards may be sufficient to warrant the  
use of protective equipment.  
Unless the laser’s optical path is enclosed, at least to the point where the beam is attenuated for use  
with the camera system, the operator should be protected against accidental exposure. Exposure to  
personnel other than the operator must also be considered. Exposure hazards include reflected  
radiation as well as the direct beam. When working with an unenclosed beam path, it is advisable to  
do so with the laser not operating, or operating at reduced power levels. Whenever there is risk of  
dangerous exposure, protective eye shields and clothing should be used.  
1.5.2  
Electrical Hazards  
The LBA-PC utilizes only low voltages, derived from the PCI bus in the host PC computer, therefore it  
posses no risk of electrical shock.  
When installing or removing the LBA-PC frame grabber card, the power to the computer should  
always be disconnected.  
The computer should always be operated with its covers in place and in accordance with its  
manufacture’s recommendations.  
Your computer should always be operated with a properly grounded AC power cord.  
If your camera has its own power supply, then follow its manufacture’s operating procedures for safe  
operation.  
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Chapter 2 EQUIPMENT SETUP  
2.1 Equipment Setup  
This chapter describes how to get started using your LBA-PC. Follow these steps:  
Step 1)  
Step 2)  
Step 3)  
Step 4)  
Step 5)  
Step 6)  
Step 7)  
Install your LBA-PC frame grabber card into your PC.  
Hook up your camera.  
Turn on the system and setup your windows environment.  
Launch the LBA-PC windows application.  
Configure the LBA-PC for your camera type.  
Begin collecting data from your camera.  
Other Configurations  
Note: If you purchased your LBA-PC from Spiricon with a computer system and installation, then steps 1, 3, and 5  
will have been done for you, and you can skip those steps.  
2.1.1  
Step 1 Installation of the Frame Grabber Board  
This installation procedure applies to the following Spiricon products:  
LBA-300PC  
LBA-400PC (-D)  
LBA-500PC (-D)  
LBA-7XXPC (-D)  
LBA-PC-PIII  
CAUTION  
Electrostatic Discharge can result in permanent damage  
to electronic equipment. Always ground yourself by  
touching the system cabinet before beginning the  
following procedure. We strongly recommend using an  
antistatic wrist strap attached to earth ground.  
To install your LBA-PC frame grabber card, disconnect the AC power from your computer. Remove  
the cover from your computer as described in your computers technical manual. Locate your PCI bus  
slots. Most PC’s will have either 3 or 4 PCI slots. Select an unused PCI slot and remove the rear filler  
bracket associated with that slot. (See figure below)  
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Note: If you purchased the optional 4 camera adapter, or the optional digital adapter then make sure that the slot  
immediately to the left (viewed from the front of your PC) of the above PCI slot is also empty, and remove its rear  
filler bracket also.  
Figure 1  
Carefully plug your LBA-PC frame grabber card into the PCI slot. Make sure that it is fully seated in  
the PCI connector. Secure the end bracket with the screw that held in the filler plate. (See figure  
below)  
Figure 2  
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The optional adapters use the rear panel opening, but do not plug into any of the PC expansion slots. Rather it is  
provided with a short ribbon cable that plugs into the frame grabber card. (See figures below) Slide the adapter  
into the rear opening and plug its cable into the frame grabber card. Secure the adapter bracket to the rear panel  
with the screw that held in the filler plate.  
Four Camera Option  
Figure 3  
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Digital Camera Option  
Figure 4  
Replace the cover of your computer. Restore the AC power to your computer.  
Note: The location of the connectors may vary depending upon which frame grabber model is being installed. The  
older LBA-400/500 series has a slightly different arrangement but the concept remains the same.  
2.1.2  
Step 2 Camera Connections  
If you purchased a Pyrocam III to use with LBA-PC, disregard this section and refer to your Pyrocam  
III Installation Guide. To use LBA-PC with your Pyrocam III you must launch LBA-PC from the  
Pyrocam III Control Console.  
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2.1.2.1 Analog Cameras  
Connect the video out from your camera to the BNC connector on the LBA-PC frame grabber  
card. This is the camera 1 input channel. If you have the 4-camera adapter option, then camera  
2’s input is at the top, 3 in the middle, and 4 at the bottom of the adapter bracket assembly.  
If you purchased your camera from Spiricon, you may have been provided with a Camera Control  
Cable. This cable will usually provide power to your camera, and also control signals for your  
camera’s electronic shutter (if it has one). Plug this cable between the appropriate 9-pin  
connector on the frame grabber card, and into your camera. If you have the 4-camera adapter,  
the additional cameras will need to be powered from an external power supply.  
Your camera may also be supplied with a separate power supply. If so, connect it according to  
the instructions provided with the camera.  
2.1.2.2 Digital Cameras  
Connect the digital output from your camera to the SCSI-2 type connector on the digital camera  
adapter provided with the LBA-PC frame grabber card. If you purchased your camera from  
Spiricon, you may have been provided with a Camera Control Cable. The cable will provide the  
digital data connection to your camera, and may control signals for your camera’s electronic  
shutter (if it has one).  
Your camera may also be supplied with a separate power supply. Connect it according to the  
instructions provided with the camera. Digital cameras may require additional software to control  
the camera. Check with the camera manufacture and follow their instructions.  
2.1.3  
Step 3 LBA-PC Software Installation  
After the frame grabber is physically installed in the computers PCI slot, and the PC is rebooted,  
windows may tell you that it has found new hardware and ask you to install its driver. If this occurs  
exit out of the found new hardware wizard without installing a driver and instead allow the LBA-PC  
installation application to load the necessary files and drivers. After the installation application has  
run, the hardware should be installed properly and you will not see the found new hardware wizard.  
If problems do occur during the installation and the drivers are not properly installed, windows will  
launch the new hardware wizard after the installation. If this situation should occur, tell the wizard to  
search automatically for the necessary drivers, finish the wizard and reboot.  
Here are two ways to install LBA-PC in Windows XP; the second method will also work for Windows  
2000. Choose only one of the following:  
First Method (Windows XP):  
Step 1) Start Windows.  
Step 2) Close all other Windows applications.  
Step 3) Place the Spiricon CD into your CD-ROM drive.  
Step 4) Windows XP will open a dialog that asks: “What do you want Windows to do?”  
Step 5) Click “Open folder to view files”! Windows will open a folder in the CD’s root directory  
showing folders for each of the shipped Spiricon applications.  
Step 6) Double click the “LBA-PC” folder to open it.  
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Step 7) Double click the file in the LBA-PC folder named “Setup.exe” to launch the install. (The  
windows file extensions, for this folder, must be set to viewable to see the “exe”  
extension.)  
Step 8) Follow the instructions in the installation dialogs.  
Step 9) Reboot when installation is complete.  
Step 10)  
LBA-PC should now be installed.  
Second Method (Windows 2000 or XP):  
Step 11)  
Step 12)  
Step 13)  
Step 14)  
Step 15)  
Step 16)  
Start Windows.  
Close all other Windows applications.  
Place the CD in the CD-ROM drive  
Click Cancel when Windows asks you, “What do you want to do?  
From the Taskbar, click on Start, and then Run…  
In the Open line type: R:\LBA-PC\setup.exe and press <Enter> (Where “R” is the letter  
of your CD-ROM drive).  
Step 17)  
Step 18)  
Step 19)  
Follow the directions given in the installation dialogs.  
Reboot when installation is complete.  
LBA-PC should now be installed.  
Note: After the installation is completed, The install dialogs will ask you if you want to restart windows, you must  
answer yes to allow windows to restart and load the drivers, otherwise LBAPC will not function properly.  
Note: Be sure to look at the LBA-PC ReadMe.txt file, before starting the LBA-PC application. This will bring you  
up to date with any last minute information regarding the current version of the program.  
The following Windows display settings may need adjustment to accommodate the LBA-PC  
Application. Use Control Panel, Display, and Settings tab to make these adjustments:  
•
•
Screen resolution should be set for a minimum display size of 1024x768, bigger is better.  
Color Quality should be set to a minimum of 256 colors.  
2.1.4  
Step 4 Start LBA-PC  
It’s recommended that you read portions of this operator’s manual to become familiar with the  
operation and capabilities of the LBA-PC. The operator’s manual may be found on the installation disk  
in PDF format. The PDF may also be found on the Spiricon web site at www.spiricon.com, just  
following the LBA-PC product links. To start the Laser Beam Analyzer application go to windows  
taskbar and select:  
Start, Programs>, Spiricon>, LBA-PC>, LBA-PC.  
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2.1.5  
Step 5 Configure Camera Type  
You should now have the LBA-PC application window on your monitor. The default configuration is  
for a basic CW laser setup. This will allow you to verify that your camera and hardware are operating  
correctly. If you received any error or warning messages while starting the LBA-PC application, refer  
to the Error Messages section in this chapter before proceeding.  
Before you can begin to collect data from your camera you must select the correct camera type. To  
do this click Options, Camera..., and then click on the Camera drop down arrow. Select the  
camera type that matches (or most closely matches) your specific camera, then click on OK.  
To save this setup configuration... Click File, then Save Config...; enter a file name for this  
configuration, then click OK. This file name has now become your new default configuration file.  
This default will remain, from one program startup to the next, until you save or restore a new  
configuration file; at which time, the last loaded or saved configuration becomes the default.  
2.1.6  
Step 6 Collect Data  
Click the Start! menu item to begin collecting data from the camera. The frame display window  
should immediately start changing colors corresponding to the intensity of the light reaching the  
camera sensor, and the beam profile displays should change from a flat line in proportion to the light  
intensity at the cursors.  
If the room light is bright enough and/or the camera is sensitive enough, the frame display window  
may be entirely white as the horizontal and vertical profile displays move upward and to the right,  
respectively. If this is the case, reduce the amount of light reaching the camera sensor by shading it  
with your hand. You should be able to obtain the entire range of colors shown on the color bar along  
the right side of the display window. If you are using a camera with a lens, you should be able to  
obtain a recognizable image by adjusting the lens f-stop and focus.  
2.1.7  
Step 7 Sample Configurations  
You are probably now ready to try looking at a laser, and to go exploring the many operating options  
of the LBA-PC.  
CAUTION  
Before you expose your camera to your laser beam, make sure that  
the power/energy of your laser is well below the damage threshold  
of your camera’s photo imager. You may also need to attenuate  
your beam to bring it into a range that will prevent your camera’s  
imager from saturating.  
To help you get started, we have created a set of configuration files that you can restore. These  
configuration files will adapt the LBA for a variety of basic operating modes.  
However, these configuration files do not know which particular camera you are using. Therefore you  
must select the appropriate camera to complete your setup. To select a camera, you will have to  
repeat the procedure in Step 5.  
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The factory-supplied configuration files are write protected, so that you cannot accidentally lose or  
overwrite them. Each of these file names begin with a ~ (tilde), for easy identification. Some  
examples of these files are:  
~lbapc.cfg  
The original default configuration.  
~cw_basc.cfg  
~cw_gaus.cfg  
~cw_hist.cfg  
~cw_fram.cfg  
~cw_elip.cfg  
~vt_toph.cfg  
~to5gaus.cfg  
~PYROCAM.cfg  
~PYRODIG.cfg  
A CW laser setup w/ basic results.  
A CW laser setup w/ Gauss Fit results.  
A CW laser setup w/ Histogram display.  
A CW laser setup w/ 8 frame averaging.  
A CW laser setup w/ elliptical results.  
Video trigger mode for a pulsed laser w/ Top Hat results enabled.  
A Trigger Output at 5 Hz to fire a pulsed laser w/ Gauss Fit results.  
For use with Pyrocam I’s w/o digital camera option.  
For use with Pyrocam I’s w/ digital camera option.  
2.2 Error Messages  
The explanations of the following error messages assume that you are Windows savvy. If you find that  
after reading an error message’s meaning, you still do not know what to do, then contact Spiricon’s  
Service department for assistance.  
You may encounter the following error messages:  
LBA-PC device driver not found.  
LBA-PC set to Off-Line mode  
This error usually indicates that your LBA-PC frame grabber is either not installed or is not working. If  
the frame grabber card is not detected by Windows then the device driver will not be loaded when the  
system starts. This error may also indicate that the device driver was not properly installed. To  
determine the cause, do the following:  
Windows 2000  
•
Click on… Start, Settings, Control Panel.  
Or for Windows XP  
•
Click on… Start, Control Panel.  
Then for Both  
•
•
•
Double click on the System icon.  
Select the Hardware tab.  
Click on the Device Manager button.  
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•
•
Click on the Sound, video and game controllers listing.  
If the LBA-PC frame grabber was detected, and the device driver was not loaded you will see a  
category called Unknown in the edit box listing of the Device Manager. If this occurs, double  
click on the Unknown icon. You should see an entry called PCI Card. This indicates that the  
device driver was not properly installed. To correct this problem, re-install the LBA-PC software.  
•
If you did not see the Unknown icon, then Windows did not detect the LBA-PC frame grabber  
card. Check to see that your frame grabber card is properly installed. Sometimes PCI card slots  
are defective, so you might also try another slot if all else seems to be in order.  
If this device driver is not found, the LBA-PC program will complete loading, but the software will be  
forced to the Off-Line mode. This means you can only view files and perform Post Processing of data  
from and/or to data files.  
Device Drive vX.XX detected.  
LBA-PC requires vY.YY.  
LBA-PC set to Off-Line mode.  
If your current device driver version does not match the current LBA-PC version you will get this  
message. This may occur if you have upgraded your LBA-PC application, but continue to use an old  
device driver. Normally this should not happen, as the installation will install a new device driver  
version with each upgrade. The LBA-PC application program will complete loading, but the software will  
be forced to the Off-Line mode. This means you can only view files and perform Post Processing of  
data from and/or to data files.  
Unable to load LCA program file.  
File Not Found.  
This message will precede the following error message if the lcaXXX.exo file is not found or is not in the  
same path as the LBA-PC application.  
LBA-PC frame grabber  
detected, but cannot initialized.  
LBA-PC set to Off-Line mode.  
The LBA-PC frame grabber contains a programmable LCA device. If this device fails to program during  
application initialization, the above error message will occur. Contact the Spiricon Service Department  
for assistance. The LBA-PC application program will complete loading, but the software will be forced  
to the Off-Line mode. This means you can only view files and perform Post Processing of data from  
and/or to data files.  
Not Enough Memory for Frame Capture.  
LBA-PC set to Off-Line mode.  
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The device driver was unable to allocate enough memory in order to capture video frames. This may  
occur the first time you boot the computer after installing the Frame Grabber card. Try rebooting the  
computer. If the error continues to occur you will need to add memory to the computer. LBA-PC  
requires a minimum 256 MB of main memory, 512 MB is recommended. If the error occurs after  
adding memory then contact the Spiricon Service Department.  
Frame Grabber not found.  
LBA-PC set to Off-Line mode.  
Your LBA-PC frame grabber card is either not installed, or not working. The LBA-PC application  
program will complete loading, but the software will be forced to the Off-Line mode. This means you  
can only view files and perform Post Processing of data from and/or to data files. Check to see that  
your Frame Grabber card is properly installed. Contact the Spiricon Service Department for further  
assistance.  
Not a valid LBA-PC data file.  
You are attempting to load a file that is not in a format that the LBA-PC can recognize. See loadable  
file types.  
2.3 Optional Equipment  
Optional equipment can include the following items:  
License:  
Adapter:  
Multi-user site software license  
4 Camera adapter  
Digital Camera adapter  
Camera:  
Selected camera, specify type  
Interface cable  
BNC cable  
Camera manual (if supplied by camera manufacturer)  
Camera power supply (if supplied by camera manufacturer)  
PC compatible, Pentium or equivalent  
Computer:  
Attenuator: Model LBS-100, BA-VIS, -NIR, or -BB beam attenuator  
2.4 Connections  
This topic describes the Camera Control (upper, 9 pin D-sub, female) and Trigger I/O (lower, 9 pin D-  
sub male) connectors on the LBA-PC rear panel. The schematic shown below describes the circuits on  
these connectors. See the Specifications section for the respective drive limits of these signals.  
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2.4.1  
Camera Power  
If your camera is a low power CCD style that runs on +12Vdc, then it may be powered from  
connector J1 (J3 on LBA-3/4/500 frame grabbers) pin 6 (+12Vdc) and pin 5 (gnd).  
Caution: Do not attempt to power more than ONE camera from the LBA-PC.  
2.4.2  
Shutter Controls Signals  
The electronic shutter control signals are provided on as SHUT1, SHUT2, and SHUT3. These are TTL  
level drive outputs. The Logic is positive true. The shutter settings are listed in the 8 lines of the  
Shutter drop down edit control found in the main menu Options > Camera > Advanced dialog  
box. The labeling of the shutter lines can be user modified to match the settings of a particular  
camera. The line locations however, always correspond to the following TTL output drive levels:  
Shutter Line  
Edit control  
SHUT3  
(J1 pin 3)  
SHUT2  
(J1 pin 7)  
SHUT1  
(J1 pin 2)  
(J3 on 3/4/500) (J3 on 3/4/500) (J3 on 3/4/500)  
Top line 1  
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Bottom line 8  
Frame Grabber Pin-out  
Figure 5  
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2.4.3  
Trigger Out  
Connector J2 (J5 on LBA-3/4/500 frame grabbers) pin 3 is the Trigger Out signal. This signal is  
factory set to output +5Vdc pulses. You can change this signal to +12Vdc level pulses by moving  
Jumper E1 (E4 on LBA-3/4/500 frame grabbers) to bridge pins 2-3.  
Note: Jumper E1 (E4) controls the output signal level for both Trigger Out and Pass/Fail Out. Jumper position 1-2  
yields a +5Vdc level; position 2-3 yields a +12Vdc level.  
2.4.4  
Pass/Fail Out  
Connector J5 (J2 on LBA-7XX frame grabbers) pin 1 is the Pass/Fail Out signal. This signal is  
factory set to output +5Vdc pulses. You can change this signal to +12Vdc level pulses by moving  
Jumper E1(E4) to bridge pins 2-3. To enable this signal and select its mode of operation see the  
Pass/Fail menu topic.  
Note: Jumper E1 (E4) controls the output signal level for both Trigger Out and Pass/Fail Out. Jumper position 1-2  
yields a +5Vdc level; position 2-3 yields a +12Vdc level.  
2.4.5  
Trigger In  
Connector J2 (J5 on LBA-3/4/500 frame grabbers) pin 2 is where you apply the Trigger In signal.  
This input must be only a positive voltage with respect to ground. But you can pulse it with either a  
high going or a low going pulse. You can program the Trigger In Polarity to respond to either a  
positive (rising) or negative (falling) edge of this input signal.  
2.4.6  
Video In  
The BNC connector (not shown above) is where you input either RS-170 or CCIR formatted black and  
white video. The video input is terminated into 75 ohms. This is Camera input number 1. If you  
have purchased the 4 camera option, three additional BNC connectors are provided on a separate  
bracket assembly. These BNC connectors provide inputs for cameras number 2, 3 and 4 (top to  
bottom).  
2.5 Camera Control Cables  
Many cameras shipped by Spiricon will be supplied with a Camera Control Cable. Connect this cable  
between the camera and connector J1, (J3 on LBA-3/4/500 frame grabbers) the upper 9-pin D-sub  
female. This cable will usually provide power to the camera, as well as permit the LBA-PC to control a  
camera’s electronic shutter, if it has one. Cameras that derive power from a source other than the LBA-  
PC will not usually be supplied with this cable.  
If you are using the 4-camera option, any additional cameras must be powered from an external  
source. To provide control of the shutter of any additional cameras, a special cable must be made that  
connects all of the shutter inputs of the cameras in parallel. If you plan on using the automatic camera  
sequencing you may also need a special cable to synchronize (genloc) the cameras.  
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2.6 Special Setup for Pyrocam I Operation  
You must use special setups if you want to successfully interface your Pyrocam I with a Model LBA-PC  
frame grabber system. It is strongly recommended that you first become familiar with the operating  
characteristics of both your Pyrocam I and LBA-PC before attempting to operate them together.  
To operate your Pyrocam I with a model LBA-300PC or a LBA-400/500/708/710/712/714PC without a  
digital camera option, see section 2.12.1.  
To operate your Pyrocam I with model LBA-500PC-D or a model LBA-7XXPC-D, with the digital camera  
option, see section 2.12.2.  
2.6.1  
Pyrocam I with Non-Digital LBA-PC’s  
LBA-300/400/500/708/710/712/714PC  
w/o digital camera option  
2.6.1.1 Pyrocam I Setup Requirements:  
2.6.1.1.1 Configure Video Output  
The Pyrocam must be configured to output monochrome video in CCIR format. To do this,  
Dip Switch number 6 must be in the ON position. See Chapter 6 and Appendix A-6 in your  
Pyrocam Operator’s Manual for details.  
2.6.1.1.2  
Configure Gain and Vertical Scale  
Do not operate the Pyrocam I with the Gain switch set in the 10 position or with the  
Vertical Scale set in the Auto or Manual x8 positions. Use only the 1 or 3 Gain setting and  
Manual x1, x2 or x4 settings. The LBA will not be able to Ultracal in the gain equals 10 or  
scale x8 setting positions, and the Ultracal will not remain valid if the Pyrocam is in the Auto  
scale mode.  
Note: You will need to temporarily attach your Pyrocam to either a VGA or a monochrome monitor to observe the  
Vertical Scale settings.  
2.6.1.1.3  
2.6.1.1.4  
Configure MONO/DIG/VGA switch to MONO position.  
Install Video Cable  
Connect the Pyrocam’s Video Output BNC to the Video Input BNC on the LBA-PC.  
All other operating requirements for the Pyrocam I are still applicable, and must be set up  
correctly. Don’t forget to periodically calibrate your Pyrocam.  
Hint: First set up your Pyrocam to operate in one of its stand-alone configurations, and then connect it to the LBA-  
PC only after you’re sure that it is operating satisfactorily with your laser.  
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2.6.1.2 Setup requirements for LBA-PC with pyrocam cameras:  
Two files are provided for configuring the LBA to a Pyrocam I. They are ~PYROCAM.CFG and  
~PYROCAM.CAM.  
2.6.1.2.1  
Setting up the Pyrocam Configuration.  
Go to File. . . Restore Config. . . and set the configuration to ~PYROCAM.CFG.  
2.6.1.2.2  
Setting the camera type to Pyrocam  
Go to Options. . . Camera dialog box and set the Camera selection to ~PYROCAM.CAM.  
This may already have happened when you did the previous step.  
The ~PYROCAM.CAM file is absolutely required for correct operation with your Pyrocam. The  
~PYROCAM.CFG configuration is a good starting point configuration.  
You will undoubtedly need to make changes to your configuration to suit your application.  
Do so, and then save off your new configurations into new <filename>.cfg config files.  
Remember the ~PYROCAM files are read only; so don’t try to use those file names.  
2.6.1.3 Some Restrictions apply when interfaced to a Pyrocam I  
2.6.1.3.1  
Frame resolution restrictions  
While you are not restricted from setting your frame Resolution to 512x480x1, it is not a  
good idea. Keep your Resolution setting set to 128x120x4. Remember the Pyrocam creates  
a 124x124 sized image, so setting higher resolutions only wastes memory and slows down  
operations.  
2.6.1.3.2  
Zooming restrictions  
In keeping with the above, do not use Hardware zooming. Only use Soft zooming, i.e.  
double-right-mouse click in the Zoom window.  
2.6.1.3.3  
Restricted pixel regions  
Because of the image size difference between the LBA and the Pyrocam I, as noted above,  
the LBA will clip off 4 rows from the Pyrocam; two on top, and two on the bottom. Also the  
LBA will have 4 dark columns; two on the left edge, and two along the right.  
2.6.1.3.4  
Scale and resolution restrictions  
Note also that the Pixel Scale setting is set to 25mm, not 100mm, which is the actual pixel  
scale of the Pyrocam I. This is because the image output by the Pyrocam in CCIR mode is 4  
times over scanned in both the x and y directions. Thus the LBA’s 1x resolution comes out to  
be 1/4th the 4x resolution. Keep this in mind if you plan to change the scaling because of  
placing the beam altering optics in the beam path.  
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2.6.1.3.5  
Camera settings restrictions  
Under no circumstances, make any changes to the Advanced. . . Camera settings for the  
Pyrocam I.  
2.6.1.4 Image synchronization considerations  
The Pyrocam I’s CCIR video output is always producing video images at the rate of 25 frames per  
second. Furthermore, it only changes output image after acquiring and processing a new image.  
Thus the rate of a new output beam image is a function of many variables, including Pulse or  
Chop rates, image processing time, and results computational times.  
If you are using a Pulsed laser with your Pyrocam I, the Pyrocam will continue to output the  
image of the last laser pulse that it receives. As a result, your LBA will continue to collect data  
frames that are multiples of the last pulse received by the Pyrocam. To relieve this, you may  
want to set up a Trigger input to the LBA. This will cause, at the most, only one image to be  
acquired for each Laser Pulse. This can be a tricky situation since the Pyrocam does take a little  
time to process each image, and that time will vary somewhat from image to image. Also, if your  
laser is triggered faster than the Pyrocam can acquire and update its CCIR display, it will skip  
pulses. Thus the LBA can still end up acquiring multiples of some of the processed pulses. You  
can also try the solution described below for the Chopped-operating mode.  
The exact same type of problem occurs in Chopped mode. The chop frequencies must be either  
24Hz or 48Hz. Thus, the CCIR image can never be updating as fast as the chopper is triggering  
the Pyrocam. Consequently, the CCIR output is always creating multiple frames of the same  
beam profile. In this case, you may want to set the LBA’s Capture interval to a value that will  
eliminate or reduce multiple frame captures.  
2.6.2  
Pyrocam I with Digital LBA-PC’s  
LBA-500/7XXPC-D w/ Digital Camera Option  
2.6.2.1 Pyrocam I setup requirements:  
To use this interface method, your LBA-500/7XXPC must be equipped with the digital camera  
option (-D), and your Pyrocam I must be of a later design that has digital output capability. Early  
versions of the Pyrocam were not equipped with digital outputs. If your Pyrocam I does not have  
a 50 pin connector on its rear cover it can not be interfaced as a digital camera. However, you  
can still interface it by using the analog method described in the LBA-300PC interface topic.  
Alternately, you can contact Spiricon’s service department and arrange to have your Pyrocam I  
upgraded with digital camera output capability.  
NOTICE: When interfacing with a Pyrocam I, DO NOT USE THE ULTRACAL! Feature of the LBA-PC. Rather, it  
is ESSENTIAL that you periodically re-calibrate the Pyrocam I. Calibrating the Pyrocam I is the only calibration  
that should be used with this type of interface.  
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2.6.2.1.1  
Set video switch  
The Pyrocam must be set to output digital video. This is accomplished by setting the  
MONO/DIG/VGA switch to the LBA position. See Chapter 6 in your Pyrocam Operator’s  
Manual.  
2.6.2.1.2  
Connect cable  
Connect the Pyrocam’s digital output to the digital input connector of the LBA-500PC. A  
special interface cable is required to make this connection. If you ordered your Pyrocam I,  
LBA-PC and LBA-Digital Option together as a system, then a cable was supplied.  
2.6.2.1.3  
Pyrocam settings  
With the Pyrocam set to the DIG mode, the Vertical Scale setting has no effect on the  
output. However, the Gain switch is still operating and can be set to any position. All other  
operating requirements for the Pyrocam I are still applicable, and must be set up correctly.  
Don’t forget to periodically Calibrate your Pyrocam.  
Hint: First set up your Pyrocam to operate in one of its stand-alone configurations, and then connect it to the LBA-  
PC only after you’re sure that it is operating satisfactorily with your laser.  
2.6.2.2 LBA-500/7XXPC-D Setup requirements:  
Two files are provided for configuring the LBA-PC digital interface to a Pyrocam I. They are  
~PYRODIG.CFG and ~PYRODIG.CAM.  
2.6.2.2.1  
Set the Pyrocam configuration  
Go to file. . . Restore Config. . . and set the configuration to ~PYRODIG.CFG.  
2.6.2.2.2  
Set the camera options  
Go to Options. . . Camera dialog box and set the Camera selection to ~PYRODIG.CAM.  
This may already have happened when you did the previous step.  
The ~PYRODIG.CAM file is absolutely required for correct operation with your Pyrocam. The  
~PYRODIG.CFG configuration is a good starting point configuration.  
You will undoubtedly need to make changes to your configuration to suit your application.  
Do so, and then save off your new configurations into new <filename>.cfg config file.  
Remember the ~PYRODIG files are read only, so don’t try to use those file names.  
Under no circumstances make any changes to the Advanced… Camera settings for the  
Pyrocam I.  
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2.6.2.3 Image Synchronization Considerations  
The Pyrocam I’s Digital Output only produces an image each time new data is available. It will  
not continuously output the same frame repeatedly. Thus, the rate of new output beam images  
is a function of the Pulse or Chopping rate and image processing time. For this reason, you  
should operate the LBA-500PC in Video Trigger mode only.  
If you are using a Pulsed laser with your Pyrocam I, the Pyrocam will attempt to output a new  
image with each laser pulse, however, depending upon the pulse rate, it may not be able to keep  
up.  
The exact same type of problem occurs in Chopped mode. The chop frequencies must be either  
24Hz or 48Hz. The Pyrocam may be able to keep up at 24Hz, but will lose some frames at 48Hz.  
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Chapter 3 MENUS AND DIALOG BOXES  
3.1 File. . . Drop Down Menu Selections  
3.1.1  
File | Load. . .  
A saved data file can be loaded into the frame buffer for display and results processing. Four types of  
data file formats are supported and are delineated by their file extension labels. The results obtained  
from these file types are not all of equal merit, however. The origin and meaning of these file types  
are as follows:  
.lb3/4/5/7 Files  
Is the native file extension denoting a data file created by the LBA-PC. The number indicates  
that the data was created by either the LBA-300 (8-bit frame grabber), -400 (10 bit frame  
grabber), –500 (12 bit frame grabber), or with a new –7XX (multi-format frame grabber). If the  
saved file was generated using Ultracal processing then the results obtained when loading and  
viewing this file type are of high quality.  
.lba Files  
Is the native file extension denoting a data file created by the LBA-100A. If the saved file was  
generated using Autocal processing then the results obtained when loading and viewing this file  
type are of high quality. All of these files produce images that are 120 x 120 pixels.  
.lbb Files  
Is the native file extension denoting a data file created by the LBA-100A. All file types of this  
designation are created without the benefit of any calibration, and thus can not be relied upon  
for accurate results. All of these files produce images that are 256 x 240 pixels.  
.lbc Files  
Is the native file extension denoting a data file created by the LBA-100A. All file types of this  
designation are created without the benefit of any calibration, and thus can not be relied upon  
for accurate results. All of these files produce images that are 512 x 480 pixels.  
NOTICE:  
File Compatibility with New versions of LBA-PC Software.  
We will try very hard to make all future releases of the LBA-PC  
application backwards compatible with all prior .lb3/4/5 file  
formats. However, we cannot guarantee that new versions will  
produce .lb3/4/5 files that will be backward compatible with older  
versions.  
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Beginning with release v2.50, any of the three .lb3, .lb4, and .lb5  
file types can be read by any of the LBA-300/400/500PC model  
types. However, the new .lb4 and .lb5 file types cannot be read by  
software released prior to v2.5.  
Beginning with release v4.00, any of the three .lb3, .lb4, and .lb5  
file types can be read by any of the LBA-7XXPC model types.  
However, the new .lb7 file types cannot be read by software  
released prior to v4.00.  
Data files can contain one or more frames of data. Each frame of data is called a Record.  
Embedded in each Record is all the information necessary to accurately reproduce the original frame.  
Pixel scale, Camera type, Zoom and Pan location, energy and Ultracal values etc. are saved within  
each Record.  
Note: If you load an LBA-100A record that used a different camera setup than the one you currently have  
configured, then one or more of the following can occur:  
•
•
If the Camera type file is available, it will be loaded and replace the current settings. See Camera  
type selection.  
If the Camera type file is available, but the pixel scale or resolution settings do not agree with the  
current settings, it will be loaded and the Pixel Scale and Resolution settings changed to match  
the data file values.  
•
If the Camera type file is not available, the camera type will be set to NONE, and the Pixel Scale  
and resolution will be changed to that required of the Data File.  
3.1.1.1 Load Frame Dialog Box  
Enter the drive:\paths\and <filename>.lbx of the File that you want to load. Press Browse... if  
your not sure of the file’s name or location, and wish to search for it.  
Figure 6  
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If the file that you are loading contains multiple records, enter the starting number of the record  
that you want to begin loading from, in the edit box labeled Start Record.  
Enter the Number of Records that you want to Load. You can enter a value of 0, or 1 to the  
number of records in the file. A value of 0 means all the records in the file.  
Records can only be loaded sequentially from the Start Record position. If you specify a  
greater number of records than you have frame buffer space available, the loading process will  
fill the buffer and then wrap around leaving the last records transferred in the frame buffer. See  
setting the frame buffer size in 3.2.3.4.  
In Start Frame, enter the location in the frame buffer where you wish to begin depositing the file  
records. Multiple frames will load from that location upward, skipping any locations that are  
Write Protected.  
3.1.1.2 Special Frame Numbers  
The following Frame numbers have special meanings, however they can be saved and loaded in  
the usual manner.  
•
•
Frame 0 is the Reference Frame  
Frame -1 is the Gain Correction frame, not a true image frame, but rather an array of  
gain correction factors.  
3.1.1.3 Drag and Drop Data Frame Loading  
You can perform a Load Frame operation by dragging and dropping one or more data frame files  
from Windows Explorer, or by double clicking the data file name. If you have not already  
started the LBA application, using the double click method will start it automatically.  
These Drag and Drop shortcuts will work on all Data Frame formats. However, the current  
camera configuration must match the camera configuration of the data file that you are  
attempting to load. If you Drag and Drop a data file that contains multiple records, all the frame  
records will be loaded into the frame buffer up to the maximum size of the buffer. For example:  
If you Drag and Drop a file with 20 records, and your frame buffer is sized at 10 frames, then  
only the first 10 records in the data file will be loaded.  
To perform a Drag and Drop, open Windows Explorer. Highlight the data file(s) that you want  
to load. With the Mouse cursor over the file name, press and hold down the left mouse button  
while dragging the highlighted files to the LBA-PC application.  
3.1.2  
File | Save As…  
You can save or append data frames in the frame buffer to disk files. All data files saved by the LBA-  
PC will have a .lb3/4/5/7 file name extension.  
Data files can contain one or more frames of data. Each frame of data is called a Record.  
Embedded in each Record is all the information necessary to accurately reproduce the original frame.  
Pixel scale, Camera type, Zoom and Pan location, energy and Ultracal values etc. are saved within  
each Record.  
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3.1.2.1 Save As … Dialog Box  
Enter the drive:\paths\<filename> of the File that you want to save. Press Browse... if you  
want to append or overwrite an existing file, and you are not sure of the file’s name or location  
and wish to search for it.  
Figure 7  
Enter the Start Frame buffer location from which you want to begin saving or appending frame data  
files.  
If you wish to save multiple records, enter the Number of Frames that you want to save or append.  
Multiple data frames can only be saved sequentially from the Start Frame location. You can specify  
0, or 1 to the number of frames in the frame buffer. A value of 0 means all of the frames in the  
frame buffer.  
3.1.3  
Export Image… to a disk file  
Exporting is an operation that is designed to take data and images out of the LBAPC and use them in  
other applications. Exports are a bad choice for data storage because there is no way to reload  
exported data into the LBA-PC! Bitmaps for example, are one of the exporting options. Bitmaps  
(.bmp) are simply pictures of the beam image and do not represent a viable data source for numerical  
analysis. If the user desires to do some external computations on exported data, ASCII formats have  
been provided and are the only viable method for doing so.  
Bitmap images will appear just as the current beam display window image appears. The two ASCII  
file types are .cma and .spa. The .cma type uses Comma delimited entries. The .spa type uses  
Space delimited entries. Spreadsheet programs like Excel and Lotus 123 typically use comma  
delimited data entries. Math programs like Mathcad typically use space-delimited formats. Consult  
your application program to determine which style to use.  
You can also save 1D beam display images that are defined by the location of the Horizontal and  
Vertical Cursors. Cursor files are designated with a .cur file type. Cursor files are ASCII files that  
use Comma delimited entries. The Cursor image is organized Horizontal data first, left to right,  
followed by a carriage return, and then the Vertical data, top to bottom.  
You can also save a Column and Row summed beam image that is defined by the total of all  
pixel values summed in both the Horizontal and the Vertical direction. Column/Row summed files  
are designated with a .sum file type. Summed files are ASCII files that use Comma delimited  
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entries. The Summed image is organized Horizontal data first, left to right, followed by a carriage  
return, and then the Vertical data, top to bottom.  
Note: Exported image files cannot be read back into the LBA-PC’s frame buffer. Use Save As... and Load... for  
retrievable data files.  
3.1.3.1 Export Image… dialog box  
Enter the drive:\paths\and <filename> of the Export File Name that you want to create. Press  
Browse... if you want to overwrite an existing file, and you are not sure of the file’s name or  
location and wish to search for it.  
Figure 8  
Enter the Start Frame buffer location from which you want to begin exporting image data files.  
If you wish to save multiple images, enter the Number of Frames that you want to export.  
Multiple export images can only be saved sequentially from the Start Frame location. You can  
specify 0, or 1 to the number of frames in the frame buffer. 0 means all the frames in the frame  
buffer.  
When Exporting multiple images, each image will be placed into a separate file. The file name  
will automatically have a six-digit number appended to the entered file name. This number will  
designate each file in the sequence starting with 000000 and counting up. Thus a given multiple  
export will create a series of files that will appear as follows:  
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<filename>000000.cma;<filename>000001.cma;...<filename>NNNNNN.cma  
Click on the image file Export Format (or Formats) that you want to generate.  
3.1.4  
Save Config… to a file  
The current setup configuration of the LBA-PC can be saved to a disk file. All configuration files have  
the .cfg file extension. Whichever configuration was the last to be saved (or restored), will become  
the default configuration the next time the LBA-PC application is run. The configuration file contains  
all setup parameters of the LBA-PC menus.  
The configuration file does not preserve and thus will not restore Data frames, Reference frames, Gain  
Correction frames, or Ultracal processing information. The above types of frames must be saved and  
restored separately. Ultracal processing data must be generated immediately prior to the acquisition  
of new data frames, as it relates to present camera calibration requirements.  
3.1.5  
Restore Config… from a file  
Past setup configurations of the LBA-PC can be restored from previously saved .cfg disk files. All  
configuration files have the .cfg file extension. Whichever configuration was the last to be restored  
(or saved), will become the default configuration the next time the LBA-PC application is run. The  
configuration file contains all setup parameters of the LBA-PC menus.  
The configuration file does not preserve, and thus will not restore, Data frames, Reference frames,  
Gain Correction frames, or Ultracal processing information. The above types of frames must be saved  
and restored separately. Ultracal processing data must be generated immediately prior to the  
acquisition of new data frames, as it relates to present camera calibration requirements.  
Notice: Restoring a configuration does not force a read of a <camera>.cam camera type file. Rather it restores the  
Camera dialog box settings, just as they where when the configuration file was created.  
3.1.6  
Set Reference, copy the current to the reference frame  
Set Reference  
Click on this button, to copy the Current Frame or the Gauss fit results of the current frame to the  
Reference frame buffer. The Reference frame is frame number 0 (zero), in the frame buffer. You  
can view the reference frame by single or double clicking into the Frame indicator/edit control  
(located in the lower status bar) and entering a 0 (zero). You cannot bring the  
reference frame into view by cycling the Frame spin controls.  
The Set Reference Source item in the Capture dialog box determines the style of the Save  
Reference data.  
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3.1.7  
Generate Gain  
Clicking this item will cause the LBA-PC to execute an automatic Gain Correction calculation cycle.  
The results of this operation will store a gain correction table that will be used to preprocess all data  
frames newly acquired from the Frame Grabber card.  
The status of the Gain Correction condition is visible in the Gain correction Enunciator shown here  
and at the bottom of the LBA-PC’s main display screen.  
If the color of the Gain Correction Enunciator is:  
GRAY Gain Correction processing is turned OFF.  
GREENThe Gain Correction calculation was successful and is OPERATING.  
RED Gain Correction processing has been disabled because something caused the usage of it  
to become invalid.  
3.1.7.1 How to generate gain  
Before clicking on the Generate Gain... item you must:  
•
•
Allow the camera to warm up to a normal operating temperature.  
Align your laser beam with the camera and set the correct Zoom, Pan Camera type and  
resolution, etc. settings.  
•
•
Block all light from the detector and perform an Ultracal!.  
Uniformly illuminate the camera detector to an intensity level that is about 60% to 90%  
of saturation.  
Now click File, Generate Gain.  
•
•
After a few seconds.. observe that the Gain Correction enunciator turns Green.  
Remove the uniform illumination and re-apply your laser beam to the camera.  
Note: It is highly recommended that you perform a Save Config... and a Save Gain As... operation in  
conjunction with each Generate Gain... operation. This will insure that you can restore the settings to the  
configuration that will allow the Gain Correction to operate correctly.  
3.1.7.2 What is Gain Correction?  
The gain correction algorithm will compute a mean pixel intensity value, and then supply a  
correction factor for each pixel that will correct it to the computed mean. If your camera has  
dead or seriously defective elements you should not attempt to use or operate with Gain  
Correction.  
3.1.7.3 What Disables Gain Correction?  
Gain Correction will become DISABLED if certain data collection conditions, that were in effect  
when the Generate Gain operation was executed, are no longer in effect. In all cases, these  
conditions are the result of an operators change to the spatial acquisition settings. The  
DISABLED condition will occur if you make changes to:  
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•
•
•
•
•
The Hardware Zoom.  
The Hardware Pan location.  
The Camera Type or Resolution setting.  
The Camera Electronic Shutter setting.  
The Video Gain and/or Black Level settings.  
Warning: Gain Correction should be used with only one camera at a time. It will not correctly operate in  
conjunction with the for camera option when automatic camera cycling is enabled.  
3.1.8  
File | Load Gain…  
You can restore a previously saved .gai Gain Correction file from disk. The Gain Correction enunciator  
will turn GREEN if the loaded file will operate under the current setup conditions. If it cannot operate  
under the current setup conditions, it will show RED.  
Note: It is highly recommended that you perform a Restore Config... on a .cfg configuration file that was saved  
at the same time that the .gai Gain Correction file was created. This will insure that you can restore the settings to  
the configuration that will allow the Gain Correction to operate correctly.  
3.1.9  
File | Save Gain As…  
You can save the current Gain Correction table to a file. All gain correction files will have a .gai file  
name extension. You will not be able to save the Gain Correction table unless you have previously  
created it using Generate Gain.  
Note: It is highly recommended that you perform a Save Config... and a Save Gain As... operation in  
conjunction with each Generate Gain... operation. This will insure that you can restore the settings to the  
configuration that will allow the Gain Correction to operate correctly.  
3.1.10  
Gain Off/On  
Click on this button to turn Gain Correction processing OFF or ON. This item will only operate if a  
Gain Correction table is present. For a Gain Correction table to be present it must have been created  
by Generate Gain, or by being loaded from a disk file via Load Gain.  
3.1.11  
File | Logging...  
The LBA-PC will allow you to log into disk files, in any combination, any of the following:  
•
•
•
Frame Data  
Numerical Results  
Frame Export Images  
Data Logging files will have a .lb3/4/5/7 file extension name. The frames in a Data Logging file can  
be read back into the Frame buffer by using the File and Load... menu selections.  
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Results Logging files will have a .rlg file extension name. Results Logging files are for exporting  
numerical results to other applications, such as Spreadsheets or Math programs. Text editors can also  
view them. Results files are saved in ACSII.  
Export Logging files can be of four different file types, .bmp, .cma, .spa, .cur. Export Logging files are  
write only. They are created for logging images for use in other applications like spreadsheets or  
math programs such as MathCAD. Unlike the .lbx Data file types, Export Logging creates multiple files  
rather than one large concatenated file with multiple records. The assigned file name will  
automatically have a six-digit number appended to the entered file name. This number will designate  
each file in the sequence starting with 000000 and counting up. Thus, an Export Logging operation  
will create a series of files that will appear as follows:  
<filename>000000.cma; <filename>000001.cma; … <filename>NNNNNN.cma  
3.1.11.1 Beginning and Terminating Logging  
You begin a logging file when you go to the Logging... dialog box and:  
•
•
•
•
Check a type of logging  
Provide a file name  
Click on OK  
Click on Start!  
You terminate a logging file when you Stop! collecting frames and:  
•
•
•
Return to the Logging dialog box  
Uncheck the logging type  
Click on OK  
Warning: Once you have begun a logging cycle, each file entry is sequentially recorded until you terminate the log  
via the method described above. If you Stop! and then re-Start! the logging process, the new entries will continue to  
be added as before; HOWEVER, the Frame counter or the Timer (whichever might apply) will be reset to 0 (zero)  
each time you press Start!. In Export Logging, the file frame numbering does not reset, but rather continues to  
increment from the last number assigned. This number is only reset each time logging is enabled.  
Example: If you were setup to log 1000 frames, and you hit Stop! at frame 521, and then hit Start! a second time;  
when the logging process stops automatically, the log file will contain entries for 1521 frames.  
3.1.11.2 Data, Results & Export Logging, dialog box  
If you want to log frames of data, check the Data Logging box and enter the  
drive:\paths\<filename> of where you want the data records to be logged.  
If you want to log computed results, check the Results Logging box and enter the  
drive:\paths\<filename> of where you want the results records to be logged.  
If you want to log frames of image data, check the Export Logging box and enter the  
drive:\paths\<filename> of where you want the image data to be logged.  
Press the respective Browse... if you want to append or overwrite an existing file, and your not  
sure of the file’s name or location and wish to search for it.  
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If you choose Results Logging, select the Format that you want the data to be logged in. Both  
formats will produce an ASCII text log with comma-delimited entries. The Spreadsheet format  
will precede the log with a single list of column headings. The Math Program format will  
precede each log entry with a binary number that indicates which results are enabled.  
Figure 9  
If you choose Export Logging, select the Format that you want the data to be logged in. The  
.BMP format will produce bitmapped image files. The .SPA format will produce an ASCII text  
image file with space-delimited entries. The .CMA format will produce an ASCII text image file  
with comma-delimited entries. The .CUR format will log only the Cursor image in and ASCII  
format with comma delimited entries. The .SUM format will log only Column/Row summed data  
in an ASCII format with comma-delimited entries. See the Export Image section for more  
information regarding these file types.  
3.1.11.3 Logging Method  
You can choose between three different methods to log data or results.  
•
Continuous: Logging will commence when you click Start! on the menu tool bar and  
will terminate when you click Stop!, or run out of available disk space.  
•
Frames: You can limit the logging process to a specified Number of Frames. Enter  
the number of frames you want to log. Logging will commence when you click Start! on  
the menu tool bar.  
•
Time: You can limit the logging process to a specified amount of time. At the  
HHH:MM:SS entry item, enter the amount of time that you want logging to run.  
Double-click inside the entry item and type in the time value in the format shown.  
Logging will commence when you click Start! on the menu tool bar.  
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If you use the Frames or Time method, the logging operation will automatically Stop! when the  
Frame count or the Timer values have run out. To protect the log file from inadvertent additions,  
use the above described terminate method to secure your log file.  
When Logging is Frames or Time limited, the Rate display will indicate the number of frames to  
go,  
or the time remaining .  
3.1.11.4 Pass/Fail Filter  
You can filter out certain frames of data from being appended into your log file by using the  
Pass/Fail Filter, in conjunction with choices made in one or more of the Pass/Fail menu items.  
For example, if you only wanted to log frames that exceeded a certain minimum amount of  
Energy, choose Passed Frames Only. Then in the Quantitative Pass/Fail dialog box, under  
Total Energy, check Minimum and enter the minimum value of the energy that you require to  
pass this filter in the space provided.  
Refer to the section on Pass/Fail Menu Operation for more details on how to use the Pass/Fail  
options.  
How fast will logging operate?  
The rate at which frames can be processed and logged to disk depends upon such variables as:  
how many and what types of calculations are being performed, what type of logging is enabled,  
how fast is your disk/computer system, etc. We recommend that you run tests to find out how  
fast your system can log various forms of data and results, and use those as your system  
benchmarks.  
3.1.12  
Implications of Combining Logging, Statistics,  
Post Processing and Block Capture  
Before reading this topic you should be familiar with the operating modes available for:  
•
•
•
•
Results Logging - Section 3.1.11  
Statistics Results - Section 3.2.6.10  
Post Processing - Section 3.2.4.1  
Block Capture - Section 3.2.4.1  
Logging, Statistics, Post Processing and Block Capture each have built in control features that can limit  
their respective run lengths. The limiting factors can be either manual intervention by an operator, a  
programmed number of frames, or a programmed time limit.  
Note: Post Processing and Block Capture do not allow for a programmed time limit. In addition, Post Processing  
and Block Capture are mutually exclusive.  
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Because of the flexibility in setting control options, it is possible to set conflicting control parameters.  
Therefore, it is essential that these various conflicts be resolved by a prioritized control scheme.  
Of course, a perceptive operator can avoid all of these possible conflicts. Nevertheless, owing to the  
complexity of these features, setup errors are almost a certainty.  
Hint: To avoid a conflict in the above features, never set more than one of the above to use either a Time limit or a  
Frame count, at any one time.  
3.1.12.1 Combinations using Logging, Statistics and Block Mode  
The following control priorities are in effect when any of the above features are used in  
combination. The first feature in the list that is enabled has control.  
1. Block Mode: Controlled by a set number of frames.  
2. Data or Results Logging: Controlled by a set time limit.  
3. Data or Results Logging: Controlled by a set number of frames.  
4. Statistics Results: Controlled by a set time limit.  
5. Statistics Results: Controlled by a set number of frames.  
If Results Logging and Statistics are both in play, and if one of the Logging features is in  
control: The Statistics results are recorded into the Results Log file when the Logging operation is  
terminated. See Beginning and Terminating Logging. Section 3.1.11.1.  
If Results Logging and Statistics are both in play, and if one of the Statistics features is in  
control: The Statistics results are recorded into the Results Log file whenever the Statistics  
collection cycle is completed.  
3.1.12.2 Combinations using Logging, Statistics and Post Processing.  
The following control priorities are in effect when any of the above features are used in  
combination. The first feature in the list that is enabled has control.  
1. Post Processing: Controlled by a set number of records/frames unless the number is  
set to zero.  
Note: By setting this number to zero you can allow the Logging and Statistics operation to operate on multiple  
records from multiple files.  
2. Data or Results Logging: Controlled by a set number of frames.  
3. Statistics Results: Controlled by a set number of frames.  
No timed operations are recognized when Post Processing is enabled.  
If Results Logging and Statistics are both in play, and if the Logging feature is in control:  
The Statistics results are recorded into the Results Log file when the Logging operation is  
Terminated. See Beginning and Terminating Logging. Section 3.1.11.1.  
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If Results Logging and Statistics are both in play, and if the Statistics feature is in control:  
The Statistics results are recorded into the Results Log file when the Statistics collection cycle is  
completed.  
3.1.13  
File | Print…  
The Print dialog box is where you tell the LBA-PC what information you want it to print. You can only  
get here via the File, and Print... menu item. If you just click on the print button  
, located on the  
Capture toolbar, then printing will begin immediately, based upon the last configuration that you set in  
the Print dialog box.  
Check the Beam Image box if you want to print the contents of the Beam Display Window. The  
printed image will contain everything that you see, limited only by the resolution and color capabilities  
of your printer and Windows printer driver.  
Check the Results box if you want to print the results information. The printed results will consist of  
all enabled numerical results including Statistics and Histogram.  
Note: In both of the above, if the related child Window (Beam, Results, Histogram) is minimized, then the associated  
item will not be printed. In other words, what you see is what you get.  
If both Beam Image and Results are checked, they will be printed Beam first then Results. If the  
Separate Pages box is checked, then the Beam and Results will be printed on separate pages.  
Figure 10  
If you check the Current Frame Only box, then only the currently displayed frame and/or its results  
will be printed. If this box is not checked, you can direct the LBA to print multiple frames by  
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specifying the From Start Frame location, and the Number of Frames to print. The Number of  
Frames can be 0, or 1 to the number of frames in the frame buffer. 0 means all the frames in the  
frame buffer. When printing multiple frames you will observe that the LBA will cycle through the  
designated frame locations. It will compute the required results for each frame and then print  
whatever is required. At the end of this process, the last frame printed and its results will be  
displayed.  
If Statistics results are enabled, they will not update during the printing operation and thus will show  
the same values on each frame’s printout.  
Hint: Keep the Current Frame Only box checked unless you really need to print multiple frames.  
When printing 2D beam images, in either 128 or 16 colors, the dark violet background color will be  
converted to a shade of light gray. This may not always be appropriate, as you may want to preserve  
the dark background, for example, if you are printing transparencies. To restore the normal  
background appearance, click on the 2D Dark Background check box.  
3.1.14  
File | Print Setup...  
This is the standard Windows style Print Setup dialog box. From here you can select which printer  
to use, and make some basic print format choices. You may also be able to go from here to your  
specific printer’s Options dialog box and make other choices that pertain to your printer.  
3.1.15  
File | Exit  
Click on Exit to leave the LBA-PC application and return to the Windows Program Manager. This will  
end your current Beam Analysis session.  
Before exiting:  
•
•
•
•
•
Do you want to save the current setup to a configuration file?  
Have you correctly terminated any logging files?  
Do you need to save any frame data files?  
Do you need to save any important Reference frame data?  
Do you need to save a Gain Correction table?  
3.1.16  
File | Save FROG as…  
You can save a frame of data to an ASCII disk file that can later be used as input data to Femtosoft’s  
FROG or X-FROG software application. All FROG ASCII files saved by the LBA-PC will have a .frg file  
name extension.  
Only the currently displayed frame can be saved to a FROG file. A FROG file can contain only 1 frame  
of data.  
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3.1.16.1 Save FROG as…Dialog Box  
Enter the drive:\paths\and <filename> of the FROG File that you want to save. Press Browse…  
if you want to overwrite an existing file, and you are not sure of the file’s name or location and  
wish to search for it.  
The FROG file format can be of two types, without a header or with a header. We recommend  
that you use the header format to add to the unique identity of each FROG file.  
Click on the Use Header Information check box to enable Header information to be  
automatically placed at the start of the FROG data file. Default is for this box to be checked.  
When it is not checked all the following items in this dialog box are disabled.  
Figure 11  
The item labeled Number of Delay Points automatically sets to the number of horizontal pixels  
in the current beam.  
The item labeled Number of Wavelength Points automatically sets to the number of vertical  
pixels in the current beam.  
The edit control item labeled Delay Increment, fs must be set by the operator to the delay per  
pixel scale value. Units are femto-seconds. Control range is +/-10,000.000.  
The edit control item labeled Wavelength Increment, nm must be set by the operator to the  
wavelength per pixel scale value. Units are nanometers. Control range is +/- 10,000.000.  
The edit control item labeled Center Wavelength, nm must be set by the operator to the value  
of the wavelength at the center of the vertical column of pixels. Units are nanometers. Control  
range is .001 to 10,000.  
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3.1.16.2 FROG Data Orientation  
The FROG software has the ability to flip axial assignments and directions. There is, however, a  
legacy defined orientation that we use as a basis for defining our axial representations. This is  
also the FROG default condition.  
Looking into the front of the camera, the upper left corner defines a starting point for the vertical  
Spectrum axis and then the horizontal Delay axis. (See figure below).  
Figure 12  
In the vertical/Spectrum direction, the top represents a maximum wavelength (lowest  
frequency), moving down to a minimum wavelength (highest frequency).  
In the horizontal/Delay direction, the left represents a minimum time delay moving right to a  
maximum time delay.  
If you align your axes differently than shown, you can make the necessary adjustments by  
altering the Delay and Wavelength settings in the dialog box and in the Exp. Data tab section  
of the FROG Algorithm Calibration dialog box.  
Note: The LBA-PC always builds the .frg data file in the format depicted above, listing the columns top to bottom  
then stepping from left to right.  
Reference the FROG on-line Help for details on the FROG data file format.  
3.1.16.3 FROG Data Collection Tips  
Most of the LBA-PC data collection features are not required when collecting FROG data. Thus,  
the Results child window can be minimized, which will speed up data collection. The following  
list contains some Do’s and Don’ts for reducing errors when collecting FROG data:  
•
•
•
•
DO use Ultracal! just prior to starting a data collection cycle.  
DON’T enable Lens in the Camera dialog box.  
DO save your configuration when the camera is aligned with your spectrometer.  
DON’T drive the camera into saturation.  
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•
•
DO consider Frame Summing if the FROG pulses are too weak to yield sufficient  
amplitude.  
DON’T use the pan and zoom features or you will mess up the scaling parameters. You  
can minimize the Pan/Zoom child window to reduce temptation.  
•
•
•
•
DO consider Frame Averaging if the FROG pulses are noisy.  
DON’T enable Convolution.  
DO use the Video Trigger method if pulse amplitude is high enough.  
DON’T use apertures.  
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3.2 Options... Drop Down Menu Selections  
3.2.1  
Hide/Show; Capture, Display, Aperture Toolbar  
The above three toolbars can be selectively displayed or hidden based upon operator preference.  
Check the action that applies.  
The Capture and Display toolbars can be user defined to match the operators needs.  
The Aperture toolbar is predefined and can not be altered by the operator.  
3.2.2  
Aperture... display and define apertures  
The LBA-PC can display three types of apertures in four different shapes. The three types of  
apertures are:  
•
Drawn: You can manually draw a WHITE aperture for the purpose of isolating beam  
analysis to the pixel data contained within the aperture. This feature allows you to eliminate  
the effects of noise or stray energy in regions outside of the beam under test.  
•
Displayed: The BLACK displayed aperture is not really an aperture. Rather it is an  
overlaid graphical representation of the computed shape and size of the beam  
width/diameter results. This BLACK aperture provides a way for the user to visually see the  
beam width, and observe how it changes.  
•
Auto: This feature automates the task of drawing an optimally sized and placed aperture  
around the beam profile being measured. This aperture is displayed in YELLOW. It  
performs the same function as the Drawn aperture, except that it will continuously resize  
itself to changing beam conditions.  
All three of the above apertures can be enabled and visible at the same time on a 2D display. In the  
3D display mode no apertures are ever displayed, however the Drawn and Auto apertures can be  
operating as described above. If you’ve enabled the apertures while in the 3D display mode, be sure  
to check their setup in the 2D display mode.  
The Drawn and Auto apertures, when operating at the same time, function in the following manner:  
•
•
•
First, the Drawn aperture isolates the energy for analysis.  
Second, an Auto aperture is computed and drawn around the beam energy.  
Third, the reported beam widths/diameter is computed based upon the energy contained  
exclusively within the Auto aperture.  
3.2.2.1 Aperture Shapes  
Drawn and Displayed apertures can be rendered in four shapes.  
•
•
•
•
Circle  
Square  
Ellipse  
Rectangle  
Auto apertures are always rendered as an Ellipse.  
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3.2.2.2 How to create a Drawn Aperture  
You can create a Drawn aperture by using the Aperture dialog box, the Aperture toolbar, or by  
dragging and dropping the aperture in the 2D display window.  
Note: Before you can use the drag and drop method you must first select a Drawn aperture shape using either of  
the first two methods.  
The Aperture dialog box, and the Aperture toolbar offer the same choices for creating a  
Drawn aperture. The entries that define a Drawn aperture are listed vertically within the  
recessed panel of the dialog box. These same entries are arranged horizontally on the aperture  
toolbar. You can make the same changes from either location. The following discussion will  
reference the dialog box, but applies equally to the toolbar.  
Choose an aperture Shape. Enter the aperture’s Center location in X and Y coordinate values.  
Note: You can modify any edit text control item by double-clicking inside the item and typing the new value.  
Figure 13  
•
•
If the aperture is an ellipse or rectangle, enter the Size of the Major and Minor  
axes, followed by the Rotation angle of the Major axis in degrees.  
If the aperture is a circle or square, enter the Diameter (not shown above).  
3.2.2.3 Drag and Drop Apertures  
Once you have enabled a Drawn aperture from either the dialog box or toolbar, you can move,  
resize, and (in the case of an ellipse or rectangle) rotate it.  
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Move the arrow cursor over the display window and press and hold down the RIGHT mouse  
button. This will reveal the Drag, Drop and Rotate hot spots of the Drawn aperture.  
Move the arrow cursor onto one of these hot spots, release the RIGHT mouse button and press  
and hold down the LEFT button. The cursor will change shape indicating the selected Drag and  
Drop function.  
Now drag the mouse to see what happens to the aperture.  
The four cursor styles perform the following operations:  
Moves the aperture center.  
Size the aperture right or left.  
Size the aperture up or down.  
Rotate an elliptical or rectangular aperture.  
3.2.2.4 Using Auto Apertures  
To enable the Auto aperture feature, click on the Use Auto Aperture box, or click on the Auto  
aperture  
button on the Aperture toolbar.  
Note: Auto apertures are drawn in YELLOW, are always ellipses, and are only visible on 2D displays. Auto  
apertures will be drawn on the X and Y axes of the beam if Elliptical is OFF, and on the Major and Minor axes of  
the beam if Elliptical is ON.  
You should always enable Auto apertures whenever performing second moment D 4-Sigma  
beam width measurements.  
If your beam is small, relative to the acquisition window size, you should either use a Drawn  
aperture of 2x to 2.5x the beam width, or enable Auto aperturing to perform this task for you.  
Auto apertures will help improve beam measurement accuracy on almost any beam shape.  
Auto apertures may not improve accuracy, or operate well, if you have a lot of stray energy  
adjacent to the beam profile. In this case you should rely more on a well placed Drawn  
aperture, and avoid using the D 4-sigma beam width method.  
3.2.2.5 Display Beam Width  
If you want to see your beam widths/diameter graphically overlaid on the laser beam profile,  
choose the shape that most correctly matches your beam.  
These choices are also available from the Aperture toolbar.  
The displayed beam widths will appear as a BLACK aperture in a 2D beam display window. This  
aperture will not appear in 3D displays.  
If your beam is an off axis ellipse or rectangle be sure to turn on Elliptical in the Options...  
Computations... dialog box. Otherwise all drawn beam widths will be computed and displayed  
on the X and Y axes.  
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3.2.3  
Camera... selection and display resolution  
The Camera dialog box is where you make the following selections:  
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Identify current Camera type, or Create a New Camera type.  
Select the maximum image Resolution.  
Select how large the Frame Buffer will be.  
Select the Sync Source of your camera.  
Modify the Pixel Scale if needed.  
Apply Gamma correction if needed.  
Choose the Lens mode if your camera is so equipped.  
3.2.3.1 Camera type selection.  
Find your camera...  
Camera types are saved in <camera>.cam files. Camera files contain setup information that will  
allow the LBA-PC to operate correctly with the specified camera. Included with the LBA-PC  
installation is a group of common <~camera>.cam type files. These files include most cameras  
that will be used with the LBA, and apply to camera operation without a lens, i.e. the camera’s  
detector alone determines the pixel scale. These files are write protected so that you will not be  
able to accidentally delete or modify them. To permit easy identification, these write protected  
camera files will have a ~ (tilde) symbol included as part of their file name.  
Click on the Camera type drop down arrow.  
Select your camera type from the list.  
If your camera type does not appear:  
•
Check that your camera path is pointing to the location where the .cam files are stored.  
Click on CAM Path... and select the path as required.  
•
•
Create a new Camera type.  
Contact Spiricon’s Service Dept. for assistance.  
3.2.3.2 Creating a new Camera Type  
Do you really need a new camera type?  
One common reason that you may need to create a new camera type would be if you use a  
camera with a lens that changes the effective pixel scale. In this case it is best to begin by  
selecting the supplied common camera type that matches your camera. For example, you might  
be using a Pulnix TM-745 style camera fitted with a special lens. Start out by selecting the  
~Pulnix_TM-745.cam type and clicking OK. This will cause the LBA to load in all the basic  
setup information needed for this camera.  
Now return to the Camera dialog box and do the following:  
•
Double-click inside the Pixel Scale, V edit text control.  
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•
•
•
•
Type in the new camera pixel scale value.  
Verify that the Pixel Units are set correctly, change as required.  
Double-click inside the Camera type edit text control.  
Type in a new 8 character file name. The .cam extension will automatically be added if  
you fail to include it.  
•
•
•
Click on Save CAM...  
If the file path and name specified is correct, click OK.  
You will return to the Camera dialog box. Click OK.  
Your new camera is now active, and saved as a <camera>.cam type file.  
Note: You may now also want to perform a Save Config... operation, so that when you restart the LBA-PC  
application, this new camera setup will automatically be restored. Otherwise, you must return to the Camera  
dialog box and select this camera type each time you restart the LBA application.  
Notice: A Restore Config... operation will occur each time the LBA application is started. Camera type selections  
will only occur when you the operator consciously, unconsciously, but not sub-consciously..., make a choice. Which  
ever of the above actions occurs last, is the one that is controlling the Camera dialog box settings.  
3.2.3.3 Resolution and Frame Size  
The Resolution value specifies how finely the incoming video image is to be digitized. This will  
also determine the maximum frame size when viewing an un-zoomed image. The Resolution  
value is not related to the resolution performance of your camera.  
The smaller the Resolution value, the higher the resolution of the display, and the greater the  
number of pixels that will be contained in the un-zoomed image. Consequently, each frame will  
take more memory in the frame buffer and on disk, and it will take longer to process the frames,  
thus the system will run slower.  
The Resolution value will control how much memory is allocated for each frame. This figure does  
not change dynamically as you zoom in. In other words, if you set the resolution to 1x, a frame  
size of 512x480 is reserved in memory for each frame that is digitized. If you then hardware  
zoom in twice, to a frame size of 128x120, you will be wasting 93.75% of each reserved frame  
buffer locations space, since a 120x128 image is only 1/15th the size of a 512x480 image.  
Thus, you should never specify a resolution that is more than what you need to do the job at  
hand. Otherwise, you will waste system resources and reduce your overall throughput.  
Analog camera image sizes are fixed to resolution values per the following table:  
Resolution  
value  
Max Frame Size... WxH  
(un-zoomed)  
≅ Number of frames  
in 8 Mb of memory  
Full 1x  
1x  
Hor. Size X Vert. Size  
512 X 480  
n.a  
16  
2x  
256 X 240  
64  
4x  
8x  
16x  
128 X 120  
64 X 60  
32 X 30  
256  
512  
2048  
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The Full 1x resolution will create an image size equal to the Horizontal Size and Vertical Size  
shown in the Camera…, Advanced dialog box. This size is the maximum obtainable from the type  
of analog camera selected.  
Digital cameras do not follow the above resolution table. For digital cameras both the Full 1x and  
1x resolutions produce image sizes equal to the Horizontal Size and Vertical Size shown in the  
Camera…, Advanced dialog box. The 2x, 4x,..etc. sizes will reduce the resolution by  
approximately ½ in both the horizontal and vertical directions, rounding to the nearest even  
values.  
Figure 14  
3.2.3.4 Frame Buffer Size  
The Frame Buffer Size refers to the total amount of memory that is allocated in your system for  
the temporary storage of digitized frames of video. There are two ways to set the size of the  
frame buffer. You can enter the amount of memory that you want to allocate to this buffer, or  
you can specify the number of frames that you want the buffer to contain. We recommend that  
you set the number of Frames, rather than the Buffer Size. This will allocate just the optimum  
amount of memory for the set Resolution value.  
3.2.3.4.1  
What is the Frame Buffer?  
The Frame Buffer is an allocated block of memory in your PC. It will receive and temporarily  
retain frames of digitized video data. The frames in the Frame Buffer are numbered from 1  
to N, where N is the maximum number of frames that the allocated amount of memory can  
hold. You must always have at least 1 allocated frame in the frame buffer.  
The Frame Buffer is loaded in a sequential round robin fashion. Frames of data can be  
placed into the frame buffer by:  
•
•
•
•
•
Digitizing the video input signal.  
Transferring data from a digital camera.  
Loading in data from disk files.  
Post processing data already in the frame buffer.  
Post processing data coming from a disk file.  
In the far lower right hand corner of the Main Screen display is a Frame edit and spin control  
. The number showing in the edit control is the number of the frame  
currently displayed. You can edit this number by double-clicking and typing in a new value,  
or you can use the spin control to increment or decrement to the frame desired.  
We recommend that you set the frame buffer to hold as many frames as your Windows  
environment has real memory available. This will prevent the LBA-PC application from trying  
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to use virtual memory as Frame Buffer space. A little virtual memory assigned to the frame  
buffer is not too bad. A lot can make you wonder what kind of alien being has just taken  
over your hard drive.  
Also, Windows will allocate real memory first, and when it’s gone, begin allocating virtual  
memory. For this reason it is a good idea to run the LBA-PC application with no other  
application(s) operating in the background. This will free up as much real memory as  
possible for Frame Buffer use.  
3.2.3.5 Am I using Virtual Memory yet?  
How do I know when my Frame Buffer is running over from real into virtual memory? Easy...,  
your hard disk drive light will begin to flicker when the real frame buffer capacity is filled, and the  
virtual file swapping begins. To avoid this, try reducing the Frame Buffer size until it stops.  
Note: Be sure to perform this test with Logging disabled.  
3.2.3.6 Sync Source  
Many applications will use standard analog output cameras. For analog cameras the Sync  
Source must be set to Genlock. The LBA-400/500/7XXPC models can be purchased with an  
option that will allow support for both Analog and Digital cameras. Note: the model LBA-300PC  
cannot support digital cameras.  
Figure 15  
If you have purchased the digital camera option with either an LBA-400/500/7XXPC, and are  
connecting a digital camera, set the Sync Source to Digital.  
In Digital mode, the Pixel Bits entry must be set to the number of data bits that are being  
input to the LBA. If you purchased an LBA-400PC-D, you can choose 8, 9, or 10 bits per pixel. If  
you purchased an LBA-500PC-D, you can choose either 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 bits per pixel. If you  
purchased an LBA-7XXPC-D, you can choose either 8,10,12,14 or 15 bits per pixel.  
If your camera’s digital output is in a signed twos compliment data format, select a minus Pixel  
Bits value. For example, the Pyrocam I outputs 12 bit signed 2’s compliment digital data. Thus,  
the Pixel Bits setting is –12.  
If your digital camera has more bits of resolution than can be accommodated by the LBA-PC, you  
must connect only the upper most significant bits. Any left over data bits will not be processed  
by the LBA-PC.  
Note: There may be some jumper traces on the frame grabber card that will need to be cut if you are using a digital  
camera that is outputting fewer bits than the default configuration. The default is 10 bits for the LBA-400PC-D and  
12 bits for the LBA-500PC-D. The LBA-7XXPC-D models use the software to set the number of bits rather than  
jumpers.  
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3.2.3.7 Pixel Scale, Pixel Units  
For analog cameras that use the Genlock sync source, only the V..ertical Pixel Scale is set.  
The pixel scale value is derived from your camera’s detector specifications, or is user  
programmable to match the characteristics of your optical system. For the camera imager based  
scale setting, the value to enter is the minimum line pitch of the camera’s detector.  
For Interline and Full Frame transfer type cameras, the line pitch is the vertical element pitch  
of the CCD detector. For pseudo-interlaced Frame transfer type cameras the line pitch is ½ the  
vertical element pitch. Check your camera specifications to accurately determine the correct  
value to enter here. This value is not always as obvious as it may seem.  
Figure 16  
The H..orizontal Pixel Scale setting is only used with Digital output style cameras. For digital  
cameras the data is clocked by the camera’s element rate clock, and its focal plane array  
determines the horizontal pixel scale. In this case you must enter a value that is the horizontal  
pixel pitch of the camera.  
Choose the Pixel Units that applies to your pixel scale value. Camera detector pixel pitch is  
specified in micro-meters (µm), and all provided .cam files are specified in µm.  
3.2.3.8 Gamma Correction  
If your camera employs a solid state CCD or MOS style detector, then your camera’s detector  
responds linearly to monochromatic light. For linearly responding cameras the Gamma setting  
should be set to 1.  
If you are using a vidicon tube style camera, or a phosphor coated imager, then your output  
response is less likely to be linear, and you may need to enter a Gamma correction number that  
matches the gamma of your camera. Note: Correction is performed on the entered gamma value  
so enter the gamma value of the camera response, not the inverse gamma correction factor.  
Notice: Many CCD cameras have selectable gamma settings. Be sure to set your CCD camera to a gamma of 1.  
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3.2.3.9 Lens  
Click on this box if your camera is fitted with a lens. When enabled the 2D image orientation is  
adjusted to depict the image as if the observer is standing and viewing the scene from behind  
the camera.  
When disabled, the 2D image is oriented as if the observer is standing in front of the camera  
looking at the surface of the detector.  
3.2.3.10 Special Camera Settings  
The Special Camera Settings dialog box contains the electronic parameters that define a camera  
to the frame grabber board. All of these values are saved inside of a cameras .cam type file.  
We are not going to tell you much about these settings because we don’t want you accidentally  
changing something important and running amuck. If you want to experiment with a new  
camera type, one that is not in our camera selection list, then we recommend that you call our  
Service Department and ask for assistance. We’ll be happy to lend a hand.  
Notice: If you change a setting here, and then do a Save Config..., the change will be saved with the configuration  
file, and be restored when the configuration file is restored.  
3.2.4  
Capture... define acquisition method and processing  
The Capture dialog box is divided into four areas. These four areas each control different aspects of  
the image capturing process. Each area will be discussed separately.  
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Figure 17  
The user can assign certain of these capture control items to the Capture Toolbar. The assigned  
items will appear on the toolbar in essentially the same order that they are listed in this dialog box.  
The operation of each item from the Toolbar is identical to their operation from this dialog box. For  
simplicity, the following examples will refer only to the dialog box entries. Toolbar switch icons will be  
included in the titles when they exist.  
3.2.4.1 Capture  
The Capture panel controls how imaged data is to be acquired and saved into the frame buffer.  
You must first choose a capture Method, then subsequent selections need to be made. The  
capture Methods are:  
•
Continuous: Configures the LBA to continuously acquire new frames of video images  
from the frame grabber card as fast as possible, or at a rate determined by the value set  
in the Interval edit control. (See 3.2.4.2)  
•
Single Shot: Choose if you only want to acquire a single frame of video from the frame  
grabber card. Each time you click on Start!, the frame grabber will capture one video  
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frame, and then Stop!. Successive clicks on Start! will each cause one additional frame  
to be acquired. The Interval setting has no effect.  
•
Block: This method will cause a Block Length specified number of video frames to be  
acquired from the frame grabber. What is unique to this method is that the frames will  
not be displayed, nor have results computed during the acquisition time. This is so the  
frame grabber can capture frames contiguously, with no delays or lost frames owing to  
time spent performing results computations. When acquisition of the Block of frames is  
completed, the last frame acquired will be displayed and the results computed for that  
frame.  
Note: If you specify a Block Length larger than the frame buffer capacity, the data will wrap the buffer and  
overwrite the earlier frames. The Interval setting is operational.  
If you are using Block Mode in combination with Logging or Statistics computations, you  
should read Implications of Combining Logging Statistics. . . in Section 3.1.12.  
•
Live Video: This is a raw video display only method. Video frames will be continuously  
acquired based upon the Trigger Type selection and the Interval setting. However,  
the data will be totally unprocessed, will not be placed into the frame buffer, and will  
yield no computed results. This is best described as the... “is my camera/frame grabber  
working?” mode. When you are in the Live Video mode, the Frame indicator will be  
forced to a -6, and the Frame Comment will be forced to read Live Frame.  
Note: This method only operates in 2D display mode.  
Hint: It is best to set the Trigger Type to the CW mode when using Live Video to locate your laser beam on your  
camera’s detector.  
Figure 18  
•
Post Process: This method does not collect video frames from the frame grabber, but  
rather allows you to run, or rerun, processing of old data that is either already stored in  
the frame buffer, or stored in a disk data file. When Post Process is selected, the right  
half of the Capture panel becomes activated. Click on the Frame Buffer radio button  
to select processing of data already in the frame buffer, or click on File to post process  
data from a .lb3/4/5/7 data file. If you have selected File, type in the file name that  
you want to source the data from, or click on Browse... to search for the file name. In  
either case, you must specify the Start location of either the frame buffer location or the  
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file record number, and the Number of frames or records to post process. The number  
of frames can be 0, or 1 to the number of frames in the frame buffer or file. 0 means all  
the frames. The resulting frames will be placed sequentially into the frame buffer,  
beginning at the current frame buffer location. Be careful that you do not overwrite  
something you intended to save. The post processing toolbar switch  
selecting the above file name.  
is a shortcut to  
If you are using Post Processing in combination with Logging or Statistics computations, you  
should read Implications of Combining Logging, Statistics. . . in Section 3.1.12.  
Operating hints:  
•
•
•
When setting up, use the Continuous method with Interval set to 1.  
Always Post Process from a File source.  
You cannot use Post Process to Ultracal old data. It must have been calibrated when it was  
captured.  
3.2.4.2 Capture Interval  
The Interval setting determines the capture rate, up to the fastest rate achievable under the  
present setup conditions. The value entered in this edit control specifies how many frames will  
occur for each frame captured. A setting of 1, will attempt to capture every frame from the  
camera; 2, will capture every second frame; 3 every third; and so on...  
Divide this setting into the camera frame rate to compute the rate at which the system will  
attempt to digitize frames, i.e., a 3 will cause a 30 Hz frame rate camera to be digitized at 10  
frames per second. The ultimate impact of this setting is also determined by the Trigger  
Interval setting, see Rate Control in Chapter 5.  
Note: The fastest achievable frame rate is determined by other factors, including the image size, the speed of your  
PC, the type and number of results being computed, the amount of processing being employed.  
3.2.4.3 Camera  
The Camera panel in the Capture dialog box permits you to:  
•
Select which camera Input is in use. Note: This choice is only available if you purchased  
the four-camera option, see section 3.2.4.3.1 below, otherwise the only available choice  
is Camera 1.  
•
Set the Video Gain level of the signal processing system on the frame grabber card.  
Note: If you have the four-camera option, this control will apply only to the currently  
selected camera.  
•
•
Set the digitizer Black Level threshold. Note: If you have the four-camera option, this  
control will apply only to the currently selected camera.  
Program the electronic Shutter setting of your camera, if your camera is equipped with  
a remote shutter control feature. Note: If you have the four-camera option, this control  
will apply only to the currently selected camera.  
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Figure 19  
Operating hints:  
•
Increasing Video Gain also increases video noise. Use Video Gain sparingly, or not at all. Leave  
it set to 1 whenever possible.  
•
The Black Level will be adjusted automatically each time you perform an Ultracal! calibration  
cycle. Therefore, it is best that you make no changes to this setting. If you alter the Black Level  
after an Ultracal!, the calibration will no longer be valid.  
3.2.4.3.1  
The Four Camera Option  
Some enhancements have been made to the four-camera option with the release of software  
version 4.00. These enhancements make it possible to automatically sequence data  
collection between multiple cameras (up to four). This sequencing only applies to analog  
cameras, and the following operating conditions must be met:  
•
•
•
All cameras must be the same type or model.  
The cameras must be Gen-Locked together.  
If cameras with remotely controlled shutters are used the shutter control circuits  
must be paralleled to each camera.  
The status of the input video is shown in the video enunciator located at the bottom of the  
LBA-PC’s main display window. The number shown in this enunciator indicates which camera  
is currently selected. If it shows GREEN then camera sync is present. If it shows RED then  
there is either no camera connected, or the connected camera is not operating.  
3.2.4.3.2  
How to Specify Video Gain, Black Level, Shutter, and Video Trigger Level  
On the right side of the Camera panel you will see a panel containing a Camera# drop-  
down, Video Gain, Black Level, and Shutter controls. Click on the drop-down to select  
which camera is affected, the current settings are displayed, and then make the desired  
changes. Note that Video Trigger Level, Trigger section below, can also be set for each  
camera.  
On the toolbar, changing the Video Gain, Black Level, Shutter, and Video Trigger Level  
affects only the current camera listed in the video enunciator located at the bottom of the  
main display window.  
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3.2.4.3.3  
Automatic Camera Switching Using the Four Camera Option  
With the four-camera option automatic switching between camera inputs is made possible by  
checking more than one camera enable at a time. Input data frames are repeatedly cycled  
into the frame buffer starting with the lowest numbered camera after clicking Start!  
Example: If cameras 1, 3 and 4 are checked; data will be placed into the frame buffer  
sequentially from camera 1,3,4,1,3,4…, etc. Clicking Stop! will halt data collection at  
whichever camera last input data into the frame buffer.  
WARNING: Do not check on a camera unless a camera is actually connected to the indicated camera input. An  
enabled input without a camera will cause data collection to stall when the nonexistent camera is selected.  
.
3.2.4.3.4  
Ultracal Operation with the Four Camera Option  
If more than one camera is checked on when the Ultracal! menu item is activated, each of  
the enabled cameras will be separately Ultracal’d in rotation. Data collected from each  
camera will be individually baseline corrected according to its respective Ultracal reference  
frame.  
3.2.4.3.5  
Auto-Exposure Operation with the Four Camera Option  
The Auto-Exposure feature will automatically set the exposure or electronic shutter of certain  
compatible types of cameras. If the four-camera option is present the LBA application will  
attempt to find a correct shutter setting for each enabled camera. It will apply the correct  
shutter setting to each camera during the data collection process.  
3.2.4.3.6  
Acquisition Rate Effects with the Four Camera Option  
The data acquisition rate, when cycling between cameras, will depend upon the number and  
types of enabled processing features. Without any processing overhead the camera switch  
rate is the frame rate of the camera. This means that if one camera can be input at 30  
frames per second, then camera switching will progress at 30 switches per second. If your  
system is not capable of sustaining this rate, then the resulting rate will be whatever  
maximum rate can be sustained.  
When various types of image processing, or complex computations are being performed, the  
acquisition rate may slow down. These effects will delay the switching rate accordingly. The  
rule affecting the switching rate is that it will take as long to switch to the next camera as it  
takes to acquire and process data for the current camera.  
Note: Image processing rules apply identically to the data inputs of all enabled cameras. I.e. If frame averaging is  
enabled then each camera input will be frame averaged before switching to the next camera. It is not possible to  
average inputs from multiple cameras during the data collection process. However this can be done using the Post  
Processing feature.  
3.2.4.4 Trigger  
The Trigger panel in the Capture dialog box allows you to selectively control when an image is  
to be captured by the LBA. The selected trigger Type will govern which of the other selections  
you will need to make. The four Type choices are:  
•
CW: Choose this type if your laser operates in a continuous wave manner, or pulses at a  
repetition rate that will appear to your video camera as continuous. In CW mode, none  
of the other settings in this panel are applicable.  
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•
•
Trigger Out: If your laser is a pulsed type, and you would like the LBA-PC to provide  
an output pulse that will cause the laser to be fired, use this setting. See Trigger Out  
and Interval and Trigger Out Delay.  
Video Trigger: With this mode selected, the input from your camera is continuously  
monitored, and when a laser pulse is detected, the frame is captured. The pulse  
detector has a programmable threshold that is settable in the Video Trigger Level edit  
control. The level setting is always in raw digitizer counts. A suggested trigger level  
value, that will not detect noise yet remain reasonably sensitive, is the second lowest  
level.  
•
Trigger In: If your laser can provide a compatible trigger input pulse to the LBA, then  
you can use that pulse to synchronize the capture of your video frame. In general, this  
technique is inferior to the preceding Video Trigger mode. Its only advantage would be  
to allow you to capture an event that occurs independently of other things that might be  
occurring in the video frame that preclude the use of Video Trigger. See Polarity.  
Figure 20  
The other settings operate and apply as follows:  
•
Trigger Out: Applies to Trigger Out and Video Trigger modes. Output pulses from  
the LBA-PC can be programmed to output Always, or only when the frame grabber is  
sampling video While Running. i.e., beginning when you click Start!, ending when  
you click Stop! Note: The output trigger pulse is always positive and its pulse width is  
fixed (see Specifications).  
•
Interval: Applies to Trigger Out and Video Trigger modes. You can program the  
rate at which the LBA will produce trigger output pulses. The rate is based upon the  
camera frame rate. The value entered in this edit control specifies how many frames will  
occur for each trigger pulse generated. A setting of 1, will output a trigger pulse once  
for every frame of the camera; 2, will output a pulse on every second frame; 3 every  
third; and so on... Divide this setting into the camera frame rate to compute the rate at  
which the LBA will output trigger pulses. i.e., a 3 will cause a 30 Hz frame rate camera  
to fire a laser at 10 frames per second.  
•
•
Trigger Out Delay: Applies to Trigger Out and Video Trigger modes. If this item is  
not checked, the trigger output pulse will occur at the same time as the camera’s vertical  
sync, i.e. at the start of each video frame. For many CCD cameras, this is not a good  
time to receive a laser pulse. If you check this item, the trigger output pulse will be  
delayed to a time near the middle of the video frame, or field, if the camera is interlaced.  
Polarity: Applies to the Trigger In mode only. The LBA response to a trigger input is  
edge sensitive. You can program the response to the input trigger pulse to be either  
Positive, rising edge sensitive, or Negative, falling edge sensitive.  
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See Chapter 5 for additional information and examples regarding Triggering.  
3.2.4.5 Processing  
The Processing panel is where you select how to process digitized frames of data. This  
processing determines how each frame that is stored in the frame buffer will be constructed.  
This processing occurs prior to the calculating of any numerical results.  
Figure 21  
The Processing options are applicable to both newly input frames from the frame grabber card,  
and to recorded frames that are being Post Processed. Below this panel you can also select  
the source for reference frames.  
Figure 22  
When enabled, the precedence of all processing and post processing operations are as follows  
(lowest number occurring first):  
1.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
5.  
6.  
7.  
Ultracal Processing (can not be post processed)  
Gain Correction  
Gamma Correction  
Frame Summing  
Frame Averaging  
Reference Subtraction  
Convolution  
Although Ultracal is a processing step it is important to note the following:  
•
•
Ultracal processing of newly acquired video is not an option in the dialog above.  
Ultracal processing must be enabled from the main screen Menu bar.  
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•
Ultracal processing cannot be a part of a post processing operation.  
Gamma Correction is also a type of processing. Gamma Correction is controlled from the  
Camera dialog box, as it relates to a specific camera’s characteristics. Gamma correction can  
be part of a post processing operation.  
3.2.4.6 Frame Summing  
Click on this item if you want the LBA to sum frames. Specify the Number of Frames that you  
want to sum into each frame placed in the frame buffer. Frames are always summed in the  
order that they are input. Frame summing can be used to increase the apparent size of low-level  
signals. Fixed pattern noise will unfortunately grow linearly with each summed frame, but  
temporal noise will increase at approximately the square root of the number of frames summed,  
thus the resulting signal to noise ratio will be improved.  
3.2.4.7 Frame Average  
Check on this item if you want the LBA to average frames. Specify the Number of Frames that  
you want to average into each frame placed in the frame buffer. Frames are always averaged in  
the order that they are input. Frame averaging will improve the signal to noise ratio by  
approximately the square root of the number of frames averaged.  
Note: If the frame that you are averaging has poor pointing stability, then the reliability of the computed results of  
an averaged frame may not be very good.  
3.2.4.8 Gain Correction  
Check on this item if you want to apply Gain Correction. You must have Generated or Loaded  
a gain correction table, before you can apply gain correction processing to newly acquired or post  
processed frames of data. See 3.1.8 Generate Gain, for further details.  
3.2.4.9 Reference Subtraction  
Check on this item if you want to subtract the reference frame from newly acquired or post  
processed frames of data. The reference frame is location 0 (zero) in the frame buffer. This  
location is always reserved for the reference frame. The content of frame 0 will be subtracted  
from the results of all other processing operations. Associated with creating and saving a  
reference frame is the Set Reference Source edit control (shown above), and the Set  
Reference action item in the Files menu, and the set reference toolbar button.  
See Set  
Reference for further details.  
The Set Reference Source edit control allows you to select what type of data will be loaded  
into the reference frame.  
Using this feature with the four-camera option will cause the reference frame to be subtracted  
from the input of each camera. It does not discriminate between camera selections.  
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Note: This edit control is repeated in the Beam Display dialog box and is available in the Display Toolbar.  
•
•
If the Set Reference Source item is set to Current Frame, the data in the currently  
viewed frame will be copied to the Reference frame.  
If the Set Reference Source is set to Last Gauss, and the Gauss Fit item in the  
Computations... dialog box is checked, then the beam profile resulting from a  
computed Gaussian fit to the currently viewed frame will be copied to the Reference  
frame.  
•
If the Set Reference Source is set to Auto Gauss, and the Gauss Fit item in the  
Computations dialog box is checked, then the beam profile resulting from a computed  
Gaussian fit to newly acquired frames will be automatically copied to the Reference  
frame. In this mode, setting a reference frame manually does not make any sense  
because the next frame brought into view will automatically update the contents of the  
reference frame.  
Note: In the last two examples, if the Gauss Fit item is not Checked, then no fit is computed and thus no data will  
be copied to the Reference frame.  
3.2.4.10 Convolution  
The term Convolution indicates a type of two-dimensional spatial filtering that can be applied to  
a digitized image. We will not attempt to use this term in any restricted construct. Rather we  
will apply it generally to a variety of area process transformations. At the time of this release we  
are providing just a few convolution algorithms, these primarily aimed at simple low-pass spatial  
filtering. We expect this list to grow in time, and welcome suggestions from our users for  
additional implementations.  
Click on this edit control to see a list of Convolution algorithms. Entries in this list that begin  
LPF #, indicate a Low-Pass filter. This is the most commonly used algorithm for simple image  
smoothing operations. The numbers following define the size of the convolution kernel in pixels.  
For example, 3x3 indicates a 9 pixel kernel 3 pixels by 3 pixels. Other common sizes are 5x5 and  
7x7.  
We recommend that you experiment with these selections until you find a process that meets  
your specific needs.  
See Convolution in Section 6.27 for more details regarding how these algorithms are applied.  
3.2.5  
Capture Toolbar... design the toolbar contents  
You can select which functions you want to appear on the Capture Toolbar by checking the desired  
item. The functions will appear on the toolbar in the same order that they are listed in this dialog  
box. The first four panels; Capture, Camera, Trigger, and Processing, are analogous to the items  
listed in the Capture dialog box.  
The panel labeled Other offers you the following two tools that are associated with File menu items,  
and a third item that is not available anywhere else.  
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3.2.5.1 Logging  
This switch will launch you into the Data & Results Logging dialog box.  
3.2.5.2 Print  
This switch will cause the selected print options to be printed on your configured printer. You  
will not get a chance to reconfigure your printer or print setup item when you click this tool, so  
be sure that you have set your options up in File, Print Setup... before you click here.  
3.2.5.3 Write Protect  
This tool can be used to write protect any frame in the frame buffer. Before clicking on this tool,  
be sure that the frame number that you want to write protect is indicated in the frame counter.  
The frame counter  
is located in the lower right corner of the main window.  
When a frame has been write protected, its location in the frame buffer can not be overwritten.  
When new data is flowing into the frame buffer, write protected locations will be skipped.  
To un-write-protect a location, bring the frame number up again and note that the write protect  
button is still in the depressed position; click the tool a second time. This tool’s button will show  
in the un-depressed state to indicate that the frame is no longer write-protected. Therefore, the  
only way to determine which frames are write-protected is to cycle through the frames and  
simultaneously view the up/down state of the write-protect button.  
Caution: If you change the frame buffer resolution, all write protected frames and their contents will be deleted.  
3.2.6  
Computation... Energy calibration select results items  
The Computations dialog box is where you select the types of numerical results that you want to  
have calculated and displayed. You can also calibrate the beam energy here.  
Note: The term energy, shown in Italic, will be used to represent both Energy and Power.  
3.2.6.1 Energy of Beam  
The Energy of Beam edit control item lets you calibrate the LBA to the energy of your laser.  
You must measure the energy of your beam using an external measuring device, then enter the  
energy value here. Next select the appropriate units in the Energy Units item. The value  
entered must be the total energy of the frame currently displayed. For accurate results, the  
beam must be completely contained inside the current Hardware Zoom/Pan window, and an  
Ultracal! operation should be performed prior to collecting the frame used for energy  
calibration.  
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Figure 23  
If you enter an Energy of Beam value of 0 (zero) the energy related results items, such as,  
Total (energy), Peak (fluence), Min, Gauss Height, etc., will be computed in processed  
digitizer units. Processed digitizer units are called counts, and are dimensionless. In this case,  
no units will be displayed in the results window.  
Any non-zero entry will cause the displayed results to be reported in the units selected. Fluence  
results will also rely upon the Pixel Units entry to complete the energy density definition. A  
Pixel Unit selection of PX stands for pixel spatial units. The PX unit is dimensionless.  
When the Scale Units are set to µm, mm, or cm, the energy density results are computed as  
energy/cm². When the scale units are set to PX or m, the density results are displayed as  
energy/PX², or energy/m² respectively.  
3.2.6.2 Energy Calibration Procedure  
After you have set up the LBA-PC and are ready to acquire data, the energy calibration procedure  
involves the following three operation:  
1. Execute an Ultracal! operation.  
2. Acquire a calibration frame on the 2D display and a matching energy measurement on an  
external power/energy meter.  
3. Enter the energy and select the units in the Computations dialog box.  
3.2.6.3 Quantitative display, on/off  
Check the Quantitative box if you want to have the quantitative results item appear in the results  
window. Checking this box only controls the display of these results. Even if not checked, these  
results will be computed. The only way to turn off all computational activity is to minimize the  
Results display window. The displayed quantitative results consist of the following:  
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Total energy  
% in Aperture  
Peak fluence  
Min  
Peak Loc..ation, in X and Y  
Centroid location, in X and Y  
Beam Width, in both X and Y or Major and Minor axes  
Beam Diameter  
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For a detailed discussion of the above items see Chapter 4, Results Display, and Chapter 6,  
Computations.  
3.2.6.4 Beam Width Method  
The Beam Width Method edit selection will determine the technique used to compute the  
beam width results. The first two methods (4 Sigma and 90/10 Knife Edge) are computed  
based upon industry standard definitions. The remaining three choices are user definable, so use  
care in setting up and restoring their related options. See Beam Widths and Diameters in Chapter  
6 for a technical discussion of the methods described here.  
Notice: Beam Width measurements should never be made without Ultracal! processing. Failure to perform an  
Ultracal! operation will most certainly lead to inaccurate beam width results.  
Note: The Diameter results are always computed as the mean of the two Beam Width results.  
The five Beam Width Methods are:  
•
•
•
•
•
4 Sigma  
90/10 Knife Edge  
Knife Edge (user definable)  
Percent of Energy (user definable)  
Percent of Peak (user definable)  
Figure 24  
3.2.6.4.1  
D4 Sigma  
The 4 Sigma, or second moment method, will directly compute second moment beam  
widths in the X and Y beam axial directions, or along the computed orthogonal Major and  
Minor axes of the beam if the Elliptical calculations are enabled. The 4 Sigma method  
should always be used in conjunction with the LBA’s Auto Aperture feature. The 4 Sigma  
method is most sensitive to noise. If your camera or beam noise content is high you might  
want to employ Frame Averaging or Statistical analysis to home in on more accurate  
results. A big advantage of this method is that it is not influenced by mode content.  
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3.2.6.4.2  
90/10 Knife Edge  
This Knife Edge method uses a fixed 90% and 10% of energy as the moving edge Clip%  
points. The correction Multiplier is fixed at 1.561. These settings will yield highly accurate  
second moment equivalent beam widths for beams that are predominantly TEM00 in mode  
content, and for many other mixed mode combinations. There are a few modes for which  
this method will not be as accurate, as well as Top Hat shaped beams. This method will  
compute beam widths in the X and Y beam axial directions, or along the computed  
orthogonal Major and Minor axes of the beam if the Elliptical calculations are enabled.  
3.2.6.4.3  
Knife Edge  
If your laser mode content is not suitable for measurement using the previous Knife Edge  
method, then you can use this method and program your own Clip and Multiplier factors.  
For example if your beam is almost a pure donut shape (TEM01*), use the previous 90 and  
10 Clip% setting, but change the Multiplier to 1.533. For a circular Top Hat, use a  
Multiplier of 1.455. For a square Top Hat use a Multiplier of 1.444. This method will  
compute beam widths in the X and Y beam axial directions, or along the computed  
orthogonal Major and Minor axes of the beam if the Elliptical calculations are enabled.  
Hints: In general, your two Clip level settings should add up to 100%. Avoid using clip levels of <10%, as this  
begins to approach the camera’s noise floor, especially if your beam peak energy is less than 20% of camera  
saturation.  
3.2.6.4.4  
Percent of Energy  
This method will only use a limited amount of your beams energy to compute beam widths.  
In particular, it will only use the data from pixels on the X and Y axes of the beam that pass  
nearest to the computed centroid. If you have the Elliptical computations enabled, then the  
data used for this calculation will be from those pixels that lie along the Major and Minor  
axes. The Percent of Energy method requires that you set a Clip % value that  
corresponds to the percent of energy that will be used to define the beam width. For  
example, set the clip value to 86.47% if your beam is mostly a Gaussian TEM00 mode. The  
resulting beam widths will then be a 1/e², or second moment equivalent value.  
3.2.6.4.5  
Percent of Peak  
This method will only use a limited amount of your beam’s energy to compute beam widths.  
In particular, it will only use the data from pixels on the X and Y axes of the beam that pass  
nearest to the computed centroid. If you have the Elliptical computations enabled, then the  
data used for this calculation will be from those pixels that lie along the Major and Minor  
axes. The Percent of Peak method requires that you set a Clip % value that corresponds  
to the percent of your beams peak that will be used to define the beam width. For example,  
set the clip value to 13.53% if your beam is mostly a Gaussian TEM00 mode. The resulting  
beam widths will then be a 1/e², or second moment equivalent value.  
Hint: This method is most useful to measure the widths of Top Hat beams typically based upon a Full-Width-Half-  
Max (FWHM) criteria. To achieve this set the Clip% to 50%.  
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3.2.6.5 Elliptical  
Check on the Elliptical box to cause elliptical calculations to be performed. Having Elliptical  
results enabled will cause the nature of other calculations to be modified. In particular, Beam  
Width results will now be computed based upon the orientation of the Major and Minor axes of  
the beam, instead of the X and Y axes, as will the aligned Gauss Fit and Divergence results.  
See Elliptical in Chapter 6 for additional details.  
3.2.6.6 Gauss Fit  
Check on the Gauss Fit box to cause the Gaussian fitter results to be displayed. Gauss Fit  
computes a best fit of a Gaussian distribution to the data. Two types of fits are available. One is  
Whole Beam, and the second is X/Y or Major/Minor aligned. The Whole Beam choice  
computes an X,Y axial aligned fit to all of the data. The aligned choices perform two separate  
line fits using just the data that passes through the centroid, along the X,Y or Major, Minor  
axes. See Gauss Fit in Chapter 6 for additional details.  
Figure 25  
3.2.6.7 Top Hat  
Check on the Top Hat box to cause the Top Hat results to be displayed. Top Hat results  
include Mean, StdDev, (Std/Mean)%, Min, Max, Top Hat Factor, Effective Area and  
Effective Diameter. You must choose one of the three methods that determine how the Top  
Hat results are computed. These choices and their affects are:  
•
•
•
Data: This method will include all data above the Clip% level. If you are using 4  
Sigma, or one of the Knife Edge beam width methods, the Clip% level is forced to  
80% of peak.  
Area Aperture: Only available if an Aperture is present. This method will restrict the  
calculations to all data inside the Aperture. The clip level is only used to compute  
Effective Area and Diameter and has no effect on the other results.  
Line Aperture: Only available if an Aperture is present. This selection causes two  
separate Top Hat results to be computed along the orthogonal axes of the Aperture. The  
clip level is only used to compute Effective Area and Diameter and has no effect on the  
other results.  
Notice: If you disable the Aperture, in either the Area or Line Aperture modes, the above setup will  
automatically revert to Data.  
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Hints: Use Drawn apertures and avoid Auto apertures when making Top Hat measurements. Use Percent of  
Peak as your beam width method. Typical Percent of Peak Clip% settings are 50%, 80%, and 90%.  
Refer to the Top Hat section in Chapter 6 for additional details.  
3.2.6.8 Divergence  
Two methods are provided for making divergence measurements of your laser beam. The  
preferred technique is the Focal Length method. The Focal Length method can produce a  
valid result anywhere in the laser beam path and only requires one measurement.  
A second technique, referred to as the Far-Field method, is also provided. The Far-Field  
method is only valid if you are sampling your laser in the far field. It will give incorrect results if  
you are measuring your laser in the near-field. The Far-Field method requires you to make two  
sets of beam width measurements a known distance apart.  
See Divergence in Chapter 6 for details regarding how these two methods are computed.  
3.2.6.8.1  
Focal Length Divergence Measurements  
The Focal Length method requires you to bring your laser beam to a focus using either a  
focusing lens or mirror. You must place your camera detector at the focal point of the  
focusing optic. One-half to one-meter focal lengths are typical, as they will keep the focused  
spot size large enough to be measured with a CCD camera.  
Check the Divergence box and select Focal Length in the drop down edit control. Enter  
the Focal Length of your optical system in meters. The divergence results will be computed  
for both the X and Y or the Major and Minor beam widths, depending upon Elliptical being  
enabled.  
Figure 26  
The Focal Length method is most appropriate for lasers that exhibit small angular  
divergences. For larger divergence angles, like those seen with laser diodes, the Far-Field  
method is much more accurate.  
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3.2.6.8.2  
Far-Field Divergence Measurements  
The Far-Field method requires you to measure the beam widths of your laser at two known  
locations in the beams far-field. The change in size is used to compute the rate of beam  
divergence in mili-radians.  
First collect a pair of Reference beam widths. The Reference data should be acquired at  
the smaller beam width location. Click Stop!, and note the location of your camera in the  
beam path.  
Open the Options…Computations dialog box. Check the Divergence box and select Far  
Field in the drop down edit control. Click the Set button to transfer the current Reference  
beam widths into the provided edit control boxes.  
Note: You can manually enter these values from a previous measurement if you know what they are. The Set button  
is provided to facilitate making this entry.  
Figure 27  
Move your camera to the larger beam width sample location, noting the distance traveled by  
the camera. The distance traveled is the separation distance between the two sample  
locations. Enter this Separation distance in meters. Click OK and then Start! The  
divergence results will be computed for both the X and Y axes based upon how the current  
beam size has increased from that of the Reference sample.  
Notice: It is not recommended that Elliptical be enabled when making this measurement, rather you should rotate  
your laser/camera to be X and Y axis aligned. Under certain conditions the rate of divergence could cause the  
major and minor axes to swap in the far field region, yielding false results.  
3.2.6.9 Histogram  
Check this box if you want to view a Histogram of your laser beam’s energy distribution. The  
Histogram graphic and numerical results will appear in its own window of the LBA’s main  
display. The size of each bucket in the histogram is user programmable. Bucket size is based  
upon the integer values produced by the A to D converter. If required, the bucket size will be  
converted to floating point values to reflect the processing effects of an energy calibration. The  
buckets are sized up (plus) and down (minus) from zero.  
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Figure 28  
Enter the Bucket Size in the provided edit control. A good value to start with is 16, 64, 256 or  
1024, depending upon which model frame grabber you are using; an 8, 10, 16, or 14 bit format  
respectively.  
Refer to the Histogram section in Chapter 6 for additional details.  
3.2.6.10 Statistics  
Check this box to enable the addition of Statistical information in the Results window. Statistical  
results will be computed for every numerical results item that is appearing in the Results window.  
The statistical results provided are: Mean, Standard Deviation, Maximum, and Minimum.  
To view the statistics results you must either maximize the Results window, or use the horizontal  
scroll bar to bring the values into view.  
Figure 29  
There are three ways to control how many samples are used to generate the statistical results  
calculations. The following choices and their usage is as follows:  
1. Continuous: Statistical results will begin to accumulate when you click Start!, and do so  
until you click Stop!.  
2. Frames: Enter the number of frames of data that you want to accumulate for statistical  
purposes. After you click Start! the LBA will run until the number of frames is collected  
and then automatically Stop!.  
3. Time: Enter the collection duration in Hours:Minutes:Seconds that you want to  
accumulate statistical results. After you click Start! the LBA will run until the time is  
depleted and then automatically Stop!.  
In all of the above, you can click Stop! and click Start! to pause and to resume statistical data  
collection. However, in cases 2 and 3 above, when you restart, it does not resume the cycle  
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from the point of interruption. Rather the cycle resets to the duration values set in the dialog  
box, but does not clear the prior accumulated stats.  
If you click on Start! after the frame count or timer has run out, the collection process will  
continue to add more data to the results until the cycle completes a second time.  
To reset statistical data operations you must turn Statistics off, click OK, and then turn  
Statistics back on. Or right click in the Results window and click on the Results Statistics  
item.  
When collecting Frames or Time limited Statistics, the Rate display will indicate the number of  
frames to go,  
or the time remaining  
If you are using Statistics computations in combination with Logging, Block Capture, or Post  
Processing, you should read Implications of Combining Logging, Statistics. . . in Section 3.1.12.  
Refer to the Statistics section in Chapter 6 for additional information  
3.2.7  
Beam Display... define the beam display  
The LBA-PC has a number of display options. The operation of these options can vary depending  
upon whether the 2D or 3D display mode is in effect. Options in the Beam Display dialog box that  
are shared by both 2D and 3D modes will be discussed first. Separate sections are provided for those  
options that are exclusive to either the 2D or 3D panels.  
The user can assign certain of these display control items to the Display Toolbar. The assigned  
items will appear on the toolbar in essentially the same order that they are listed in this dialog box.  
The operation of each item from the Toolbar is identical to their operation from this dialog box. For  
simplicity, the following examples will refer only to the dialog box entries. Toolbar switch icons will be  
included in the titles when they exist.  
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Beam View  
Cursors  
Cursor Orientation  
Origin Location  
Beam Colors  
Z Axis Scale  
Beam Display  
Set Reference Source  
Display Thresholds  
Color Bar  
Copy Image to Clipboard  
Copy Image to Wallpaper  
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3.2.7.1 Beam View  
Inside the Beam Display… dialog, click either the 2D or 3D radio button for the display mode  
that you want to view your beam in. You may also toggle beam display with the 2D/3D button  
on the toolbar.  
Note: In general 3D displays will run slower than 2D owing to the amount of computations involved with  
generating the wire frame.  
3.2.7.2 Cursors  
You may choose to place cursors onto either a 2D or 3D display. The cursors will appear as two  
black and white dashed lines in a 2D display and as solid white lines in a 3D display. Cursor  
options include:  
•
•
•
Off: No Cursors will be displayed.  
Manual: Cursors will be displayed, and the operator manually determines their location.  
Centroid: Cursors will be displayed, but their location is automatically drawn to pass  
through the computed centroid of the beam.  
Note: This operation will revert to Manual if the results window is minimized.  
•
Peak: Cursors will be displayed, but their location is automatically drawn to pass  
through the peak energy location of the beam.  
Note: This operation will revert to Manual if the results window is minimized.  
There are two ways to move and position the Cursors in the 2D display mode, and only one way  
to move them in the 3D mode.  
At the bottom of the main display window are two spin controls, one labeled X: and one Y:.  
These controls indicate the location of the Cursor’s intersection. The Value: displays the energy  
at the Cursor’s intersect point. You can edit these controls to redraw the cursors to a new  
location.  
Note: The above method is the only way to move the cursors in the 3D display mode.  
The second way to move the Cursors is to use the mouse to drag and drop them. Move the  
mouse pointer to the intersection of the Cursors. When the pointer changes to the cursor drag  
symbol,  
press and hold down the left mouse button and drag the Cursors to a new location.  
Release the mouse button to drop the Cursors.  
The Cursors can also used to fix the Manual Origin Location. (See 3.2.7.4)  
3.2.7.3 Cursor Orientation  
The Cursors can be orientated to align with either the X/Y axial directions, or with the computed  
Major/Minor axial directions.  
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Note: You must have the Elliptical computations turned on to permit the Major/Minor orientations to operate  
correctly, otherwise it will revert to the X/Y operating mode.  
3.2.7.4 Origin Location  
The beam display window will always have an X/Y origin from which all other positional data will  
be referenced. A red dot visible in the Pan/Zoom window will indicate where the Origin location  
is set. The operator can choose one of four defaults, or manually locate the origin. The four  
defaults are:  
•
•
•
•
Detector UL: The origin will be the upper left-hand corner of the camera detector as  
referenced in the display Pan/Zoom window.  
Detector LL: The origin will be the lower left-hand corner of the camera detector as  
referenced in the display Pan/Zoom window.  
Window UL: The origin will be the upper left-hand corner of the Pan Window as  
referenced in the display Pan/Zoom window.  
Window LL: The origin will be the lower left-hand corner of the Pan Window as  
referenced in the display Pan/Zoom window.  
Note: In the first two selections, the Origin is absolutely referenced to the camera detector, and thus the Pan  
window moves over the coordinate system just as the cursors do. In the last two selections the Origin is located  
only with respect to the Pan window, thus the Origin moves relative to the detector as the Pan window is moved.  
Manual origin locations are always absolutely referenced to the camera detector, see note  
above. You must be in 2D display mode and have the Cursors enabled to manually place the  
origin. Move the Cursors to the location where you want the Origin be placed, then double  
click the right mouse button. Observe that the X: and Y: cursor locations now show zeros.  
Also observe that the Pan/Zoom window’s red dot is in the approximate location inside the Pan  
window where you just placed the Origin.  
Figure 30  
Note: If the Origin is set to Manual, and the Crosshair is set to Origin, then you can move the Origin by dragging  
and dropping the Crosshair.  
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3.2.7.5 Beam Colors  
Your choice of beam display colors depends upon which display mode you have selected. There  
are 3 choices available in both 2D and 3D modes, plus 2 additional choices in 3D mode. They  
are:  
•
•
•
•
Color Bands: 16 colors plus white to indicate intensities at, or near, A/D converter  
saturation. Available in both 2D and 3D.  
Color Continuous: 128 colors plus white to indicate intensities at, or near, A/D  
converter saturation. Available in both 2D and 3D.  
Gray Scale: 128 shades of gray plus red to indicate intensities at, or near, A/D  
converter saturation. Available in both 2D and 3D.  
Green: Available only in 3D mode, a monochrome shade of green that can be used with  
laser goggles that do not filter the green wavelengths. White is used to indicate  
intensities at, or near, A/D converter saturation.  
•
Yellow: Available only in 3D mode, a monochrome shade of yellow that can be used  
with laser goggles that do not filter the yellow wavelengths. White is used to indicate  
intensities at, or near, A/D converter saturation.  
Note: In the above selections, data that is representing negative energy values will be displayed in dark gray,  
except in the case of the gray scale, dark blue.  
•
User Palette: This selection allows the user to select a color palette that they have  
custom designed. When selected a Palette button will appear in the Display  
Toolbar. When you click on this button you will be allowed to select one of your custom  
palette files for both 2D and 3D displays. See section 3.2.10 about how to create a  
custom palette.  
These basic color schemes can be augmented by some other display choices. In particular,  
choosing Z Axis Scaling greater than x1, enabling 3D Contour displays, and Beam Display  
selections that involve more than one beam at a time will modify how your beam will be  
displayed.  
3.2.7.6 Z Axis Scale  
You can expand the intensity or Z Axis Scale in both 2D and 3D display modes. An expanded Z  
axis will allow you to view a narrower range of intensities in more detail. The Z axis scaling will  
yield slightly different imaging results depending upon which Beam Colors you have selected. To  
activate Z Axis Scaling, select a magnification factor greater than x1. A good value to practice  
when using this feature is a conservative x2. When Z axis scaling is activated, a vertical scroll  
bar will appear along the right edge of the beam display window. You can use this scroll bar to  
slide the expanded viewing range up or down the full Z axis scale.  
In 3D mode, it is easy to see where the expanded display region boundaries end and the  
outside region begins. To assist you in the 2D display mode, a pair of dashed lines will indicate  
the magnified range in the Cursor Profiles. Of course, to see these indicators you must have  
the Cursor Profiles turned on and the Cursors passing through the beam profile.  
Hint: Use Z Axis Scaling with: Beam Color set to Color Continuous, 2D Cursor Profiles turned on, and Cursors  
set to Centroid.  
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Another Hint: A good time to use Z Axis Scaling is when you need to view the low energy down in the wings of  
your laser beam. Kick the scaling up to x8, leave the scale scroll bar at the bottom of the slider, and maybe add in a  
little video gain and some frame averaging to quiet the noise. You’ll be amazed at what you can see!  
3.2.7.7 Beam Display  
You can change how your beam is displayed without actually changing how it is processed nor  
how it is stored in the frame buffer. With these choices you can visually compare your Current  
selected Beam Display to a beam profile stored in the Reference frame buffer. Or compare it  
to your beam with the reference added or subtracted from it. Or just display your current beam  
added to or subtracted by the reference beam.  
The choices here seem obvious, however the impact on your display may be a bit disconcerting  
when first viewed, so some explanation is in order.  
First, the definition of Current means the frame buffer location indicated in the frame counter at  
the bottom of the main display window. In other words, the frame you currently have decided to  
view. If you are running, then the current frame will be cycling.  
The Reference frame is whatever you last saved into the reference frame buffer, location 0  
(zero).  
For 99% of the majority of users the Beam Display will be set to Current Alone, and rarely be  
changed.  
For those other 1%, and you know who you are, read on...  
3.2.7.7.1  
Current and Reference:  
2D You must have both Cursors and Cursor Profiles enabled for this feature to operate.  
The Current beam alone will appear in the display. A second profile, drawn in Lt. Gray will  
also appear in the display. This profile is a projection of the Reference beam. All projections  
are made from the Cursor positions.  
3D The Current beam will be displayed in Red. The Reference will be displayed in Blue. If  
cursors are enabled they will follow the contour of the Current beam.  
3.2.7.7.2  
Current and Current - Reference:  
2D You must have both Cursors and Cursor Profiles enabled for this feature to operate.  
The Current beam alone will appear in the display. A second profile, drawn in Lt. Gray will  
appear in the display. This profile is a projection of the Current beam minus the Reference  
beam. All projections are made from the Cursor positions.  
3D The Current beam will be displayed in Red. The Current minus the Reference will be  
displayed in Blue. If cursors are enabled, they will follow the contour of the Current beam.  
3.2.7.7.3  
Current and Current + Reference:  
2D You must have both Cursors and Cursor Profiles enabled for this feature to operate.  
The Current beam alone will appear in the display. A second profile, drawn in Lt. Gray will  
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appear in the display. This profile is a projection of the Current beam plus the Reference  
beam. All projections are made from the Cursor positions.  
3D The Current beam will be displayed in Red. The Current plus the Reference will be  
displayed in Blue. If cursors are enabled they will follow the contour of the Current beam.  
3.2.7.7.4  
Reference Alone:  
2D You must have both Cursors and Cursor Profiles enabled for this feature to operate.  
The Reference beam alone will appear in the display. A second profile, drawn in Lt. Gray  
will appear in the display. This profile is a projection of the otherwise unseen Current beam.  
All projections are made from the Cursor positions.  
3D The Reference beam alone will appear in the display. It will be displayed in whatever  
Beam Color choice was selected.  
3.2.7.7.5  
Current - Reference:  
2D You must have both Cursors and Cursor Profiles enabled for this feature to operate.  
The Current minus the Reference beam will appear in the display. A second profile, drawn in  
Lt. Gray will appear in the display. This profile is a projection of the Current beam. All  
projections are made from the Cursor positions.  
3D The Current minus the Reference beam will appear in the display. It will be displayed in  
whatever Beam Color choice was selected.  
3.2.7.7.6  
Current + Reference:  
2D You must have both Cursors and Cursor Profiles enabled for this feature to operate.  
The Current plus the Reference beam will appear in the display. A second profile, drawn in  
Lt. Gray will appear in the display. This profile is a projection of the Current beam. All  
projections are made from the Cursor positions.  
3D The Current plus the Reference beam will appear in the display. It will be displayed in  
what ever Beam Color choice was selected.  
Note: In all of the above, negative energy results will always be drawn in dark gray. The results computations are  
only for the Current beam. The displayed image resulting from adding or subtracting reference frames is not saved  
in the frame buffer, however these images can be printed.  
3.2.7.8 Set Reference Source  
The Set Reference Source edit control allows you to select what type of data will be loaded  
into the reference frame. Note: This edit control is repeated in the Capture dialog box.  
•
If the Set Reference Source item is set to Current Frame, the data in the currently  
viewed frame will be copied to the Reference frame.  
•
If the Set Reference Source is set to Last Gauss, and the Gauss Fit item in the  
Computations dialog box is checked, then the beam profile resulting from a computed  
Gaussian fit to the currently viewed frame will be copied to the Reference frame.  
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•
If the Set Reference Source is set to Auto Gauss, and the Gauss Fit item in the  
Computations dialog box is checked, then the beam profile resulting from a computed  
Gaussian fit to newly acquired frames will be automatically copied to the Reference  
frame. In this mode, setting a reference frame manually does not make any sense  
because the next frame brought into view will automatically update the contents of the  
reference frame.  
Note: In the last two examples, if the Gauss Fit item is not checked and set to Whole Beam, then no fit data will be  
available and therefore nothing will be copied to the Reference frame.  
3.2.7.9 Display Thresholds  
You can add Display Thresholds to the beam display that permit you to see when energy  
intensities fall into regions that may be of significance to your application. You can set a Lower  
and an Upper threshold. Setting the Lower threshold to zero will disable its operation. Setting  
the Upper threshold to its maximum value will likewise disable its operation. If the Energy of  
Beam setting is set to zero then the maximum value is 255 for the LBA-300PC; 1023 for the  
LBA-400PC; 4095 for the LBA-500PC. If you have calibrated the beam energy, then the  
maximum value will be scaled accordingly.  
The visual effect of setting active threshold values is to force the displayed beam intensities that  
fall between the two threshold settings, to follow the Beam Color selection. Beam intensities  
that lie below the Lower threshold, or above the Upper threshold, will revert to a different color  
style. Intensities that lie within the threshold region are defined as being in-bounds. Intensities  
that lie outside the threshold region are said to be out-of-bounds.  
If your Beam Colors is set to one of the colored selections, i.e., Color Bands, Color Continuous,  
Green, or Yellow; then the out-of-bounds colors will be replaced with the Gray Scale palette.  
If your Beam Color is set to the Gray Scale selection, then the out-of-bounds colors will be  
replaced with the Color Continuous palette.  
Hint: Program both the Lower and Upper threshold values to visually indicate that your Top Hat beam’s intensity  
remains within a certain range. Program just the Upper threshold value to see if your beam’s peak intensity  
exceeds a certain maximum value.  
Note: Using the Lower threshold feature in 2D, combined with a colored beam selection will have the effect of  
making your beam profile displays disappear. Use a Gray Scale selection if you want to preserve the beam profile  
displays.  
3.2.7.10 Color Bar  
If you check the Color Bar item, a color-coded Z axis intensity scale will appear along the right-  
hand edge of the beam display window. This scale will reflect the colors that are currently  
operating on the beam display. The numerical amounts indicate the intensity value that is  
required to produce the associated color. Use this only as a guide, unless you have perfect  
color/gray-scale acuity.  
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3.2.7.11 Copy Image to Clipboard  
If you click on the above button, the currently displayed frame image will be copied to the  
Clipboard in a .bmp format. This is a handy method for quickly exporting images from the LBA-  
PC application to another application without having to go through the Export Image process.  
3.2.7.12 Copy Image to Wallpaper  
If you click on the above button, the currently displayed frame image will be copied to your  
Desktop Wallpaper. This tool has no real practical application except to provide bored operators  
with something meaningless to do.  
3.2.7.13 2D Only Beam Display Items  
The following Beam Display dialog box items only affect the 2D beam display.  
3.2.7.13.1  
Cursor Profiles  
Check this item if you want Cursor Profiles to appear along the bottom and left edges of  
the beam display. The profiles will display a projection of the beam intensity through the  
pixels where the Cursors are drawn. If you have the Cursors turned Off, no profiles will be  
displayed.  
If your beam display is in color, the profiles will be drawn in White.  
If your beam display is in shades of gray, the profiles will be drawn in Red.  
The Profile displays will not plot negative values below the noise floor.  
3.2.7.13.2  
Crosshair  
A Crosshair mark can be added to the 2D display. You can use the location of the  
Crosshair to make a straight line distance measurement from it to the intersection of the  
Cursors. The distance from the Crosshair to the Cursor is shown on the lower status bar  
as the Delta  
display. Although the Crosshair is not visible in a 3D  
display, the Delta distances are still valid and are based upon how they were last set.  
The Crosshair can be configured as follows:  
•
•
Off: No Crosshair will be displayed.  
Manual: Crosshair will be displayed, and the operator manually determines its  
location.  
•
Centroid: Crosshair will be displayed, and its location is automatically drawn at  
the computed centroid of the beam.  
Note: This operation will not function correctly if the results window is minimized.  
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•
•
Peak: Crosshair will be displayed, and its location is automatically drawn at the  
peak energy location of the beam. Note: This operation will not function correctly if  
the results window is minimized.  
Origin: The Crosshair will locate to the position of the Origin.  
Note: The Crosshair might not be displayed if the Origin location is outside the display window, or it might be in an  
upper or lower left corner.  
To manually position the Crosshair, use the mouse to drag and drop it. Move the mouse  
pointer to the intersection point of the Crosshair.  
When the pointer changes to the Crosshair drag symbol,  
, press and hold down the left  
mouse button and drag the Crosshair to a new location. Release the mouse button to drop  
the Crosshair.  
The Crosshair can also be used to position the Manual Origin Location. If the Origin is  
set to Manual mode, and the Crosshair set to Origin, if you drag and drop the Crosshair  
the Origin will move with it.  
Note: It is possible for the Crosshair/Origin to be outside of the current viewing area of the Display and thus not  
visible. Check the Pan/Zoom windows red dot to locate the origin.  
3.2.7.13.3  
Grid  
Check this item to cause an X/Y Grid to overlay the display. The Grid scale will vary based  
upon the spatial calibration setting. You can use the Grid to make rough distance  
measurements.  
3.2.7.14 3D only  
The following Beam Display dialog box items only have an effect on the 3D beam display.  
3.2.7.14.1  
Wire Frame  
/ Crosshatch  
The 3D beam display is drawn as a wire frame. The above two check items will cause the  
wire frame display to have wires running only in the horizontal direction, or in a crosshatch  
pattern. If just the Wire Frame item is checked, the display will consist of wires running  
only in the most horizontal direction. If Crosshatch is also checked, the display will be  
crosshatched. In 3D mode, either Wire Frame or Contour (see below), must be checked.  
Hint: Your display will run faster if only Wire Frame is checked.  
3.2.7.14.2  
Contour  
Check the Contour box if you want to see your beam display in a contour map style. When  
you turn on the Contour mode the Wire Frame/Crosshatch style display will change from  
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the color style selected to a Light Gray. Only the Contour display will remain in the selected  
Beam Color.  
Hint: Use the Color Continuous Beam Color type when using the Contour display style.  
3.2.7.14.3  
Rotate and Tilt  
You can use these edit controls to set the Rotate and Tilt angles of the X, Y, and Z axes.  
These controls are a quick way to set specific rotate and tilt values, but the simplest way to  
change the viewing angles is to use the scroll controls in the Tilt and Rotate window.  
Figure 31  
Figure 32  
The Rotate setting is the direction that the Red (X) axis points in degrees. When it points  
to the right it is at zero degrees. The rotation angle increases at it turns counter-clockwise.  
The Tilt setting is the angle that the Blue (Z) axis makes to the display window. When it  
points up it’s at zero degrees. When it points straight out of the display, it’s at 90 degrees.  
3.2.7.14.4  
Wire Density  
The number of wires that comprise the Wire Frame display is controlled by the Wire  
Density edit control selection. This setting also controls the Contour line resolution. The  
higher the Wire Density, the slower your draw rate. Choose the minimum density that will  
allow you to see what you need to see.  
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Figure 33  
Note: Whenever you do a Soft Zoom while in 3D mode, the Wire Density will go to the highest resolution value  
possible, based upon the camera resolution setting. For example, if your camera resolution is 256x240, and your  
Wire Frame setting is 64x60, the first time you Soft Zoom into the image the wire frame resolution will change to  
128x120.  
3.2.8  
Beam Display Toolbar  
You can select which functions you want to appear on the Display Toolbar by checking the desired  
item. The functions will appear on the toolbar in the same order that they are listed in this dialog  
box.  
The three toolbar.panels contain most of the items listed in the Beam Display dialog box. Cursor  
Profiles and Display Thresholds are not available on the toolbar. The 3D Rotate and Tilt edit  
controls will appear as scroll bars in a dedicated Rotate and Tilt window.  
3.2.9  
Beam Stability  
This program collects centroid and peak data from the LBA-PC and displays it graphically. The  
graphics that are displayed are as follows:  
•
A strip chart that collects the following data vs. time. Centroid X and Y, Peak X and Y, and  
centroid radius from an origin or from the mean centroid.  
•
•
A peak location scatter plot with histogram color-coding  
A centroid location scatter plot with histogram color-coding  
Click on the Options menu item and then click Launch Beam Stability… to start the beam stability  
program. This will open up a new window with the beam stability program that looks like the window  
below:  
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Figure 34  
Note: The LBA-PC program must be running, collecting data and non-minimized for the pointing stability program  
to collect data.  
3.2.9.1 Main Controls  
The main controls are located in a toolbar in the upper left corner of the main window. These  
controls consist of buttons for Start, Pause, Reset, Printer Setup, Print, and Exit Program.  
Figure 35  
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3.2.9.1.1  
Start Button  
The Start Button begins data collection. However, if the LBA-PC is not collecting data in the  
background, then clicking this button will not result in data being plotted. In order for Beam  
Stability to work, the user must make sure that LBA-PC is open and collecting data in the  
background!  
3.2.9.1.2  
Pause Button  
The Pause button stops the data graphing but doesn’t reset the graphs, thus data is  
preserved from one pause operation to the next. Clicking on the Start button after Pause  
will append data to the graph.  
3.2.9.1.3  
Reset Button  
The Reset button will throw away all data in the charts and begin as though the Beam  
Stability window was just opened. If the user desires to Print a run of data it must be done  
before the Reset button is pressed. The text in the Notes dialog will not be cleared by the  
Reset operation.  
3.2.9.1.4  
Printer Setup Button  
This is the standard Windows Printer Setup dialog box. It allows the user to set up the  
printer for the desired results.  
3.2.9.1.5  
Print Button  
The Print Button causes the entire Beam Stability window to be printed out. The program  
prints in a “what you see is what you get” manner. The Beam Stability print operation will  
not print the LBA-PC beam graphic. Printing LBA-PC beam graphics must be done form  
within the LBA-PC application.  
3.2.9.1.6  
Notes  
Below the Main Controls is a Notes area. The user can type any notations here and it will be  
printed out with the charts. Information entered here will remain from one reset to the next  
and from one application startup to the next.  
3.2.9.2 Strip Chart Controls  
These controls allow the user to configure the way Beam Stability data samples are displayed.  
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Figure 36  
A sample of data is defined as; any results computed from a discrete beam image captured from  
LBA-PC. The beam stability window will compute it’s results based on samples taken from the  
time the Start arrow  
is clicked, until the beam display is Reset  
, or until the application  
is closed  
and restarted.  
3.2.9.2.1  
Sample Limit  
The strip chart display may become so compact that recent data points become visually  
indiscernible from the rest of the data in the strip chart. If the user desires to collect several  
samples, and still focus their attention on the most recent data, it may be necessary to limit  
the number of displayed samples. Sample limit edit box allows the user to specify how  
many of the most recent samples will be displayed in the strip chart.  
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Example: If the user has collected samples [1-1000] and the Sample limit it set to 100,  
samples [900-1000] will be the only samples visible in the strip chart. Statistical results will  
be computed using all the samples [1-1000].  
3.2.9.2.2  
Samples  
The Samples indicator shows the total number of samples collected.  
3.2.9.2.3  
Check Boxes  
The Check Boxes allow the user to specify what results items are to be graphed on the strip  
chart. One or all of the following may be selected:  
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
Centroid X  
Centroid Y  
Peak X  
Peak Y  
Radius  
3.2.9.2.4  
Radius Relative to:  
The Radius Relative to control modifies the display of radius information. The radius is  
referenced from an Origin set up in the LBA-PC or from the continuously calculated  
Average Centroid position.  
3.2.9.2.5  
Strip Chart Zooming  
All strip chart data is plotted on the same horizontal and vertical scale. This situation will  
cause traces that vary greatly along the vertical axes to dominate the vertical scale. Traces  
that have small vertical fluctuations will show up as flat lines. In order to see small details  
the user must stop or pause the data collection and drag a zooming box around the region of  
interest. To do this, start in the top left, drag a box spanning downward and to the right  
until the region of interest is selected. More than one zoom operation may be performed to  
achieve the desired detail.  
Zooming out can only be done once. The plot will return to full zoomed-out mode. Zooming  
out is accomplished by dragging a box from the bottom right back to the top left. The size of  
the zoom-out box does not matter because all zoom out operations return the plot to the full  
view.  
Note: The direction of the zoom operation (in or out) is controlled by the direction the box is drawn, down and to  
the right to zoom in and up and to the left to zoom out.  
3.2.9.3 Peak/Centroid Scatter Plot and Histogram  
There are two ways to use the Scatter Plots in the Beam Stability window. One is to test stability  
from the standpoint of spatial dimension using units such as millimeters or microns. The other is  
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to use it as it relates to pixel units on the detector array. If you choose to do pointing stability  
using spatial units such as mm or µm; the bins of the scatter/histogram plot and the horizontal  
and vertical grid lines will not have any correlation to the individual pixels on the detector.  
In other words, the bins in the histogram and the pixel grid of the detector will not have the  
same crosshatch granularity. On the other hand, if you do it from the pixel-units standpoint, the  
bins on the histogram will correlate with the size of the pixel grid on the detector. The  
drawback however, is that you will be forced to multiply the results by the pixel scale of the  
detector to get the data into real world units of distance.  
The units on the horizontal and vertical axes of the scatter plots will change depending on how  
you setup LBA-PC. They could be microns, millimeters, and fractions of pixels or any of the units  
that are offered in LBA-PC. In short, the units on the X/Y-axes of the histogram/scatter plots are  
the same as the units selected in LBA-PC for quantitative results. You can select these units by  
going to LBA-PC’s main menu and selecting:  
Options > Camera > Pixel Units  
If, for example, you desired to see which pixels on the camera most often contained the peak of  
your beam, setup your histogram bins to work in terms of individual camera pixels. To do this go  
to the main menu on LBA-PC and select:  
Options > Camera  
From the camera dialog you would select the camera that matched your detector and then select  
the Pixel Units to be PX (or pixel units). In the Pixel Scale spin control you would enter 1.0  
to tell LBA-PC that your pixels are one pixel wide. Before closing the dialog you should make  
sure that the Resolution drop down box is set to 1X. Resolutions other that 1X may be used  
but this will be discussed later. In this example we will choose 1X because we do not want to  
limit which pixels the peak might fall upon. Click OK to accept the changes to the camera dialog.  
Now we will setup the origin in LBA-PC to match that of the histogram plot. On the main menu  
select:  
Options > Beam Display  
Set the Origin Location to Window LL to coincide with the Beam Stability plot convention.  
Setting the origin to values other that Window LL will work but the user should be aware that the  
beam window and histogram might be horizontally or vertically inverted with respect to one  
another.  
Make sure that LBA-PC is collecting data and return to the Beam Stability window. Press the  
reset button to restart the histogram.  
Note: Whenever units are changed in LBA-PC, the scatter plot should be reset because previously plotted samples  
will not be adjusted to reflect the new plot axis dimensions.  
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Figure 37  
The Centroid and Peak Histogram windows now have horizontal and vertical plot scaling in units  
of pixel, with histogram bins the size of a single pixel. Note also that we have the same plot  
orientation as the LBA-PC beam window. In the Figure above we can see that most of the  
centroids are falling 232 pixels from the left and 247 pixels from the bottom (assuming that your  
origin is set to Window LL). In order to get this into real world units we would simply multiply  
the pixel units by the pixel scale of the camera. In the example above the pixel scale, read form  
the camera dialog was 13 microns per pixel. Thus the centoid would become roughly:  
µm  
pixel  
232.66( pixel) • 13  
= 3024.58(µm) From the left (X)  
µm  
pixel  
247.80( pixel) • 13  
= 3221.4(µm) From the bottom (Y)  
The ellipses in the histogram windows have X and Y diameters two standard deviations wide and  
tall respectively.  
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Figure 38  
3.2.9.3.1  
Zooming Histogram Plots  
The zooming feature for histogram plots works basically the same as it does for the strip  
chart window. (See Strip Chart Zooming)  
3.2.9.3.2  
Capture Resolution Settings.  
When setting capture resolutions to settings other than Full and 1X, it is important to note  
that the peak location scatter plot will not have peak locations on any pixel location in the  
array. A 4X resolution for example, would have peaks occurring every forth pixel as a result  
the Peak Scatter plot would look like something like the following figure:  
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Figure 39  
Note how peak locations seem to fall in a grid like pattern. This is to be expected when you are  
capturing every 4th pixel.  
3.2.9.3.3  
Real World Units  
Setting LBA-PC’s Quantitative results to real world units of length such as µm and mm may  
be accomplished by going to the main menu and choosing:  
Option > Camera  
Make the appropriate real world unit selection in the Pixel Units drop down box. This  
method of analyzing beam stability is in many ways similar to that discussed above however  
when viewing the scatter plots the user must understand that the X/Y-axes will be in  
whatever units are selected above. Also, the grid lines of the scatter plots will not have the  
same granularity as the pixel grid on the detector. This method is best when scientific units  
of length or beam centroid displacement are needed. When one understands the method  
explained above this method should be intuitive. Remember to reset the scatter plot  
whenever units are changed in LBA-PC.  
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3.2.9.3.4  
Increment Bins and Reset  
The centroid scatter-plot is also a histogram of the centroid location. The color bar between  
the Peak and Centroid plots provides the user insight about centroid location/frequency.  
Colors in the upper part of the bar indicate higher frequencies.  
When running, the user will notice that blocks of data points have the same color. These  
blocks of color represent the binning of the histogram. The program, based on the range of  
data being presented, automatically defines the bin size.  
If the user desires to decrease the size of the bins, simply click the Inc Bins button and the  
bins will be divided in half both vertically and horizontally creating 4 bins out of each existing  
bin. Bin size will be decreased when the program collects the next data point, and previously  
plotted points will be re-plotted with respect to the new bin size. If the Pointing Stability  
program is paused, the change will not take place until the program is started and the next  
data point is collected.  
3.2.10  
Create Palette…  
Clicking on this option will cause a separate color palette generation application to be launched. This  
application will allow the user to design their own custom beam display color palette. Spiricon has  
included a sample set of palettes that you can use or alter as you wish.  
Using this tool, the user can easily create their own palettes, or modify the standard palettes provided  
with Spiricon products.  
The Spiricon Palette Generation program ( c:\Spiricon\LBAPC\PALETTEGEN2.EXE ) is shown below.  
This program is very easy to use once a few concepts are understood. This program can be launched  
independently via the Windows Start button, or from within the LBAPC application as follows: From  
the Options menu select Create Palette…, the following window will appear:  
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Figure 40  
Upon opening, the above two horizontal color bars will be black. The designer can create a new  
palette by placing seed colors into the upper bar and observing the resulting palette in the lower bar.  
Colors on the left represent low intensities while colors on the right represent high intensities. The  
upper bar contains entries for 128 individual colors, numbered from 0 on the left to 127 on the right.  
You must define at least 2 colors to create a palette, or as many as 128 if you want to choose the  
color of all possible displayed colors. LBA-PC uses a 128 color palette to describe all beam display  
images, As you slide the mouse pointer along the upper bar a number (just below the upper bar) will  
indicate which of the 128 color position is selected.  
Left mouse clicking on a location in the upper bar will allow you to place a seed color at that physical  
location. A Color selection dialog box will appear as shown below:  
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Figure 41  
The user can either select one of the basic colors from the set on the left of the dialog, or create a  
custom color using the controls on the right. Clicking OK will place the selected color into the upper  
bar.  
Continue to add seed colors until the displayed palette matches your desired effect.  
To remove a seed color from the upper bar simply right-click on it.  
3.2.10.1 Saving the Palette  
Once you have the palette design looking the way you want it click the Save Palette button.  
Enter the file name that you want the palette to be known by and save it into your  
c:\Spiricon\LBAPC\Palette\ directory. The file extension .pal will automatically be applied.  
3.2.10.2 Save Colors  
The palette generation tools purpose is to create palettes of 128 entries, with minimal user input.  
Thus, the user may enter only 2 seed colors and the tool will interpolate the remaining colors. It  
is however difficult to move the other direction, that is to say, given a palette with 128 colors  
please reduce it to the original 2 seed colors. Therefore, a second file type was created to save  
the users seed colors for the purpose of editing later. This file type has a .sp2 extension. The  
Save Colors button is for the purpose of saving .sp2 file types or in other words, palettes that  
you can edit.  
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Note: Palettes saved as .pal file types cannot be loaded into the Palette Generation Tool (PaletteGen2.exe) for  
editing!  
3.2.10.3 Load Colors  
The Load Colors button is used to load the seed colors from .sp2 files into the Palette  
Generation Tool for editing.  
Note: Users should save a .sp2 file for each .pal file they desire to tweak at some later date.  
3.2.10.4 Clearing Colors  
Removes all seed colors and resets the palette display.  
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3.2.11  
Password Lockout  
You can enter a Password that will cause all of the LBA-PC setup functions to become inaccessible.  
The password acts as a toggle. Type in the password once and all setup options will become  
disabled. Type it in a second time and setup capability will be restored.  
The password has been factory set. To find out your password call the Spiricon Service Department  
at 435-753-3729 between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:00 pm MST. The password will only be given  
out to an authorized individual. An authorized individual is one whose name appears on the original  
Purchase Order, the person whose name appears on the completed warranty card, or to an individual  
who knows the Purchase Order Number used to make the purchase. It can also be obtained by a  
written request on your company letterhead, signed by an officer of the company.  
3.3 Pass/Fail... Drop Down Menu Selections  
3.3.1  
Pass/Fail... enable and define its operation  
All pass fail operations are enabled or disabled by checking the Master Enable box.  
Figure 42  
You can choose what Action(s) will be performed based upon if the results Fails or Passes the  
designated tests.  
Check the appropriate box to obtain these available actions:  
•
•
•
TTL Pulse: If you want the LBA to send a TTL pulse out the rear J5 connector, pin 1, each  
time the Pass/Fail condition is met.  
Beep: If you want the LBA to cause your PC to Beep, each time the Pass/Fail condition is  
met.  
Stop Running: If you want the LBA to halt and display the frame that caused the Pass/Fail  
condition to be met.  
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3.3.1.1 PASS or FAIL results  
The remaining Pass/Fail dialog boxes are used to set the Pass/Fail limits for the results items  
that you want to test and screen for. When you check an item, you turn on the Pass/Fail  
screening for that particular result. At the same time, you change how that result item will  
appear in the results window. If a results item is being tested and it fails the test limits, the  
displayed color will appear RED; if it passes the test limits, it will appear in GREEN.  
3.3.1.2 Pass/Fail Units  
The test units are always the same as what appears in the results window. If you redefine the  
results window units, the set Pass/Fail values will not automatically rescale to the new settings.  
In this case, you must manually change the Min. and Max. limits to meet the new unit  
requirements.  
3.3.1.3 Pass/Fail dialog boxes  
The remaining Pass/Fail dialog boxes are very similar in how they allow you to select and set  
limits for the result items that you want to test. In each instance you must:  
1. Enable the results item by checking on its selection box.  
2. Set the test limit values that are required.  
In some instances you can select either or both Minimum and Maximum test limits.  
Pass/Fail testing can only be performed on Current frame results. No Pass/Fail testing is allowed for Statistics  
results.  
Pass/Fail testing can only be performed on computational results that are enabled in the Computations dialog box.  
Most of the Pass/Fail dialog box edit control items are obvious in their meaning, and how to set  
them up. A few items are less obvious and are explained in the following sections.  
3.3.2  
Quantitative Pass/Fail  
The following results may be set in the Pass/Fail Quantitative… dialog below the main menu  
Pass/Fail item.  
3.3.2.1 Min Fluence  
The Min Fluence test is performed on the Min value in the Quantitative results display. This  
test is best applied in conjunction with a manually Drawn Aperture. It can be used to test for  
a Minimum fluence range of values over a specified region of your beam.  
If your beam is a Top Hat, don’t use this test. Use the Top Hat Fluence setting in the Top Hat  
Pass/Fail dialog box.  
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3.3.2.2 Centroid  
The Centroid Pass/Fail item allows you to define a circle that must contain the centroid of the  
beam energy. To implement this test you must define the location of the center of a circle in  
terms of its X and Y coordinate in the beam display window, and the Radius of the circle that  
must contain it.  
Both the X and Y Centroid location results will change color from GREEN to RED should the  
centroid fall outside this circle.  
3.3.3  
Elliptical Pass/Fail  
The following results may be set in the Pass/Fail Elliptical… dialog below the main menu  
Pass/Fail item.  
Figure 43  
3.3.3.1 Orientation  
The Orientation Pass/Fail item applies to the major axis inclination of an Elliptical beam. The  
units for these two edit controls are always in degrees. The Major axis can tilt through an angle  
in the range of +90 to -90 degrees. You can set the desired tilt Angle, and a +/- Range around  
this angle, that will meet your testing criteria. The Rotation result will change color from  
GREEN to RED should the angle fall outside of these set limits.  
3.3.4  
Gauss Pass/Fail  
See the Pass/Fail Gauss… dialog below the main menu Pass/Fail item for a list of these items.  
3.3.5  
Top Hat Pass/Fail  
See the Pass/Fail Top Hat… dialog below the main menu Pass/Fail item for a list of these items.  
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3.3.5.1 Top Hat Fluence  
The Top Hat computational results displays a value for the Max and Min fluence observed in a  
Top Hat beam’s energy profile. This result is affected by which Top Hat method is being  
employed. The Top Hat Fluence Pass/Fail edit control items are applied to both the Max and  
Min fluence results. It is anticipated that the Minimum Pass/Fail limit is primarily applicable to  
the Min results, and that the Maximum Pass/Fail limit is primarily applied to the Max results.  
Thus an energy intensity range can define the acceptable limits of the Top Hat beam’s working  
surface area.  
3.3.5.2  
Divergence Pass/Fail  
The following results may be monitored from the Divergence… dialog below the main menu  
Pass/Fail item.  
Figure 44  
3.4 Window... Drop Down Menu Selections  
Note: The numbers appearing in front of the selections will vary with the screen setup.  
Tile  
1 Results  
2 <Frame> (Beam display window)  
3 <W x H x R>  
(Pan/Zoom window)  
4 <T:tt R:rr> (Tilt Rotate Window)  
5 Histogram (Histogram display window)  
Click on one of the numbered items to restore and activate the window.  
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3.4.1  
Tile  
Click on the Tile item to force all of the LBA-PC child Windows to return to their default sizes and  
locations.  
3.5 Start!/Stop!... A Toggle Menu Action Item  
Activating the Start! menu item will cause the LBA-PC to start collecting and processing frames of data.  
The source of the data frames can be either live video input to the Frame Grabber card, if installed, or  
from previously stored data files. Refer to the Capture Method section for source selection.  
Activating the Stop! menu item will cause the LBA-PC to stop collecting and processing new data.  
During Ultracal operations, the Stop! menu item can also be used to abort the calibration process. An  
abort will cause the last previously generated (if any) Ultracal conditions to be restored.  
3.6 Ultracal! Menu Action Item  
Ultracalis a trademark of Spiricon Inc.  
Ultracal processing is protected under United States Patent Nos. 5,418,562 and 5,440,338.  
Activating the Ultracal! menu item will cause the LBA-PC to begin an automatic camera calibration  
cycle. The results of this operation will be to store a calibration frame that will be used to preprocess  
all data frames newly acquired from the Frame Grabber card.  
Note: The Ultracal process is only applied to newly acquired data frames; not to data that was acquired prior to an  
Ultracal execution; nor is it applied to data from a data file. If you execute a Post Processing operation, Ultracal  
will be turned OFF at the start of Post Processing, and remain OFF after it’s completion.  
The status of the Ultracal condition is visible in the Ultracal Enunciator shown here  
bottom of the LBA-PC’s main display screen.  
and at the  
If the color of the Ultracal Enunciator is:  
GRAY, Ultracal processing is turned OFF.  
GREEN, Ultracal operation was successful and is OPERATING.  
RED, Ultracal processing has been DISABLED because something caused the calibration to become  
invalid.  
Hint: Just because the Ultracal enunciator is GREEN it doesn’t mean that all is well. Camera baselines drift with  
temperature and over time. Therefore it is a good practice to re-Ultracal! just prior to collecting important data.  
3.6.1  
How to Ultracal!  
•
•
•
•
Block your laser beam from the camera.  
Point and Click the Ultracal! menu item.  
After a few seconds.. observe that the Ultracal Enunciator turns GREEN.  
Unblock your laser beam from the camera.  
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3.6.2  
What Disables Ultracal!  
Ultracal will become DISABLED if certain data collection conditions, that were in effect when the  
Ultracal operation was executed, are no longer in effect. In all cases, these conditions are the result  
of an operators change to the spatial acquisition settings. The DISABLED condition will occur if you  
make changes to:  
•
•
•
•
•
The Hardware Zoom.  
The Hardware Pan location.  
The Camera Type or Resolution setting.  
The Camera Electronic Shutter setting.  
The Video Gain and/or Black Level settings.  
3.7 AutoExposure!… Menu Action Item  
This menu item is only enabled when certain types of cameras are connected. These cameras must be  
fitted with a remote controllable electronic shutter. From versions 4.XX, only analog cameras with  
remotely controlled shutters, such as: Pulnix TM-745, TM-765, TM-6, and TM-7, will be supported. In  
the future we intend to add additional camera types that feature electronically controlled exposure  
times, adjustable gain settings, and programmable electronic shutters.  
Note: This feature is only available when operating with the Trigger Mode set to CW. It is disabled in all Pulse  
modes.  
3.7.1  
AutoExposure! Operation  
When this menu item is enabled it indicates that your camera selection is set for a camera with some  
type of remotely controllable shutter or exposure timing and that your Trigger Mode is set to CW. If  
you click on this menu item the LBA-PC application will attempt to automatically set the camera  
shutter or exposure to a value appropriate for the amount of power incident upon your camera’s focal  
plane array. The AutoExposure algorithm will start with the maximum exposure time and reduce  
the exposure until the peak fluence is less than 90% of the camera’s dynamic range. If it reaches the  
shortest exposure time allowed by your camera and can not meet the above criteria, it will leave the  
exposure setting at this minimum value and request that you attenuate your laser using some external  
means. I.e., either place additional ND filters into the laser beam path or reduce the output power of  
your laser source. After attenuating your laser it may be a good idea to rerun the AutoExposure  
operation.  
3.7.2  
AutoExposure Interacts with Ultracal  
With most any camera that has a programmable shutter or exposure, a change of the  
shutter/exposure setting will produce a change in the camera black level setting, and therefore may  
disable ultracal, which will cause the Ultracal indicator to turn red. It is therefore recommended that  
any changes to the AutoExposure are followed by an Ultracal operation.  
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Notice: Some cameras suffer a reduced operating dynamic range when very short exposure times are employed.  
This can be seen as a dramatic change in the camera baseline or as a reduction in the camera’s saturation level. If  
your camera reacts in one of these ways you may find that the AutoExposure technique will fail to yield optimum  
results.  
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Chapter 4 DISPLAY WINDOWS  
4.1 Main Window  
You will probably want to run the LBA-PC application main window in its maximized display size. This  
will allow you to cram as much information as possible onto your display. We recommend that you  
operate in a minimum 1024x768 mode, larger if your graphics hardware and monitor will support it.  
The Main Window is divided into 5 regions. They are laid out from top to bottom and are designated  
as:  
1. Title Bar: Here you’ll find the Product ID, the version level, and the copyright. Also the familiar  
maximize-minimize arrows and the close task button. The current configuration file name is also  
shown here.  
2. Menu Bar: To gain access to the various operational and setup menus, click on the drop down  
items; File, Options, Pass/Fail, Window, and Help. To enable Ultracal! processing, an  
AutoExposure! cycle, or to Start! and Stop! data acquisition, click on these action menu items.  
3. Toolbars: The number and types of toolbars that can appear is as many as three and as few as  
none. The number of toolbars is a user selectable option. The types of tools that they contain  
are partly programmable by the user.  
4. Child Window area: This largest region is where the child windows of the LBA-PC application will  
appear. Three of these child windows can be resized, and all can be minimized. The possible  
child windows are:  
•
•
•
•
•
The Beam Display window  
The Results Display window  
The Pan/Zoom Display window  
The Tilt/Rotate Display window  
The Histogram Display window  
5. Status Bar: Indicates various status information regarding the above displays.  
6. Beam Stability: The Beam Stability Window is not actually a part of the Main Window. When  
activated it launches a totally separate application window that can be manipulated independent  
from the Main LBA-PC application.  
4.2 The Beam Display Window  
You can view your laser beam profile in either a 2D or 3D display format. You can resize this window  
and minimize it. The top title bar in this child window will indicate the displayed <Frame> number.  
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Figure 45  
4.2.1  
Frame Comment  
The Frame Comment is a text string label that you can attach to a data frame. It can be saved with  
the data file, and it will print as a title if you choose to print the associated frame. You can replace  
the <Frame> number by double-clicking inside the Display Window’s title bar. The Frame Comment  
dialog box (see below) will appear. Type your comment on the line provided, select how to apply the  
comment, and then click OK!  
Figure 46  
A Frame Comment can be applied in 3 different ways.  
If neither of the check boxes in this dialog box are selected: The comment will only be associated  
with the currently displayed frame for as long as this particular frame remains in the frame buffer.  
When a new data frame overwrites this frame location, the comment will be lost, and once again the  
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<Frame> number will appear. Both the comment and the data frame can, however, be Write  
Protected.  
If the Assign to All frames box is checked: This comment will be applied to all valid frames in the  
frame buffer.  
•
•
•
Empty frames will not be commented.  
New frames that are acquired will not be commented.  
Write Protected frames will be commented.  
If the Assign to All and Future frames box is checked: This comment will be applied to all valid  
frames in the frame buffer, and to all frames that are newly acquired.  
•
•
•
Empty frames will not be commented.  
Write Protected frames will be commented.  
Comments will appear as shown below:  
Figure 47  
Note: The comment line will say Live Frame if the Capture Method is set to Live Video mode. Comments assigned  
prior to entering Live Video mode will be restored when the Live Video mode is terminated.  
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4.2.2  
Shortcuts  
In the Beam Window… Double left click to bring up the Beam Display dialog box.  
4.3 The Results Display Window  
This window will display the computed results based upon the selections enabled in the Computations  
dialog box. You can minimize, maximize, or resize this window. The top title bar in this child window  
will indicate the Frame number associated with the current result values. With Statistics results  
disabled, the Results Window will fit nicely along the left side of the child display area.  
Figure 48  
With Statistics enabled you will either need to use the horizontal scroll bar to bring the statistical  
results into view, or you will need to maximize and/or resize this window.  
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Figure 49  
Hint: A short cut that will turn off the computed results is to minimize this window.  
4.3.1  
Shortcuts  
In the Results Display Window… Double left click to bring up the Computations dialog box.  
Right click to bring up a Shorthand Results selection pop-up window. This pop-up will allow you to  
enable or disable the individual results items, plus provides a quick way to Reset the Statistics results  
and also a method to save the current results to the Clipboard.  
Figure 50  
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4.4 The Pan/Zoom Display Window  
This window provides you with a graphical representation of where and how the digitized image relates  
to the detector on your camera, and the tools to modify those setting. The regions indicated in this  
display are not drawn to scale. This window can be minimized but not resized. In this window you can:  
•
•
•
Hardware Zoom-in and Zoom-out.  
Soft Zoom-in and Zoom-out.  
Pan the Window vertically and horizontally.  
The title bar indicates the current image size that is being captured and stored into the frame buffer,  
and the current resolution setting. Because this window is kept as small as possible the image size text  
is often truncated. Move the mouse pointer into the title bar and a hints display will pop-up and show  
the full text.  
The outer White area represents the photosensitive surface area of the camera’s detector.  
The Red Dot indicates the approximate placement of the X,Y origin. You can not change or affect the  
location of the origin in this window. To make changes, see the Origin Location edit control in the  
Beam Display dialog box.  
Figure 51  
4.4.1  
Hardware Zooming  
The Dark Gray region depicts the Capture window, i.e., the region on the camera detector where  
the image is being acquired. Because this relates to how the frame grabber hardware is configured, it  
is referred to as the Hardware Zoom box. If you Double-left-click inside this box, you will cause  
this box to Zoom-in by a factor of 2x. If you Double-left-click outside this box you will Zoom-out.  
Observe that the image resolution will increase as you zoom-in; x4.., x2.., x1.., is in the increasing  
direction. As you zoom-in the image size will remain the same, until the resolution can no longer  
increase. At this point the image size will start to decrease, making the apparent size of the image  
larger.  
The center of the Hardware Zooming action will be the intersection point of the Cursors. If the  
Cursors are turned Off, the zoom center will be about the center of the current frame. See also  
Zooming Constraints in Section 4.4.4.  
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4.4.1.1 Analog Camera Zooming  
The chart below depicts the zooming process for an analog (non-digital) style camera. The  
starting point is based upon how you configured the image size and resolution in the Camera  
dialog box. First find your resolution factor in the top row. Then drop down to the display width  
size. In the example below the resolution is x8, and the width is 64. Each time you zoom in  
you’ll be following the arrows leaving each location and leading to the next. In this example your  
zoom-in sequence will begin at 64x60x8, then progress to 64x60x4, 64x60x2, 64x60x1, 32x30x1,  
16x15x1. You will retrace this route in reverse order as you zoom-out.  
Figure 52  
The above example works for all analog non-interlaced cameras, interlaced Interline transfer  
cameras, and interlaced Full-Frame transfer cameras.  
If your camera is an interlaced Frame transfer type, the above example works in CW mode, but  
works slightly different in any of the Pulsed modes, i.e., Trigger Out, Video Trigger, and Trigger  
In. These style cameras will only output a pulsed laser image in one field. As a result the x1  
resolution is denied, and the x2 resolution is the highest possible setting. Under this scenario,  
the above example will progress 64x60x8, then 64x60x4, 64x60x2, 32x30x2, 16x15x2.  
With the release of version 4.00 a new Full 1x camera resolution has been made available. This  
resolution makes the hardware zooming operate for an analog camera the same as if it were a  
digital camera. See the next section to learn how digital camera zooming operates.  
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4.4.1.2 Digital Camera Zooming  
Digital camera zoom image sizing does not follow the same powers-of-two rule that is shown  
above for analog cameras. For digital cameras both the Full 1x and the 1x resolutions are the  
same size, and that size is set to the maximum imager dimensions that the Spiricon frame  
grabber can reliably capture. This can vary from camera to camera based upon the pixel clock  
rate and other image framing characteristics unique to each camera design.  
Hardware zooming steps involve dividing the horizontal and vertical pixel counts by 2 and then  
rounding to the next even value when the results come out odd. This rule applies whenever the  
resolution is set to either Full 1x or 1x. If the zooming begins at a resolution less than 1x, say  
4x, zooming steps will first cause the resolution to increase from 4x to 2x to 1x, whereupon the  
first rule of dividing by 2 will then take over.  
4.4.2  
Soft Zooming  
Soft Zooming, unlike the above Hardware Zoom, does not affect your data acquisition frame size  
or resolution. Soft Zooming only impacts the magnification of the displayed image. To initiate a  
Soft Zoom, Double-right-click inside the Dark Gray box. Observe that a smaller Light Gray box  
now appears, and that your beam display image has been magnified. You can continue to Soft Zoom-  
in by Double-right-clicking until your image is magnified to 16x15 pixels. To Soft Zoom-out, Double-  
right-click outside of the Light Gray box. Each soft zoom increases or decreases the image  
magnification by a factor of 2x.  
The center of the Soft Zooming action will be the intersection point of the Cursors. If the Cursors are  
turned Off, the zoom center will be about the center of the current frame.  
Note: You can not perform Hardware Zoom operations once you have caused a Soft Zoom to occur. To change the  
Hardware Zoom you must first zoom all the way out of the soft zoom, until the Light Gray box is no longer visible.  
4.4.3  
Panning  
You can Pan the Dark Gray capture window across the camera’s active detector region. Panning  
works at all zoom and resolution settings that do not already contain the entire digitizable area of the  
camera’s imager. If Soft zooming is activated, then the Panning controls will only pan the Light Gray  
zoom box.  
Two scroll bars are provided to allow you to perform the panning operations. The Horizontal scroll  
bar will allow you to pan Left and Right; the Vertical allows you to pan Up and Down.  
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Figure 53  
4.4.4  
Zooming and Panning Constraints  
The Camera Resolution that you have set in the Camera dialog box will constrain how your  
displayed image can be positioned by the Panning and Zooming controls.  
For example: If you have set the Camera Resolution to 4x, then the image can only be positioned  
onto pixels whose locations are even multiples of 4, such as. . .0, 4, 8, 12, 16. . .128, . . .etc.  
Likewise, when you zoom-out to an image that contains a lower resolution, you may have positioned  
the Cursors to select a zoom center point that is on a pixel that is not a multiple of your present  
Camera Resolution. In that case the image and cursors will snap to the nearest pixels that comply  
with the above constraints. Therefore, a point of interest may disappear when you zoom-out to a  
lower resolution.  
4.5 The Tilt/Rotate Display Window  
This child window is visible only when in the 3D display mode. It provides you with graphical and  
numerical information of how your 3D image is orientated in both Tilt and Rotation. This window can  
be minimized but not resized.  
Figure 54  
The XYZ corner markers allow you to orientate your image with respect to the 2D display. This marker  
will represent either the Upper Left or Lower Left corner of the 2D display depending upon how you  
have placed the Origin Location.  
If the Origin is placed in the Upper Left of either the Window or Detector, then the XYZ marker will  
be in the Upper Left corner of the display.  
If the Origin is placed in the Lower Left of either the Window or Detector, then the XYZ marker will  
be in the Lower Left corner of the display.  
If the Origin is Manual placed, then the XYZ marker will be in the Lower Left corner of the display.  
For more information see Origin Location in Chapter 3.  
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4.6 The Histogram Display Window  
This Histogram display window is visible only when the Histogram check box is enabled in the  
Computations dialog box. This window can be minimized and resized.  
This bar chart is a fluence Histogram of the currently displayed frame of data. Each bar in the display  
represents a fluence Bucket. Each Bucket describes a range of quantified fluence values. The  
minimum Bucket Size is based upon a single count of the 8/10/12/14/15 bit digitized output of the A  
to D converter or digital camera. The Bucket will be scaled if energy calibration is in use. See  
Histogram computations in Chapter 6.  
Figure 55  
The numbers displayed along the left edge of the Histogram, indicate the lower value of each  
Bucket. You can set the Bucket Size by using the edit/spin control at the top of the Histogram  
display window or you can change it in the Computations dialog box.  
The numbers along the right edge of the display are the total count of the number of pixels that have  
been placed into each of the Buckets. The length of the drawn bar graphs the depth to which the  
Bucket is filled. Zero count is on the left. The Display Depth indicator shows the current maximum  
value of the horizontal scale. The horizontal scale is auto-ranged to the current maximum count.  
The horizontal scale can be magnified, so that smaller values can be enlarged for easy viewing. With  
the Horizontal Scroll Bar moved all the way to the right, the right edge of the bar display will  
represent the Bucket with the most number of pixels in it. By sliding this scroll bar to the left, the scale  
expands.  
A Vertical Scroll Bar is also provided. This bar will allow you to bring into view Buckets that may  
extend higher than your display resolution will accommodate.  
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4.7 Shortcuts using the Mouse  
A number of shortcuts are available that allow you to access some of the dialog boxes without going  
through the menu drop downs. These involve placing you mouse cursor into a region of a child window  
and then clicking either the right or left mouse button. These shortcuts methods are described below:  
4.7.1  
Shortcut to the Computations Dialog Box  
•
•
Double-left-click in the Results window.  
OR, Single-right-click to bring up a Shorthand Results selection pop-up window. This  
pop-up will allow you to enable or disable the individual results items, plus provides a quick  
way to Reset the Statistics results and also a method to save the current results to the  
Clipboard.  
4.7.2  
4.7.3  
4.7.4  
4.7.5  
4.7.6  
4.7.7  
Shortcut to the Beam Display Dialog Box  
•
•
•
•
•
•
Double-left-click in the Beam window.  
Shortcut to the Capture Toolbar Dialog Box  
Double-left-click in the Capture Toolbar.  
Shortcut to the Capture Dialog Box  
Double-right-click in the Capture Toolbar.  
Shortcut to the Beam Display Toolbar Dialog Box  
Double-left-click in the Display Toolbar.  
Shortcut to the Beam Display Dialog Box  
Double-right-click in the Display Toolbar.  
Shortcut to the Aperture Dialog Box  
Double-right-click in the Aperture Toolbar.  
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Chapter 5 TRIGGERING TYPES & CAPTURING METHODS  
5.1 Triggering the LBA-PC  
The LBA-PC can support four basic types of triggering:  
•
CW (or no trigger required), for lasers whose light output is continuous or pulsed at such a  
rate as to appear continuous to a camera (typically faster than 1000 Hz).  
•
•
•
Trigger Out, for lasers that can be pulsed by the LBA's trigger output.  
Trigger In, for lasers that can supply a trigger pulse to the LBA's trigger input.  
Video Trigger, for pulse lasers that cannot be either triggered by the LBA nor provide a  
trigger pulse to the LBA.  
Note: Your degree of success with the various trigger modes will be linked closely to the type of camera you use.  
Most cameras will operate well when observing CW laser beams. A linear (or predictable) response to  
light and good spatial uniformity are all that is usually needed for a camera to run successfully with the  
LBA-PC.  
In Trigger Out mode, the timing of the arrival of the laser pulse is critical in successfully capturing all  
of the beam's energy. This is particularly true when employing Line Scan, X/Y Scan and Tube style  
cameras, which read out their images in a line-by-line and pixel-by-pixel destructive manner. Frame  
and Interline transfer cameras are less sensitive to pulse timing. The LBA-PC provides a Trigger Out  
Delay feature that positions the laser trigger pulse for Frame and Interline transfer camera  
operation.  
The Trigger In mode is only appropriate with Frame and Interline transfer cameras. This mode will  
capture pulsed images with a high degree of success but may occasionally miss a pulse or distort the  
acquired image. The Trigger In mode will usually capture images with a hit rate better than 95%.  
The hit rate for Interline cameras is slightly better than for Frame transfer types. In general, this  
trigger mode has become less useful and is being replaced by the Video Trigger mode, see below.  
The Video Trigger mode is only appropriate with Frame and Interline transfer cameras. It will have  
a hit rate of about 99% for short pulse lasers. This is the best possible solution when the LBA can not  
fire the laser using Trigger Out pulses.  
Notice: Trigger In and Video Trigger modes will not work well with X/Y scanned, Line scanned (CID) and Tube  
cameras. These cameras employ destructive readout techniques. If your laser pulse occurs in the middle of the  
readout cycle, only half of the image will be captured.  
5.1.1  
A Note to Pulse Laser Users  
The LBA-PC is designed to operate best when it can fire your laser. Most errors in timing and/or data  
acquisition are due to various camera quirks inherent in most commercially available cameras.  
Spiricon is constantly evaluating and testing new camera technologies and looking for the best  
cameras for a variety of applications. Contact Spiricon’s Sales Department for the latest information  
regarding camera selection.  
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Since the perfect camera has not yet been found, we advise most LBA-PC users to operate pulsed  
lasers in Trigger Out mode whenever possible. Next best choice is the Video Trigger mode. These  
two modes will produce the most repeatable quantitative results.  
5.1.2  
Trigger Type CW  
The setup for CW timing is the least complex of the setups. Therefore, we recommend that you use  
CW mode to verify that your camera is correctly installed and is operational. The basic CW  
installation requires that you set Capture Method to Continuous, and the Capture Interval to 1.  
5.1.2.1 Interlaced Cameras  
In CW mode, interlaced cameras will support all available resolution settings and zooming  
capabilities. The highest of these resolutions will be made up of digitized data from both the odd  
and even fields. The odd and even data is assembled to form a single image. If you are  
observing a rapidly changing image at high resolution, you may observe line-to-line image  
breakup. Reduce your resolution to help stabilize the image. Some cameras may also exhibit an  
intensity variation from one field to the next. Most interlaced cameras will yield good high-  
resolution images in CW mode.  
5.1.2.2 Non-interlaced Cameras  
In CW mode, non-interlaced cameras will support all available resolution settings and zooming  
capabilities. Most cameras will yield good high-resolution images in CW mode.  
5.1.3  
Type Trigger Out  
Two types of Trigger Out operations are provided. They are the runs Always and the only While  
Running choices. With the While Running selection, the triggering of the laser is switched on and  
off by clicking Start!/Stop!. If you choose the runs Always option, then the trigger output pulses  
will run continuously and independent of data collection.  
5.1.3.1 Trigger Interval  
The rate at which trigger output pulses occur is dependent upon the frame rate of the camera  
and the specified Trigger Interval value. Specifying an interval of 1 will cause the output  
trigger to run at the camera's frame rate (this corresponds to the fastest possible rate). A value  
of 2 will produce an output pulse on every second video frame. A 3 will pulse on every third  
frame, and so on.  
Example: If you are using a 60 Hz frame rate camera and desire to produce an output pulse once each second,  
program a 60 into the Trigger Interval.  
Should you need a high rep rate trigger, select a camera with as fast a frame rate as possible.  
(The frame rate of interlaced cameras is one half the field rate.) A Trigger Interval value of 1 will  
cause an output pulse to occur once per camera frame. Thus, an interlaced camera running at a  
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field rate of 60 Hz can cause a trigger pulse to output at a 30 Hz rate. A non-interlaced camera  
running at a frame rate of 60 Hz can produce a trigger output pulse at a 60 Hz rate.  
5.1.3.2 Trigger Delay  
The LBA-PC will produce trigger output pulses at the programmed frame Interval rate. With the  
Trigger Delay check box deselected, the trigger output pulses will occur at vertical sync time.  
With the Trigger Delay check box selected, the trigger output pulses will occur in the middle of  
the frame of a non-interlaced camera; or in the middle of field 2 of an interlaced camera. The  
reason to delay the trigger pulse is discussed in the following sections.  
5.1.3.3 CCD Frame Transfer Camera, Interlaced  
These camera types can only capture a laser pulse in one field. Therefore 2x is the highest  
resolution possible with pulsed lasers. The video output from each laser pulse will occur during  
the field outputting immediately after the laser trigger arrives. Since the laser is not  
synchronized with the camera, this means that the pulse can occur in either field. As a result you  
will observe a field hopping effect in the displayed image.  
5.1.3.4 CCD Interline and Full Frame Transfer Camera, Interlaced  
These camera types can capture a laser pulse in both fields at the same time. Therefore 1x  
high-resolution images are possible with pulsed lasers. The video output from each laser pulse  
will occur during the next two fields outputting immediately after the laser trigger arrives.  
When the LBA is running, each digitized pixel is being tested for the trigger level pixel value.  
When a trigger field is detected, the data is retained in the frame buffer and displayed. The  
timing delay to the next frame that can be acquired depends upon the overhead needed to  
process the first frame.  
As in earlier examples, the Interline camera can display a pulse acquired in both fields while the  
Frame transfer camera can only use one field. Because of the asynchronous arrival of the laser  
pulse the Frame transfer image will randomly hop fields.  
5.1.3.5 CMOS Camera, Interlaced  
Most CMOS cameras employ either line or X/Y scanning methods. As a result they are poorly  
suited for operation with pulsed lasers. Leave the Trigger Delay box disabled for all of these  
camera types.  
5.1.3.6 Tube Camera, Interlaced  
With pulsed lasers these camera types will yield an image in both the odd and even fields.  
Therefore 1x high resolution is possible. Leave the Trigger Delay box disabled for all of these  
camera types.  
Note many tube style cameras will suffer image degradation in the second field, during the  
readout of the first. Tube cameras also suffer from long lag times, which make them poor  
devices for any, but the slowest rep rate pulsed lasers.  
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5.1.3.7 CCD Frame and Interline Transfer Cameras, Non-interlaced (Progressive scan)  
These camera types can produce 1x high-resolution images. The video output from each laser  
pulse will occur during the next frame outputting immediately after the laser trigger arrives.  
5.1.3.8 CMOS, CID Line Transfer and Tube Cameras, Non-Interlaced (Progressive scan)  
These camera types can produce 1x high-resolution images. Leave the Trigger Delay box  
disabled for all of these camera types.  
5.1.4  
Type Trigger In  
The Trigger In mode will not operate correctly with X/Y Scan, Line Scan , and Tube cameras.  
These include CID style cameras and almost all CMOS cameras. Use only CCD Frame and Interline  
transfer style cameras. In the following discussions, it is assumed that the laser is fired simultaneous  
with the arrival of the trigger pulse.  
5.1.4.1 CCD Frame Transfer Camera, Interlaced  
These camera types can only capture a laser pulse in one field. Therefore 2x is the highest  
resolution possible with pulsed lasers. The video output from each laser pulse will occur during  
the field outputting immediately after the laser trigger arrives. Since the laser is not  
synchronized with the camera, this means that the pulse can occur in either field. As a result you  
will observe a field hopping effect in the displayed image.  
5.1.4.2 CCD Interline and Full Frame Transfer Camera, Interlaced  
These camera types can capture a laser pulse in both fields at the same time. Therefore 1x high  
resolution images are possible with pulsed lasers. The video output from each laser pulse will  
occur during the next two fields outputting immediately after the laser trigger arrives.  
5.1.4.3 CCD Frame and Interline Transfer Cameras, Non-Interlaced (Progressive scan)  
These camera types can produce 1x high resolution images. The video output from each laser  
pulse will occur during the next frame outputting immediately after the laser trigger arrives.  
5.1.5  
Type Video Trigger  
The Video Trigger mode is designed to be used with lasers that cannot be externally triggered, nor  
can they provide an external trigger output to the LBA. Since this mode is so easy to use and requires  
no connection between the laser and the LBA, it has become the method of choice for almost all  
pulsed laser applications.  
When you select the Video Trigger mode a Video Trigger Level menu item will become active.  
You must program the Video Trigger Level to the raw pixel threshold value that will be used to  
detect the presence of the laser pulse. The choices are shown in counts and represent 1/16, 1/8, ¼  
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and ½ the maximum possible counts based on the number of A to D conversion bits. For example: If  
you are using an LBA-712PC frame grabber (a 12 bit digitizer) you have the following possible Video  
Trigger Level choices: 256, 512, 1024, 2048. If you set the level to 512, the LBA will capture a laser  
beam pulse as soon as it detects a pixel raw energy value of 512 or greater.  
Unless your camera is very noisy we recommend that you use the minimum level as a starting value.  
5.1.5.1 CCD Frame and Interline Transfer Cameras, Interlaced  
When the LBA is running, each digitized pixel is being tested for the trigger level pixel value.  
When a trigger field is detected, the data is retained in the frame buffer and displayed. The  
timing delay to the next frame that can be acquired depends upon the overhead needed to  
process the first frame.  
As in earlier examples, the Interline camera can display a pulse acquired in both fields while the  
Frame transfer camera can only use one field. Because of the asynchronous arrival of the laser  
pulse, the Frame transfer image will randomly hop fields.  
5.2 Capture Methods and Rate Control  
The rate at which data is being acquired can be seen in the Rate counter displayed at the far right  
edge of the status line.  
To determine the acquisition rate in frames per  
second, divide the camera's frame rate by the indicated Rate counter value.  
In every case, the fastest rate at which data can be acquired is ultimately dependent upon how you  
have configured the LBA to operate. Rates slower than the fastest rate can, to a greater extent, be  
controlled by the user. The fastest acquisition rates are thus determined by a combination of factors  
that are dependent upon the selections made in the Capture, Computations, and Display dialog  
boxes. In general, the more features you are using, the slower things will operate.  
Two specific edit control items are provided that allow you to program the acquisition rate. These are  
the Capture Interval, and Trigger Interval.  
Frame Averaging and Summing will also figure into the rate calculations. For example, if you are  
averaging 8 frames, then the acquisition time will increase by the amount of time that it takes to  
acquire and average 8 frames of data.  
The following examples are assuming that no frame Averaging or Summing is taking place, and that  
all other overhead operations occur faster that the resulting acquisition rates.  
5.2.1  
Programming the Capture Interval  
In Continuous, Block, and Live Video Capture Methods, the Capture Interval value will determine  
the data acquisition rate. With the Single Shot Method, this value becomes a delay count that  
determines the number of frames that will elapse from the time you click Start!, until a single frame  
is acquired. The capture interval interacts with the Trigger Type and Trigger Interval settings in the  
following ways:  
5.2.1.1 With Trigger Type set to CW  
The frame rate of the camera and the Capture Interval will determine the capture rate.  
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Example: With the Capture Interval set to 10, and a 30 Hz frame rate camera, the capture rate will be 3 fps.  
5.2.1.2 With Trigger Type set to Trigger Out  
The frame rate of the camera and the Trigger and Capture Intervals will combine to determine  
the capture rate.  
Example: With the Capture Interval set to 10, and the Trigger Interval set to 5, the captures will occur once for  
each 50 frames. If your camera has a 25 Hz frame rate, the capture rate will be once every 2 seconds, or 1/2 Hz.  
5.2.1.3 Trigger Type set to Video Trigger with the LBA firing the laser  
The frame rate of the camera and the Trigger and Capture Intervals will combine to determine  
the capture rate.  
Example: If the LBA is being used to trigger the laser, and the Capture Interval is set to 10, with the Trigger  
Interval set to 10, the captures will occur once for each 100 frames. If your camera has a 25 Hz frame rate, the  
capture rate will be once every 4 seconds, or 1/4 Hz.  
In the above example, only frames that satisfy the Video Trigger Level threshold value will be  
counted. Thus if some of the laser shots are too low in energy, the resulting acquisition rate will  
lengthen in multiples of the Trigger Interval.  
5.2.1.4 Trigger Type set to Video Trigger without the LBA firing the laser  
The frame rate of the camera and the laser pulse rate will combine to determine the capture  
rate. Only frames that satisfy the Video Trigger Level threshold value will be counted. Thus if  
some of the laser pulses are too low in energy, those shots will not be included in the Capture  
Interval count, resulting in slower acquisition rates.  
Example: If the LBA is not being used to trigger the laser, and the Capture Interval is set to 10, the captures will  
occur once for each 10 times that the laser fires. If the laser fires at a 2 Hz rate, then the capture rate will be once  
every 5 seconds, or 1/5 Hz.  
5.3 Integration Control  
If you have purchased the digital camera option then multiple frame integration can be performed when  
using certain select digital cameras. This feature is not usually required for laser beam analysis  
because most lasers are much too bright when compared to camera sensitivity. However outputs from  
some fiber optic systems and laser diodes at certain wavelengths can be hard to detect at normal  
integration times. To overcome this problem we have added a camera integration control. This feature  
is limited to Digital cameras that maintain frame, line and pixel clock signals during the non-readout  
periods. These cameras further constrain the integration times to multiples of the normal frame  
integration period. Furthermore, these cameras provide a TTL input signal that allows the LBA frame  
grabber to control the integration timing.  
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Note: Do not confuse this type of integration control with features on high-end digital cameras that have externally  
programmable integration controls. These later types of cameras are programmed by issuing serial commands to  
the camera’s internal microprocessor. See section 5.4 for a discussion of these types of cameras.  
5.3.1  
Integration Operation  
The Integration control is found in the Options, Capture, dialog box. If you purchased a digital  
camera from Spiricon that is compatible with external integration capabilities, then the Integration  
edit control will become operational when the matching camera type has been selected. The Spiricon  
supplied camera power cable will have the integration circuits prewired into the cable.  
The only thing required to enable multiple frame integration is to set the Integration value to a  
number greater than 1. This number represents the number of frame periods that the camera will  
use for each frame of output video.  
5.4 Digital Camera Operations  
The largest growing segment of the camera market involves a rapid increase in the numbers and types  
of digital cameras available for both commercial and scientific uses. As a result, most of our recent  
efforts in camera testing and evaluating have involved digital cameras. Most all RS-422 and RS-644  
(LVDS) digital cameras can be interfaced to any of Spiricon’s new LBA-7XXPC-D (digital option) frame  
grabbers. The only major limitation has to do with the size of the image that can be captured. This  
limitation is impacted by the throughput of the frame grabber and the pixel clock and video frame  
format of the camera. In most cases this impact is limited to a reduction in the frame size or frame  
resolution that can be reliably acquired from the camera. The Spiricon supplied camera configuration  
files will take these limitations into account and will adjust the image size or resolution to insure stable  
operation.  
The following section will discuss some of the operating features often seen in modern digital cameras  
and how those features may or may not be used with the LBA-PC software.  
5.4.1  
Digital Camera Control  
Digital cameras often have a large number of control features. The number and methods for  
controlling these features varies greatly from one manufacturer to another. The basic control  
methods fall into two categories. The oldest control method employs switches and dials located on  
the outside and inside of the camera. More modern designs employ micro-processors inside the  
camera that can control the operations via serial commands issued from your PC’s serial port. The  
manufactures of these cameras usually provide a camera control console application that must be run  
on your PC. A few manufactures require you to write your own control application. Some cameras  
have simple command protocols and can be controlled by typing commands into a simple terminal  
emulator program like Windows Hyper Terminal.Most digital cameras will power up in a default mode  
of operation. Some can have the default mode changed by the user. Others will always start  
operating in one mode and the user must change it to the desired configuration every time power is  
restored. The LBA-PC camera files are very specific to how certain of these features are configured.  
The camera file name will often include a reference to a critical feature. Most often these critical  
settings concern the image format of the camera.  
5.4.1.1 Digital Camera Binning Effects  
Many digital cameras support electronic pixel binning. This feature is usually used to increase  
the frame rate of the camera by decreasing the total number of pixels in the image. If a camera  
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operates in a binning mode compatible with the LBA application then we will often supply  
multiple camera configuration files, one for each bin format. Camera binning can occur in two  
different styles.  
When the pixels are binned equally in both the horizontal and vertical direction, the resulting  
image maintains its aspect ratio and is best for operating in the LBA-PC application. This type of  
binning is labeled, 2x2, 3x3, 4x4, etc… Camera files for this type of configuration will usually say  
“BIN2X2” or “BIN4x4” somewhere in the file name. You must chose the configuration file that  
matches your camera binning or you will not be able to acquire a correct image.  
When the pixels are binned unequally in the horizontal and vertical directions the resulting image  
will appear to have a distorted aspect ratio. We do not recommend operation of the LBA-PC  
under these conditions and so no camera files are provided to support this type of camera  
setting.  
5.4.1.2 Digital Camera ROI Formating  
Some digital cameras have a feature that allows then to readout only a defined Region Of  
Interest (ROI) of the focal plane array. This will reduce the data and increase the frame rate of  
the cameras operation. While this feature can be used with the LBA application, it is not an easy  
adjustment to make. If you must have a camera configuration designed to operate with some  
ROI requirement then you must make appropriate changes in the Advanced… Special Camera  
Settings dialog box. We recommend that you contact the Spiricon service department for  
assistance in making these changes.  
5.4.1.3 Digital Camera Exposure Controls  
Many digital cameras have user programmable exposure controls. These can range from very  
short integration times (microseconds) to very long integration times of many seconds. The  
exact nature and operation of these features can vary dramatically from one camera  
manufacturer to another. In general most of these capabilities are fully compatible with the LBA  
application without special considerations. Our suggestion is to try it and see how it works. With  
very long integration times some cameras will stop outputting frame syncs to the frame grabber.  
When this occurs the Video sync enunciator may turn RED. Under this condition this signal can  
be ignored.  
Warning: Some cameras do not maintain good linearity of response when very short integration times are used. If  
you suspect this type of distortion then you should run a response test to determine if the problem lies with the  
camera. The only solution to this is to either avoid the short exposure times or employ gamma correction to try and  
compensate for the errors.  
Besides programmable exposure control some cameras can have their exposure times controlled  
by externally applied digital signals. Some of these camera are compatible with Spiricon’s  
Integration control feature discussed in section 5.3.  
5.4.1.4 Digital Camera Triggering  
Digital cameras can have a number of external triggering capabilities. Most of these have been  
found to be compatible with the LBA application. We suggest you test these features to  
determine if they achieve the desired results. If you are triggering a camera with a period longer  
than a frame time then some cameras will stop outputting frame syncs to the frame grabber. If  
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this period exceeds 3 seconds then the Video sync enunciator may turn RED. Under this  
condition this signal can be ignored. The next frame should be captured when the next trigger  
pulse triggers the camera.  
5.4.1.5 Digital Camera Gain and Black Level Control  
Most digital cameras have programmable gain and black levels. These settings often have  
default values that are not optimum for laser beam analysis. Usually the gain is too high and the  
black level is too low. The gain is set high because most camera makers want to achieve good  
picture taking sensitivity. The black level is set low to increase dynamic range.  
For laser analysis the best gain setting is the lowest value that just allows the digital output to  
reach all ones, but before the camera imager goes non-linear.  
The black level should be set just high enough to insure the absence of any zero pixels when the  
imager is dark.  
Be sure to allow a little headroom on both of these settings because they will drift as the camera  
warms up.  
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Chapter 6 COMPUTATIONS  
6.1 Computational Accuracy  
Once you have mastered the skill of acquiring your laser beam's profile on the screen of the LBA-PC,  
your next thoughts will usually be directed toward the accuracy of the quantitative results.  
The degree of accuracy of the computed results will be based primarily upon two factors. The first, and  
most significant, is the correct nulling of the background energy. The second has to do with optimizing  
the presentation of the beam display.  
The background energy nulling operation establishes the zero reference from which all computed  
results are based. Failure to correctly null and periodically monitor the background energy will yield  
inconsistent results. Excessive background energy levels will yield oversized beam diameters and  
reduced magnitudes when energy relationships are compared.  
The opposite effects will result if the background levels are excessively suppressed.  
The LBA-PC is equipped with an auto calibration feature called Ultracal™. Ultracal will perform a  
nulling operation that is significantly more accurate than that which can be manually achieved. The  
Ultracal algorithm will also compensate for background noise and for camera shading.  
The Ultracal™ processing feature is protected under  
United States Patent Nos. 5,418,562 and 5,440,338.  
Notice: We recommend that you allow both the camera and the LBA to warm up and reach thermal equilibrium  
before performing calibrations. One hour is usually sufficient as a warm-up period (at least two hours if your  
camera is a tube type). If the ambient air temperature is changing, then you might want to periodically recheck the  
background energy levels to make sure they haven't been significantly altered.  
6.2 Numerical Formats  
The LBA-PC uses an 8, 10, 12 or 14 bit A to D converter to digitize incoming video. Each video frame is  
then processed and placed into a block of memory called a frame buffer. During processing the LBA  
converts all pixel intensities to a signed 16 bit fixed point value. Processing can consist of, Ultracal  
baseline correction, Reference Subtraction, Gain Correction, Gamma Correction, Frame Summing,  
Frame Averaging and Convolution. The 16-bit format is used for all processing except frame averaging  
and frame summing. Frame averaging and summing uses a 32-bit format during the summing  
operation, but returns a 16-bit result after the division.  
This 16-bit format is the basis upon which all computational results are performed, and all data files are  
created.  
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6.3 Beam Presentation Affects Results  
Effective beam presentation is essentially an attempt to improve accuracy by increasing the signal-to-  
noise property of the digitized data. Since the camera and the digitizing process primarily fix the noise  
level, most of our efforts will concentrate on increasing the signal content.  
Always try to optimize your beam's amplitude into the camera's dynamic operating range. Whenever  
possible, use external optical attenuation or a camera with electronic shutters to bring the beam's peak  
signal levels into the upper half of the video signal's dynamic range. If optical attenuation leaves you  
with low signal amplitude, you can use the LBA's video gain control to restore some of the loss.  
Note: Increasing gain also increases noise, so use it sparingly. Changing the gain setting also affects the Black  
Level, so set the gain level first, and then use Ultracal! to readjust the Black Level and calibrate to the new noise  
conditions.  
Always use the highest possible hardware zoom magnification level that will contain all of the beam's  
energy.  
If your beam intensity is low and/or covers only a small fraction of the display window, use an aperture  
to eliminate the background energy noise in the wings.  
Use external optical magnification if your beam begins to approach only a few pixels in width. It takes  
at least 10 pixels to get a reasonably good beam width measurement.  
6.4 Manual Background Energy Nulling  
Manual Background Energy Nulling is NOT recommended. Use the Ultracal! calibration feature instead.  
Do not place any confidence in the computed results until you have nulled the background energy levels  
using Ultracal!.  
The LBA-PC provides three different methods to assist you in removal of unwanted background energy  
from the quantitative calculations. They are:  
•
•
Ultracal! processing.  
A Drawn Aperture that can be drawn around the energy of interest, isolating the beam and  
effectively forcing all the energy outside the aperture to zero.  
•
An Auto Aperture feature that will draw an optimally sized aperture around your beam energy.  
6.4.1  
What is Ultracal!  
The Ultracal processing feature should be used instead of manual energy nulling techniques. Ultracal  
employs a sophisticated proprietary algorithm that will yield greatly improved accuracy over various  
operating conditions and signal dynamic range. In addition, it can quickly be rerun if changes in  
setups are required as experimental conditions are modified.  
Before executing Ultracal! be sure to optimize your beam presentation. This is essential as the  
Ultracal cycle will be specific to the current Pan/Zoom and Video Gain settings. You may also place a  
manually drawn aperture at this time, or later if you wish. The aperture is not locked by the  
calibration cycle and may be manipulated by the operator at any time.  
The Ultracal! cycle can be run at any time, either in 2D or 3D mode. You must have the laser beam  
blocked from the camera detector. After completion of the Ultracal! cycle, the results will be  
accurate as long as the setup conditions remain the same, and your camera black level, shading and  
noise conditions do not change. Since most cameras tend to be a little drifty, we recommend that you  
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Ultracal! every 10 to 15 minutes, or whenever you think your camera may have strayed. This drift  
can be observed as changes in the background noise image. Un-illuminated areas will appear as gray  
and dark violet (almost black) random noise. If the background starts to look too gray then the  
baseline is drifting negative. If too dark, then the baseline is drifting positive. Note: These colors  
apply to the Continuous 128 color palette. They change depending upon the palette selection.  
6.5 Clip Level  
What is the Clip Level and how is it used?  
The clip level is a processed energy pixel value. Only those pixel values that exceed the clip level are  
used in computing the following results:  
•
•
•
•
•
Beam Widths, if Percent of Energy or Peak methods are selected.  
Centroid Location.  
Elliptical beam Orientation.  
Top Hat: Mean, Standard Deviation, Min and Max, when in Data mode only.  
Effective Area.  
Depending upon the Beam Width Method, the clip level value is determined as follows:  
•
With the 4-Sigma and Knife-Edge methods and with the Top Hat results disabled, the LBA  
totals the pixel energy values in descending order until it finds the pixel which causes the sum to  
exceed 86.5% of the total energy value. The raw energy value of this pixel becomes the clip  
level.  
•
•
With the 4-Sigma and Knife-Edge methods and with the Top Hat results enabled, the LBA  
sets the clip level to the value that is equal to 80% of the current peak energy value.  
With the Percent of Energy method, the LBA totals the pixel energy values in descending order  
until it finds the pixel which causes the sum to exceed the set Clip% of the total energy value.  
The energy value of this pixel becomes the clip level.  
•
With the Percent of Peak method, the LBA sets the clip level to the value that is equal to the  
set Clip% of the current peak energy value.  
The number of pixels with values above the clip level establishes the Effective Area of the beam. The  
locations of the pixels with values above the clip level are used to determine the beam's Centroid  
Location and Elliptical beam Orientation.  
Note: When using a Knife Edge method, the Clip% value relates only to the Knife Edge measurement process, and  
not to the above Clip Level description.  
6.6 Total Energy  
The cameras used with the LBA-PC are not calibrated to directly provide energy of a laser beam. The  
Energy of Beam dialog box edit control lets you calibrate the LBA-PC to the energy of your laser. You  
must measure the energy of your beam using an external measuring device, then enter the energy  
here. The value entered must be the total energy of the beam for the frame currently displayed. For  
accurate results, the beam must fit inside of the current Pan/Zoom window.  
If you enter a calibrated value of zero, the Total, Peak, Gauss Height(s), and Top Hat results are  
displayed as processed digitizer values. Any entry other than zero will immediately appear as the Total  
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energy results. The Units entry will determine the energy units that will appear behind the various  
energy displays, i.e., Peak mw/cm², etc.  
If you are using a Drawn Aperture (without an Auto Aperture), then the Total Energy is the amount  
of energy inside the Drawn Aperture.  
If you are using an Auto Aperture (with or without a Drawn Aperture), then the Total Energy is the  
amount of energy inside the Auto Aperture. Thus...  
An Auto Aperture takes precedent over a Drawn Aperture.  
6.7 Percent in Aperture  
If you place a Drawn Aperture onto the beam display, the percentage of the total energy of the  
frame that lies inside of the Drawn Aperture will be computed.  
If an Auto Aperture is present, then the value will represent the total energy contained within the  
Auto Aperture.  
If no aperture is present, then this result will show 100%.  
Auto Aperture takes precedent over a Drawn Aperture.  
6.8 Peak and Min  
These are the Peak and Minimum energy density values in the displayed frame, or within the Drawn  
or Auto Aperture if present. The Minimum value will most often be negative, and is therefore not  
meaningful except as an indication of the amount of noise present in the video signal.  
Auto Aperture takes precedent over a Drawn Aperture.  
6.9 Peak Location  
This is the first location where the peak intensity value was found. The Peak Location is found by  
scanning the pixel data from left to right, and top to bottom. If a Drawn or Auto Aperture is  
present, then the scanning is confined to the pixels inside the aperture.  
Auto Aperture takes precedent over a Drawn Aperture.  
6.10 Centroid Location  
The Centroid location is found by calculating the center of mass of all the pixels that satisfy the  
following clip level criteria, based upon the chosen Beam Width Method.  
•
•
•
In the case of Percent of Peak, the included pixels are those that are greater than the Clip%  
level.  
With Percent of Energy, the included pixels are those that are greater than or equal to the  
Clip% level.  
If the 4 Sigma or one of the Knife Edge methods are chosen and the Top Hat calculations are  
not checked, the clip level is set to 86.5% of energy. If the Top Hat calculations are checked,  
then an 80% of Peak clip level is set.  
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The following equations describe the X and Y centroid locations from the collection of data points that  
satisfy the above energy clip level criteria.  
X × z  
(
)
∑
x centroid =  
z
∑
(
∑
Y × z  
)
∑
y centroid =  
z
Where:  
X = x locations of selected pixels.  
Y = y locations of selected pixels.  
z = value of selected pixels.  
6.11 Beam Widths and Diameters  
To some extent, beam width is a term that describes how you have decided to measure the size of your  
laser beam. The LBA-PC is designed to give you a set of measurement tools that will allow you to make  
this measurement as you see fit. During the past few years there has been some movement toward a  
consensus regarding a standard definition of beam width. This definition has grown out of laser beam  
propagation theory and is called the Second Moment, or D-4-Sigma beam width. (The D erroneously  
stands for Diameter.) Sigma refers to the common notation for standard deviation. Thus an X-axis  
beam Width is defined as 4 times the standard deviation of the spatial distribution of the beam’s  
intensity profile evaluated in the X transverse direction. Taken in the Y transverse direction will yield  
the Y-axis beam Width.  
Note: For a TEM00 (Gaussian) beam, 2-Sigma is the 1/e² radius about the centroid.  
The term Diameter implies that the beam is radially symmetric or circular in shape. The term Width  
implies that the beam is non-radially symmetric, but is however axially symmetric and characterized by  
two principal axes orthogonal to each other. Beams that are asymmetric, distorted, or irregularly  
shaped will fail to give significantly meaningful or repeatable beam width results using any of the  
standard methods.  
6.11.1  
D4-Sigma Method  
From laser beam propagation theory, the Second Moment or 4-Sigma beam width definition is  
found to be of fundamental significance. It is defined as 4 times the standard deviation of the energy  
distribution evaluated separately in the X and Y transverse directions over the beam intensity profile.  
dσx = 4⋅σ x  
dσy = 4⋅σ y  
Where:  
dσ = The 4-Sigma beam width  
σ
= The standard deviation of the beam intensity  
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The standard deviations are derived from the variances of the energy distributions and are equal to  
the standard deviations squared. The variances are:  
(x − x)2 ⋅Z(x, y)  
∑x ∑y  
∑x ∑y  
σ 2x =  
Z(x, y)  
∑x ∑y  
( y − y)2 ⋅ Z(x, y)  
σ 2y =  
Z(x, y)  
∑x ∑y  
Where:  
Z = the intensity of the pixel  
x and y are the coordinates of the centroid  
Only beam propagation factors based on beam widths and divergence angles derived from the second  
moments of the energy density distribution function, will allow one to predict how a beam will  
propagate. Other definitions of the beam widths and divergence angles may be used, but they must  
be shown to be equivalent to the second moment definitions for computing the correct beam  
propagation.  
To make an accurate measurement of the beam widths with the LBA-PC you must aperture the beam  
inside a Drawn or Auto Aperture. The aperture must be approximately 2x the size of the beam. The  
Auto Aperture feature of the LBA-PC will automatically provide such an aperture under most operating  
conditions. It can be used in combination with a Drawn Aperture if needed. If your beam size is  
already equal to about 1/2 the beam display window, then you can usually get by without drawing an  
aperture, just be sure to center the beam in the window.  
6.11.2  
Knife Edge Method  
Beam widths are computed using special algorithms that simulate knife-edge techniques. The method  
employed in the LBA-PC borrows from two sources. They are:  
ISO 11146 Lasers and laser-related equipment—Test methods for laser beam parameters— Beam  
Widths, divergence angle and beam propagation factor  
Note this document is being revised and split into three parts:  
•
•
•
11146-1, Part 1: Stigmatic and simple astigmatic beams  
11146-2, Part 2: General astigmatic beams  
11146-3, Part 3: Alternative test methods and geometrical laser beam classification and  
propagation  
And from the IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics, Vol 27, No 4, April 1991 Choice of Clip Levels for  
Beam Width Measurements Using Knife-Edge Techniques by Siegman, Sasnett and Johnston.  
The LBA offers the operator two methods for computing Knife Edge beam widths. The 90/10  
method presets the Clip% values to 90% and 10% respectively, and the Multiplier to 1.561.  
These are the recommended values based upon the above Siegman, et al. paper, and are very  
compatible with CCD camera noise figures. These values are perfectly correct for computing an  
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equivalent second moment width for TEM00 beams, and are a good approximation for many beams of  
mixed modes.  
The second Knife Edge selection will allow you to program your own Clip% and Multiplier values.  
This option will allow you to set up for beams requiring special settings, which could get you into all  
kinds of trouble, since you can set these values to just about anything you like.  
When the LBA’s Elliptical results are disabled, the computed beam widths will be aligned with a pair  
of simulated knife-edges cutting one in each of the X and Y directions. Hence, the displayed beam  
widths will be indicated in the results window as X and Y. If your laser beam is not radially symmetric  
but does contain two axes of symmetry, you should rotate the beam such that the beam's axes align  
with the X and Y axes of the display.  
When the LBA's Elliptical results are enabled, the computed beam widths will be aligned with a pair  
of simulated knife-edges cutting one in each of the Major and Minor axial directions. Hence, the  
displayed beam widths will be indicated in the results window as Major and Minor. The implication is  
that the displayed values represent the major and minor widths of an elliptically shaped laser beam.  
6.11.3  
Percent of Energy Method  
The LBA measures the lengths of two orthogonal lines that pass through the beam centroid. The  
beam widths are determined by separately looking out along each line and count all the pixels that are  
greater than the set clip level. The reported beam widths are the number of pixels greater than the  
clip level multiplied by the pixel pitch.  
When the LBA's Elliptical results are disabled, the computed beam widths are the measure of the  
pixels in the row and column that pass through the centroid. The beam widths in the results window  
are labeled X and Y.  
When the LBA's Elliptical results are enabled, the computed beam widths are the measure of the  
pixels along the Major and Minor axes that pass through the centroid. The beam widths in the results  
window are labeled Major and Minor.  
6.11.4  
Percent of Peak Method  
The LBA measures the lengths of two orthogonal lines that pass through the beam centroid. The  
beam widths are determined by separately looking out along each line and counting all the pixels that  
are greater than the set clip level. The reported beam widths are the number of pixels greater than  
the clip level multiplied by the pixel pitch.  
When the LBA's Elliptical results are disabled, the computed beam widths are the measure of the  
pixels in the row and column that pass through the centroid. The beam widths in the results window  
are labeled X and Y.  
When the LBA's Elliptical results are enabled, the computed beam widths are the measure of the  
pixels along the Major and Minor axes that pass through the centroid. The beam widths in the results  
window are labeled Major and Minor.  
6.12 Elliptical beam  
The LBA-PC can compute and display the Orientation of an Elliptical or rectangular beam and a  
coefficient of Roundness. The criteria for computing the Elliptical beam's Major and Minor beam  
widths are described in the Beam Widths and Diameters section.  
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The Orientation of an Elliptical beam is determined from the clip level. A smaller percent of peak or  
larger percent of energy will include more pixels, in the orientation calculation. A larger percent of peak  
or smaller percent of energy will include fewer pixels. Depending upon your laser beam this setting can  
have serious implications.  
The Orientation is defined as the angle formed between the Major axis and the horizontal, pointing  
to the right. If the Major axis points above the horizontal, the angle is positive (+); below, the  
horizontal is negative (-). The Major and Minor axes are perpendicular to each other.  
The Roundness result is the ratio of the computed beam widths. The Minor (smaller) beam width is  
always divided by the Major (larger) to produce a result less than or equal to one. Thus, beams with  
Roundness values close to 1.000 are nearly circular.  
To view the shape of the computed ellipse, select Options, Aperture..., go to Display Beam Width  
and select Ellipse.  
6.13 Gauss Fit  
The LBA-PC can perform a least squares bivariate normal equation (Gaussian equation) fit using all of  
the data when doing a Whole beam fit. Or it can perform two univariate normal equation fits using  
orthogonal Lines of data through the Centroid Location.  
With the Elliptical results disabled, the Gaussian fitter may be set to Disabled, Whole Beam, or X/Y  
aligned.  
With the Elliptical results enabled, the choices are Disabled, Whole Beam, or Major/Minor aligned.  
The Gauss Fit results are displayed as follows:  
Whole Beam fits  
Line fits are X/Y or Major/Minor aligned  
Centroid X,Y  
Width X,Y  
Height  
Centroid X or Major*  
Width X or Major  
Centroid Y or Minor*  
Width Y or Minor  
Height Y or Minor  
Height X or Major  
Deviation  
Correlation  
Deviation X or Major  
Correlation X or Major  
Deviation Y or Minor  
Correlation Y or Minor  
The Centroid Major value is the distance from the fitted Major axis centroid to the origin axis, which  
is most perpendicular to the Major axis. The Centroid Minor value is the distance from the fitted  
Minor axis centroid to the origin axis, which is most perpendicular to the Minor axis. At 45° the  
Centroid Major value is the distance to the X-axis and the Centroid Minor is the distance to the Y-  
axis.  
Whole beam fits are always X and Y aligned.  
Line fits can be either X/Y aligned where the fits will be performed upon the data in the X & Y  
directions passing through the Centroid. Or the fits can be Major/Minor axes aligned with the fits  
performed upon the data on the Major and Minor axes passing through the Centroid.  
All fits are least square fits, meaning that the algorithm minimizes the sum of the square of the  
differences between the data and the fitted surface or line, as described in the following equation.  
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2
(
)
Amin  
=
Z − S  
∑∑  
xy  
xy  
x
y
Where:  
Zxy = Amplitude of the pixel data at (x,y).  
Sxy = Amplitude of fitted surface at (x,y).  
6.14 Whole Beam fit equations  
The bivariate normal equation is used to fit data in two locked directions, X and Y. The Whole Beam  
selection assumes the beam is round or elongated parallel to the horizontal or vertical axis. The  
definition of the bivariate normal equation and the displayed results are as follows:  
2   
2
x−x  
y− y  
−2  
+
w
/2  
w
/2  
x
y
J = Joe  
Where:  
J
=
Amplitude at the point (x,y).  
J * =  
Amplitude at the Gaussian center.  
o
x
=
x location of pixel.  
x location of the Gaussian center.  
Horizontal width at 1/e² of energy.  
x * =  
w * =  
x
y
=
y location of pixel.  
y location of the Gaussian center.  
y * =  
w * =  
Vertical width at 1/e² of energy.  
y
Parameters marked with an asterisk (*) are the variables fitted.  
6.15 X/Y or Major/Minor line fit equations  
The univariate normal equation is used to fit data in one direction. The definition of the equation and  
the displayed results are shown below:  
for the X or Major axis  
2  
M −M  
wM / 2  
−2  
J = JM e  
Where:  
J
=
Amplitude at the point M.  
JM*  
=
Amplitude at the Gaussian center.  
M
M
wM* =  
=
=
Location of pixel.  
location of the Gaussian center.  
Width at 1/e² of energy.  
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for the Y or Minor axis  
2  
m−m  
wm /2  
−2  
J = Jme  
Where:  
J
Jm*  
=
=
Amplitude at the point m.  
Amplitude at the Gaussian center.  
m
m
=
=
Location of pixel.  
M location of the Gaussian center.  
Width at 1/e² of energy.  
wm* =  
Parameters marked with an asterisk (*) are variables fitted.  
M
m
&
are not the same as the displayed Centroid Major and Centroid Minor results. However, they  
are used to compute those results items.  
Note: There is some display limitations when using the Line Gaussian Fit results. If you have set your Reference  
Source to either Last Gauss or Auto Gauss, no full frame Gaussian beams will be available to be placed into the  
Reference frame buffer. Thus any Beam Display selections that involve the Reference frame will not be updated  
nor display any images based upon the Line fit results. Use only Whole Beam fits if you want to use them in  
conjunction with the various Beam Display options.  
6.16 Deviation of Fit  
The Deviation of fit result is a measure of the standard deviation of the beam intensity data from the  
fitted Gaussian surface or line. As this result approaches zero the data more nearly matches the  
Gaussian surface.  
The definition of the Deviation is:  
(Z − s)2  
∑
σ =  
n − 2  
Where:  
σ
Z
s
=
=
=
=
Standard deviation.  
Pixel intensity.  
Gaussian surface intensity.  
Number of pixels.  
n
For Line fits there will be a separate Deviation result for each axis.  
6.17 Correlation of Fit  
The Correlation result gives you a relative value for how well the data matches the fitted Gaussian  
surface. The Correlation is useful in the sense that the result approaches one as the fit to the data  
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becomes better and vice versa. The Correlation gives a relative feeling for how well the data matches  
a Gaussian surface.  
However, this result is relative, not absolute. A result of 0.8 tells us the data is a better Gaussian shape  
than a result of 0.7 and a worse Gaussian than 0.9, but it does not tell us how much more or less. A  
change from 0.85 to 0.9 tells us there was an improvement but does not tell how much.  
The definition of the Correlation can be seen in the equation below. Dividing it by the volume of the  
data normalizes the relative error, |Z-S|. This allows relative comparisons of the correlation value  
between different samples and beams. The relative error has a potential range of zero to infinity.  
Therefore, the correlation has a potential range of minus infinity to one. However, we have found the  
practical range is between zero and one. If the correlation is less than zero, then the beam is obviously  
not Gaussian.  
Z − S  
∑
Gc = 1−  
Z
∑
Where:  
G
=
Gaussian correlation, -1< Gc < 1.  
c
Z
S
=
=
pixel intensity.  
Gaussian surface intensity.  
6.18 Top Hat  
The Top Hat computations quantify laser beams that have a flat topped energy distribution with  
steeply sloped sides. The Top Hat results provide the Mean, Standard Deviation, and Minimum and  
Maximum energy density in a defined area on the beam’s energy profile. A Top Hat Factor value is  
computed to indicate the overall quality of the Top Hat energy distribution. An Effective Area and  
Effective Diameter results are also computed to indicate the working area of the beam.  
In general most Top Hat measurements should utilize the Percent of Peak method for determining a clip  
level.  
The Top Hat edit control allows you to measure a Top Hat beam in three different ways.  
1. Data: Only pixels with intensity levels above the clip level will be use to compute the Top Hat  
results. If an aperture is present it will further limit the analysis to the pixels inside the aperture.  
2. Area Aperture: The Top Hat Area Aperture selection is intended to be used to analyze the data  
within a specific region lying on the upper surface of a Top Hat beam. Use a Drawn Aperture  
to isolate regions of the beam and compute results over the entire area enclosed by the aperture,  
(the clip level is ignored for all but the Effective Area and Diameter results). While this method is  
intended for use with a Drawn Aperture, it will however work with no aperture and with an  
Auto aperture, see the notice below.  
3. Line Aperture: The Top Hat Line Aperture is intended to be used to analyze the data lying  
along the axes of a Drawn Aperture. As in Area Aperture above this should be limited to  
regions lying on the upper surface of the Top Hat beam. Except for Top Hat Factor a separate  
result will be computed for each axis of the aperture. Use a Drawn Aperture to isolate regions  
of the beam and compute results over only the orthogonal axes of the aperture, (the clip level is  
ignored for all but the Effective Area and Diameter results). This method is intended for use with  
a Drawn Aperture, however it will work with no aperture and with an Auto aperture, see the  
notice below.  
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Notice: In general it is not advisable to use the Auto Aperture feature when making Top Hat measurements.  
6.18.1  
Top Hat Mean and Standard Deviation  
The computation of the Mean and Standard Deviation are described in the equations below:  
for the Mean,  
Z
∑
Z =  
n
Where:  
Z
n
=
=
Mean intensity  
Number of summed pixels  
Σ Z  
=
Sum of the pixel intensities above the clip level,  
or in the area, or on the line being evaluated.  
for the Deviation,  
2
Z − Z  
(
)
∑
σ =  
n −1  
Where:  
σ
n
=
=
std. deviation.  
Number of pixels summed.  
Σ(Z - Z )² =  
Sum of the square of the differences between the mean  
intensity and the pixel intensity values  
above the clip level, or in the area, or on the  
line being evaluated.  
6.18.2  
Top Hat Minimum and Maximum intensities  
The values appearing here represent the highest and lowest energy intensities that are found within  
the Top Hat area, as defined by the Data, Area or Line Aperture selection.  
Note: In Data mode, the Minimum will often be the clip level value determined by the Beam Width Method.  
6.19 Top Hat Factor  
The Top Hat Factor provides a numerical measure of quality for a Top Hat beam profile. It is a  
normalized value that compares your beam profile against a perfect Top Hat--a perfect Top Hat being a  
beam with vertical sides and an absolutely uniform intensity on the top. A Factor value of 1.0 describes  
a perfect Top Hat.  
Examining a plot of a beam’s energy fraction versus its normalized fluence derives the Top Hat Factor.  
The energy fraction is defined as the fraction of total energy above a particular fluence value. See  
figure below. If we calculate the area under the energy fraction curve, we will have a single normalized  
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parameter to describe quality of a Top Hat’s energy distribution. A perfect Top Hat has a single fluence  
value that makes up 100 percent of energy and plots curve A. The area under this curve yields the  
Top Hat Factor value of 1.0. A Gaussian beam plots the curve labeled C. The area, and thus the  
Factor, for beam C is 0.5.  
Real-world Top Hat beams will plot curves somewhere between A and C, such as curve B. Thus, as the  
area under the curve approaches unity, the quality of the Top Hat is seen to improve.  
Figure 56  
The equation below describes how the curve of a particular beam profile would be derived from the  
pixel intensity data. The plot of such a curve is formed by the sum of the product of the number of  
pixels and the corresponding fluence for each fluence value, in a range starting from the maximum  
fluence value to the current value.  
f
i × NPix  
Total  
E f =  
( )  
∑
i= Pk  
Where:  
E
=
The fraction of energy contained between the fluence value and  
the peak value.  
f
Pk  
=
=
The fluence value.  
The peak fluence value.  
Total =  
Npix =  
The total energy in the beam.  
The number of pixels that have the value of I.  
To find the Top Hat Factor, sum the area under the curve formed from the above equation, as shown  
below:  
Pk−1  
Ef + Ef +1  
∑
f =1  
2
F =  
Pk  
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Where:  
F
=
The Top Hat Factor (area under the curve)  
6.20 Effective Area and Effective Diameter  
All of the pixels that are above the clip level are included in the Effective Area and Diameter results.  
If an aperture is present then the analysis is confined to just the pixels inside the aperture. The sum of  
the areas of all the pixels above the clip level is the Effective Area. The Effective Diameter is the  
diameter of a circle that will just contain the Effective Area as shown below:  
ea  
ed = 2 ×  
π
Where:  
ed  
ea  
=
=
Effective diameter  
Effective area  
6.21 Far-Field Divergence Angle computations  
The LBA-PC can calculate Far Field Full-Angle beam divergence in two orthogonal axes. Two methods  
are provided, the Focal Length and the Far-Field. The Focal Length method requires the use of a  
focusing optic, while the Far-Field method requires that all measurements be performed in the far-field  
of your laser beam. Each method is discussed below. In each discussion you can assume results are  
duplicated for each axis.  
6.21.1  
The Focal Length Method  
This method is based upon the beam width of a focused beam’s spot size and the focal length of the  
focusing optic. Divergence results will be computed in the X and Y aligned axes of the beam if  
Elliptical results are disabled, or for Major and Minor axes beam orientations if Elliptical results  
are enabled.  
The Focal Length divergence method provides a means for finding the far-field beam divergence at  
any point in the beam propagation path. As shown below, the calculation performed by the LBA is  
quite simple, however the optical setup must be done with great care. The user to suit his particular  
application must provide the optic. The focusing optic must be large enough to accommodate the  
input beam, without introducing diffraction effects. You can use either refracting or reflecting  
focusing optics, but in either case, you must place your camera’s detector at the exact focal length of  
the optical element. The Divergence result is based upon the focused spot size as described in the  
equation below:  
W
f
divergence = tan−1  
f   
Where:  
Wf  
=
The width of the focused spot at distance f from the optic.  
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f
=
The focal length of the imaging optic at the wavelength of the laser.  
If you are not already versed in the theory behind the Focal Length method, we recommend the  
following reference document:  
Laser Far-Field Beam-Profile Measurements by the Focal Plane Technique, by G.W. Day and C.F.  
Stubenrauch, NBS Technical Note 1001, March 1978. This publication is no longer in print. A copy  
can be obtained from the Spiricon Sales or Service department.  
6.21.2  
The Far-Field Method  
This method is based upon the actual measured increase in laser beam width as it expands in the far-  
field region. Before using this method, be sure that your measurements will be made in the beam’s  
far-field region, and the size of the beam does not grow larger than your camera’s ability to contain it.  
Divergence results will be computed in the X and Y aligned axes of the beam if Elliptical results are  
disabled, or for Major and Minor axes beam orientations if Elliptical results are enabled.  
Notice:  
We strongly recommend that you do not use the Elliptical mode when using the Far-Field method,  
but rather rotate your camera to bring the axes of the laser into X and Y alignment.  
Position the camera in the beam path to acquire a first, or Reference, beam width. It is assumed  
that this first sample will be the one nearest the beam waist, and thus the smaller sample width.  
Next, move the camera a distance further from the beam waist. Note the distance the camera has  
traveled as the Separation distance. The Divergence result is computed as follows:  
W −W  
C
divergence = 2 ⋅ tan−1  
R   
2 ⋅ S  
Where:  
WR =  
WC =  
The width of the beam at the Reference (nearer to the waist) location.  
The width of the beam at the Current (further from the waist) location.  
The separation distance between the two beam width sample locations.  
S
=
6.22 Histogram  
The LBA-PC can produce a fluence Histogram of the currently displayed frame of data. Each bar in  
the display represents a fluence Bucket. Each Bucket describes a range of quantized fluence values.  
The minimum Bucket Size is based upon a single count of the digitized output of the A to D converter.  
The Bucket will be scaled if energy calibration is in use. With energy calibration in effect, the raw  
values are simply multiplied by a scaling factor that converts them to energy densities. For simplicity,  
all of the following discussions will assume no energy calibration. Thus, a raw A to D pixel intensity  
range of from 0 to 255/1023/4095/16383/32767 will be assumed.  
Image processing can alter the numerical value of a pixel’s intensity. Ultracal, Reference Subtraction,  
Frame Averaging and Frame Summing are all processes that transform the simple 8/10/12/14/15 bit  
integer input from the A/D conversion, into a signed 16 bit fixed point value. For ease of use, we have  
forced all buckets to be defined in raw pixel integers. Thus a Bucket size of 4, starting at zero, will  
contain the intensity values from 0 to 3.992, the next bucket goes from 4 to 7.992, and so on.  
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Figure 57  
The numbers displayed along the left edge of the Histogram, indicate the lower value of each  
Bucket. The numbers along the right edge of the display is the total count of the number of pixels  
that have been placed into each of the Buckets. The length of the drawn bar represents the depth to  
which the Bucket is filled. Zero count is on the left.  
The horizontal scale can be magnified with the Horizontal Scroll Bar, the Vertical Scroll Bar allows  
you to bring into view Buckets that may extend higher than your display resolution will accommodate.  
6.23 Statistics  
Statistical results can be obtained for any enabled computational item. The Statistical results are  
Mean, Standard Deviation, Maximum, and Minimum. The number of samples used in computing  
each result is indicated on the top line of the results.  
The computation of the Mean and Standard Deviation are described in the equations below:  
for the Mean,  
n
S
∑
n=1  
s =  
n
Where:  
s
=
Mean.  
Σ S =  
Sum of the samples.  
Number of samples.  
n
=
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for the Standard Deviation,  
2
n
S − s  
(
)
∑
n=1  
σ =  
n −1  
Where:  
σ
=
=
std. deviation.  
number of samples.  
n
Σ(S - s )² =  
sum of the square of the differences between  
the mean and each sample.  
The Maximum and Minimum are just the largest and smallest values encountered in the samples.  
6.24 Frame Averaging  
The signal to noise ratio of the digitized data can be improved by using Frame Averaging. The  
amount of the improvement is roughly the square root of the number of frames being averaged. The  
LBA-PC can average a maximum of 256 frames for at best a 16 times improvement of the signal to  
noise ratio. The amount of improvement is also limited by the noise content of your camera and our  
digitizer system. In general you will begin to receive diminishing returns when you average more  
frames than the square of the number of noise counts. For CCD cameras the noise is about 4-5 counts,  
so averaging more than 16 to 25 frames will be of little benefit.  
Pulse to pulse variations for a pulsed laser will be reduced by a like amount.  
When Frame Averaging is enabled, the display will update with the averaged results only after all  
frames have been received. Any calculations will similarly be performed only after all frames have been  
received.  
Notice: When Frame Averaging is enabled and you click on Stop!, the LBA will immediately abort the collection of  
frames for averaging and will display the last completed set of averaged data. Any frames that were in the process  
of being averaged are discarded, thus when you again click Start! a totally new averaging process is begun.  
Notice: Do Not use Frame Averaging if your beam suffers from poor pointing stability, and you want to make  
accurate beam width measurements. Instead, enable statistics and find the mean beam width by using results  
averaging. This is independent of centroid position.  
6.25 Frame Summing  
You can use Frame Summing to observe the cumulative effect of a pulsed laser. The LBA-PC can  
sum a maximum of 256 frames. Be careful that your pulse rate is not greater than the LBA and Camera  
system can keep up with, and that the total energy doesn’t exceed the available dynamic range. Note:  
You may want to use block mode to insure that you do not miss any pulses.  
Frame summing will cause fixed pattern noise to increase in proportion to the number of frames  
summed, while temporal noise will increase only as the square root of the number of frames being  
summed. Thus some improvement in the signal to noise ratio will be realized. To further improve the  
signal to noise ratio, try using Frame Summing together with Frame Averaging.  
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When Frame Summing is enabled, the display will update with the summed results only after all  
frames have been received. Any calculations will similarly be performed only after all frames have been  
received.  
Notice: When Frame Summing is enabled and you click on Stop!, the LBA will immediately abort the collection of  
frames for summing and will display the last completed set of summed data. Any frames that were in the process of  
being summed are discarded, thus when you again click Start! a totally new summing process begins.  
6.26 Gamma Correction  
If your camera has a gamma value less than or greater than 1, the LBA can be set to correct for your  
cameras non-linear response. Enter the gamma of the camera in the Gamma edit control in the  
Camera.. dialog box. Each pixel of each new frame of data will be automatically corrected as defined  
in the equation shown below. If you enter a value of 1, gamma correction is disabled.  
1/ g  
Z
   
z =  
× P  
   
P
   
Where:  
z
=
=
=
=
Gamma corrected pixel intensity  
Uncorrected pixel intensity value  
Gamma  
Z
g
P
255/1023/4095/16383/32767  
Notice: Be sure of your Gamma correction value. If necessary, run a response curve on your camera. Standard  
published gamma values are usually averages for particular tube types and may not always be adequate for  
obtaining the desired accuracy. Also, be wary of gamma values less than 1 published for CCD cameras. These  
values are usually approximations obtained by using two-piece linear fits to an exponential gamma curve.  
Whenever possible use CCD cameras which are settable to a gamma of 1.  
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6.27 Convolution  
Convolution algorithms in the LBA-PC may take on a number of forms, some of which might not fit the  
exact description that is to follow. In the broadest sense, convolution refers to a general-purpose  
algorithm that can be used in performing a variety of area process transformations. One such general-  
purpose algorithm will be described here.  
For the purpose of this description, the best way to understand a convolution is to think of it is a  
weighted summation process. Each pixel in an image becomes the center element in a neighborhood of  
pixels. A similarly dimensioned convolution kernel multiplies each pixel in the neighborhood. The  
sum of these products is then used to replace the center pixel.  
Each element of the convolution kernel is a weighting factor called a convolution coefficient. The  
size and arrangement of the convolution coefficients in a convolution kernel determine the type of area  
transform that will be applied to the image data.  
The figure below shows a 3x3 neighborhood and convolution kernel.  
Figure 58  
The tables below give the convolution coefficients (K values) for some of the included low-pass spatial  
filters.  
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Figure 59  
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Chapter 7 DIGITAL CAMERA OPTION  
7.1 Digital Camera Option  
This section will discuss how to interface a Digital Camera with an LBA-  
400/500/700/708/710/712/714PC-D equipped with the Digital Camera Option. This  
option is identified by the presence of a –D in the title bar model designation. The frame  
grabber will also be provided with a short ribbon cable adapter that plugs into the frame  
grabber and has a 50 pin connector attached to a PC mounting bracket.  
7.2 I/O Connections  
The digital camera connector is a 50 pin standard SCSI-2 style, however the circuit connections  
are NOT SCSI compatible. A typical compatible cable assembly is AMP 750254-2. Sample  
compatible connector / cable components are:  
•
•
•
•
Plug  
Plug  
AMP 750913-5 for .032”-.036” OD, 28 awg wire  
AMP 1-750913-5 for .029”-.031” OD, 28 awg wire  
HousingAMP 749193-2 for .400” max. cable OD  
Cable Madison SPEC4084-5A, or 50SD08TIA  
The signal inputs to the LBA must be differential RS-422 or RS-644 (LVDS) compatible.  
Each input pair is terminated into 110 ohms at the LBA-PC. For good noise immunity and signal  
integrity, we recommend a twisted pair cable with a characteristic impedance of about 100-120  
ohms per pair with an overall shield.  
There is not an industry standard for digital camera connectors, so each camera type will  
require a custom interface cable assembly. Consult your camera operator’s manual for  
particular connector requirements. Most cameras will have similar output signal functionality,  
while each will have slightly different signal timing properties.  
The Figures below describes the signal pin outs for the 50-pin digital camera connector based  
on the model frame grabber in use. The first figure is for the older LBA-400/500 models while  
the second figure is for the newer LBA-7XX models.  
Note: Cables for LBA-400/500 models that support 12 bit cameras will work as is with the LBA-7XX  
models. Cables for 8 or 10 bit cameras are not compatible with the LBA-7XX models and must either be  
rewired or replaced with newer designs. Contact the Spiricon Service or Sales department to resolve any  
camera cable compatibility issues.  
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Digital Camera Connections for LBA-400/500 Model Frame Grabbers  
Figure 60  
VD12+  
VD13+  
VD14+  
VD15+  
VD12-  
VD13-  
VD14-  
VD15-  
Digital Camera Connections for LBA-7XX Model Frame Grabbers  
Figure 61  
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Signal definitions are as follows: References to LBA settings are found in either the Camera or  
Camera Advanced dialog boxes. For digital cameras, set the Sync Source to Digital.  
PCLK+/-  
Connect your camera’s pixel clock to this input. Either the rising or falling edge of this signal  
will denote the time when your camera’s pixel data should be sampled. If your camera data is  
to be sampled by the falling edge of PCLK+, set the ERC Polarity to Positive. If your camera  
data is to be sampled by the rising edge of PCLK+, set the ERC Polarity to Negative. Pixel clock  
frequencies below 15MHz will allow large mega-pixel cameras to interface with the largest  
image sizes. Cameras with high clock frequencies will require a reduction of the image size that  
can be acquired. We have successfully interfaced cameras with clock rates at 25MHz, but with  
a loss in image width. This will vary from camera to camera depending upon how the image is  
formatted.  
/HSYNC+/-  
Connect your camera’s horizontal sync (or start of line/row) to this input. If /HSYNC+ is a  
negative going pulse set the Sync Polarity to Negative. If /HSYNC+ is a positive going pulse set  
the Sync Polarity to Positive. Note the polarity of the HSYNC and VSYNC signals must be the  
same.  
/VSYNC+/-  
Connect your camera’s vertical sync (or start of frame/field) to this input. If /VSYNC+ is a  
negative going pulse set the Sync Polarity to Negative. If /VSYNC+ is a positive going pulse set  
the Sync Polarity to Positive. Note the polarity of the /HSYNC+ and /VSYNC+ signals must be  
the same.  
FIELD+/-  
This signal is only used when the camera Scan Mode is Interlaced. Most digital cameras are  
sequentially scanned, i.e. Non-interlaced. If your camera is interlaced, this signal will indicate  
to the LBA which field is being input. FIELD+ must go high during the Odd or 1st field time,  
and must go low during the Even or 2nd field time. It should change state at the beginning of  
VSYNC.  
VD11-0+/-… LBA-400/500  
Connect the digital data signals to these inputs. VD11 is the MSB and VD0 is the LSB. Connect  
the MSB from your camera to VD11. Unused connections must always involve the LSB’s. VD+  
must be a logic high to denote a true condition of a data bit. Set the Pixel Bits value to the  
number of data connections supported. Note: If the output from your digital camera is in a  
signed two’s compliment data format, connect the sign bit to VD11, and the MSB data to VD10.  
The Pixel Bits entry should be a negative value for signed data. For example: If your data is a  
12 bit signed two’s compliment format, enter a -12 for the Pixel Bits.  
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VD15-0+/-… LBA-7XX  
Connect the digital data signals to these inputs. VD11 is the MSB and VD0 is the LSB. Connect  
the LSB from your camera to VD0. Unused connections must always involve the MSB’s. VD+  
must be a logic high to denote a true condition of a data bit. Set the Pixel Bits value to the  
number of data connections supported. Note: If the output from your digital camera is in a  
signed two’s compliment data format, connect the sign bit to the bit just above the cameras  
MSB data bit. The Pixel Bits entry should be a negative value for signed data. For example: If  
your data is a 12 bit signed two’s compliment format, enter a -12 for the Pixel Bits.  
At the present time 16 bit cameras are supported as 15 bit devices, VD15 is not usable. If you  
are connecting a 16 bit camera connect the 15 MSB’s to VD0 through VD14  
COM  
A number of signal common, or ground, connections should be made between your camera and  
the LBA. Although not required for operation, an outer case-to-case shield connection is also  
recommended.  
The above connections are the minimum requirements for successful interfacing of a digital  
camera to the LBA-PC.  
The following additional signals are outputs from the LBA-400/500PC models that provide  
control for an electronic shutter, if your camera is so equipped.  
SHT#… LBA-400/500 ONLY  
These three signal outputs are available to control an electronic shutter. For these signals to  
become operational, the Shutter check box must be checked. You can enter the Shutter  
speeds in the supplied dialog box. Be sure to save the camera configuration into a .cam file  
once you’ve completed these entries.  
RST… LBA-400/500 ONLY  
This signal output is reserved and has no function at this time.  
Special Jumper Cutting Requirements: LBA-400/500 ONLY  
Special circumstances can arise if your digital camera has a contrary number of digital outputs  
than the LBA-400/500PC can support.  
•
•
The LBA-400PC can support a maximum of 10 data bits.  
The LBA-500PC can support a maximum of 12 data bits.  
If your camera has more digital outputs than the LBA has inputs, use the upper MSB’s from  
your camera, starting with VD11 on the LBA.  
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If your camera has fewer data output signals than the LBA has inputs, then use the upper most  
data inputs, starting at VD11, and cut open the following jumper traces:  
•
•
•
For an LBA-500PC with a 10 bit digital camera, cut open E7 and E8.  
For an LBA-500PC with an 8 bit digital camera, cut open E7, E8, E9 and E10  
For an LBA-400PC with an 8 bit digital camera, cut open E9 and E10.  
Note: Jumper cuts are made between square shaped circuit pads labeled with “E#” designators. An  
Exacto knife with a sharp blade is recommended for making these cuts. If you are unsure how to go about  
performing these small surgical like operations then please call Spiricon’s service department and we can  
walk you through it.  
7.3 Digital Camera Advanced Timing Setup  
The following Camera, Advanced settings; Transfer Mode, Scan Mode, Horizontal Start,  
Horizontal Size, Vertical Start and Vertical Size, must be correctly set in order to capture  
and display the data transmitted from your digital camera. These settings are best  
accomplished by making a few good guesses and then modifying your results by trial and error.  
You will need to know:  
•
•
•
Is your camera operating in an Interlaced or Non-Interlaced (Progrssive scan) mode?  
If your camera is interlaced, does it use a Frame transfer style detector?  
What are the total number of HSYNC’s (lines or rows) that your camera outputs per  
VSYNC (or frame, if interlaced) of video?  
•
How many of those rows are black, and how many contain real data, and where are  
they?  
•
•
How many total pixel clocks are output per HSYNC (line or row) of data?  
How many of those clocks have black data, and how many contain real data, and where  
are they?  
7.3.1  
Transfer Mode  
If your camera is an interlaced or pseudo interlaced frame transfer style set the mode to  
Frame. If your camera is a non-interlaced (progressive) scan style that uses either Interline  
or Full-frame transfer style imagers set the mode to Interline. For most CMOS, X/Y and line  
scanning camera set the mode to Line.  
7.3.2  
Scan Mode  
If your camera is interlaced select Interlaced. If non-interlaced, or progressive scanned,  
choose Non-interlaced.  
7.3.3  
Vertical Start  
This value must be an even number. Enter the row where video data begins. If your camera  
is non-interlaced, and outputs a total of 300 rows, where the first 24 rows are black followed  
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by 256 rows of video and then 20 rows of black, try a first value of 18 (24-6) for Vertical  
Start. If your camera is interlaced, and each frame outputs a total of 525 rows (i.e. 262.5  
rows per field), and the first 32 rows of each frame are black, followed by 490 rows of video  
per frame, try a first value of 20 (32-12) for Vertical Start.  
7.3.4  
Vertical Size  
This value must always be an even number: Enter the number of rows that contain video  
data. In the above Vertical Start examples set this value to 256 in the first example, and 490  
for the second example. Before the release of software version 4.xx, this value was limited to  
a maximum of 1000 rows. After version 4.xx this value maximum is 2000 rows. It is a good  
idea to start with a value 50 to 80% less than the maximum for your camera and then work  
up to a number that the frame grabber can actually support. This is particularly important for  
mega-pixel style cameras.  
7.3.5  
Horizontal Start  
This value must be an even number. Enter the pixel clock where the video data begins. A  
good starting value is approximately half the number of clocks from the end of HSYNC. For  
example: Suppose the first active pixel is 25 PCLK’s after the end of HSYNC. Enter a first  
value of 12 for Horizontal Start.  
7.3.6  
Horizontal Size  
This value must be an even number. Enter the number of active pixels in each horizontal  
row. Before the release of LBA software version 4.xx, this value was limited to a maximum of  
1000 pixels. After version 4.xx this value maximum is 2000 pixels. It is a good idea to start  
with a value 50 to 80% less than the maximum for your camera and then work up to a  
number that the frame grabber can actually support. This is particularly important for mega-  
pixel style cameras with high-speed pixel clocks. Pixel clock frequencies below 15MHz will  
allow large mega-pixel cameras to interface with the largest image sizes. Cameras with high  
clock frequencies will require a reduction of the image size that can be acquired. We have  
successfully interfaced cameras with clock rates at 25MHz, but with a loss in image width.  
This will vary from camera to camera depending upon how the image is formatted.  
After making the above settings click Start! and see if you are able to acquire some data  
frames. At this point, it is best to operate in Continuous capture and CW trigger mode. Also  
make sure that your Zoom setting is indicating X1 resolution and the Lens check box is not  
checked. If the above guesses were close, you should be acquiring data frames. If not, then  
further reduce the Vertical Start and Horizontal Start values until data frames are  
collected.  
With your camera detector illuminated you should see the boundary of two sides of your  
camera’s detector, that is unless one or both of the above guesses turn out to be exactly  
correct. The next step is to adjust the Vertical Start and Horizontal Start values such that  
the camera image is set to just fill the acquired data window. Note: It is not a necessity that  
you configure the capture width and height to acquire all the data output by your camera. If  
you only want to input a portion of the detector you can reduce the Vertical Size and  
Horizontal Size to smaller values.  
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Adjust the Vertical Start value according to the following rules. (Remember you must input  
even values.) To move the image DOWN, decrease the Vertical Start value. To move the  
image UP, increase the Vertical Start value.  
Adjust the Horizontal Start value according to the following rules. (Remember you must  
input even values.) To move the image LEFT, decrease the Horizontal Start value. To  
move the image RIGHT, increase the Horizontal Start value.  
When the image is centered be sure to save a <camera>.cam and a <config>.cfg  
configuration so that you can restore these setup conditions.  
7.4 Digital Camera and Ultracal Operation  
The Ultracal! operation can be adversely affected by how your digital camera is adjusted.  
Some digital cameras will have their A to D converter black levels set such that some or all of  
the negative pixel energy is clipped at Zero. Some may even clip a portion of the positive  
signal region. From the LBA-PC’s point of view, a properly adjusted camera will never generate  
a Zero pixel value, thus preserving all of the black baseline negative temporal noise. If your  
camera has a straight binary output then the Ultracal! operation will yield one of the following  
three results:  
1. If your output image data contains zero pixel values, you will get a warning message that  
the calibration will not be as accurate as normal. The Ultracal enunciator will turn GREEN  
to indicate that the obtained calibration results are being used as best as possible  
2. If your output image does not contain zero pixel values and the signal is fairly low in  
magnitude, then the calibration will proceed normally and the results will be good. The  
Ultracal enunciator will turn GREEN.  
3. If your output image does not contain zero pixels, but the image is bright due to a high  
offset, then a warning message will appear that will ask you to block your beam from the  
camera. Click OK to accept these conditions. The Ultracal enunciator will turn GREEN.  
If the first or third result occurs you may be able to correct this condition by adjusting the black  
threshold of your camera’s A to D converter. Here is how to proceed. With the LBA  
uncalibrated and your laser energy blocked from reaching the camera detector, observe the  
“Min” and “Max” energy values. If Zero’s appear, your camera is set to clip some or all of the  
negative baseline noise. If these values are running too high the LBA will think you have laser  
energy hitting the imager. Check your camera operator’s manual to see if a black level  
adjustment is provided. If you can adjust the black level, do so until the Min. energy value  
never indicates Zero and the Max. energy value is as low as possible. Now try to run an  
Ultracal! and see if the results are as in 2 above.  
Note: Almost all cameras will exhibit baseline drift. When making adjustments to your camera always  
allow the camera to come to thermal equilibrium and allow a little headroom on the adjustments to  
accommodate additional drift over time and temperature variations  
.
If your camera does not have a black level adjustment, and gives on of the above warnings  
then you must either accept the reduced accuracy or have your camera manufacturer modify  
the camera for you.  
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If your camera has a signed two’s compliment data format, the Ultracal! function will be  
disabled. Under this condition it is assumed that the camera is self-calibrating, or provides a  
calibration capability to the operator.  
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Chapter 8 REMOTE OPERATION  
8.1 Remote Operation  
The LBA-PC has nearly full GPIB remote control capabilities and partial ActiveX remote control  
capabilities. During the installation phase you were asked if remote operation was required. If  
you answered yes to the query, the installation process will have loaded the appropriate device  
drivers that allow the LBA-PC to communicate with a National Instruments GPIB interface card.  
The ActiveX servers are always available.  
If you installed the remote operation by mistake, see How to Disable Remote Operation in  
section 8.2.  
Note: The LBA-PC application will only support National Instrument GPIB device drivers. For a list of  
the supported NI GPIB cards see Chapter 10.  
Remote operation of the LBA-PC can be a simple operation or very complex, depending upon  
the magnitude of the remote control task. Spiricon’s Service Department will supply some  
limited free technical support, but must charge for support that becomes more than basic  
question and answer queries. Spiricon’s engineering department can provide full Remote  
Control applications developed in National Instruments LabVIEW graphical programming  
language. Contact Spiricon’s service or sales department for information regarding custom  
LabVIEW virtual instrument development support.  
All information regarding LBA-PC remote control is provided in Chapters 9 & 10.  
8.2 How to Disable Remote Operation  
The LBA-PC remote control capability is contained in the file REMOTE.DLL that is copied to the  
directory you specified during the LBA-PC installation. The default installation directory is  
\SPIRICON\LBAPC\. If you do not have a National Instruments GPIB card, or the GPIB device  
drivers are not loaded, then you will see an error message every time the LBA-PC application is  
started. To avoid this error message, and disable the LBA-PC remote capability, you must go to  
the main installation directory and delete the REMOTE.DLL file.  
If you later wish to restore remote capability, copy the file REMOTE.DLL from the  
\SPIRICON\LBAPC\Remote directory on the Spiricon CD to the main installation directory or  
reinstall the LBA-PC software.  
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Chapter 9 ACTIVE X  
9.1 Introduction  
The LBA-PC ActiveX server provides simple control of LBA-PC along with access to frame data, beam  
display image, results, statistics, and pass/fail indicators. The LBA-PC ActiveX server runs under  
Windows 2000 and Windows XP Professional.  
Using the LBA-PC ActiveX server, you can:  
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Start and Stop collecting and processing new data frames  
Initiate an Ultracal cycle  
Restore a LBA-PC configuration from file  
Read new data frames and limited frame information  
Read a bitmap image of the beam display image  
Read computed results  
Read statistical results  
Reset statistical results  
Read pass/fail indicators  
Using the LBA-PC ActiveX server, you cannot:  
•
•
•
Detect or handle LBA-PC errors or error messages  
Get or set the LBA-PC configuration  
Read random data frames  
9.2 Using ActiveX  
Many modern development languages such as Visual Basic, Visual C++, and Borland C++ Builder  
support ActiveX. Many applications such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and National Instruments  
LabVIEW also support ActiveX. Development languages and applications all use different methods for  
accessing ActiveX controls.  
Below we will briefly describe how to use the LBA-PC ActiveX server in Microsoft Excel, Visual Basic, and  
LabVIEW.  
9.2.1  
Microsoft Excel  
Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) is integrated into Microsoft Excel. Follow these steps to use the  
LBA-PC ActiveX server in Microsoft Excel:  
1. Create a new Workbook in Excel  
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2. Go to the Visual Basic Editor. On the Tools menu, select Macro, and then select Visual  
Basic Editor. A new VBA window will open.  
3. Reference the LBA-PC ActiveX server. On the Tools menu, select References… Scroll  
down until you see LbapcActiveX EXE. Select the checkbox to the left of LbapcActiveX  
EXE.  
4. For this example, we will use the LBA-PC ActiveX server in a form. Create a new form. On  
the Insert menu, select UserForm. A form is displayed in a new window.  
5. Add controls to the form such as Start/Stop/Ultracal buttons, etc.  
6. Declare a variable to hold a LBA-PC ActiveX server object. On the View menu, select Code.  
A new window appears with an outline of the UserForm_Click() subroutine. At the top of  
the code window, above the UserForm_Click() Function, type “Dim WithEvents LbapcActiveX  
As LbapcX.LbapcActiveX” without the quotation marks.  
7. Initialize the LbapcActiveX object and initialize communication with LBA-PC. There are two  
list boxes at the top of the code window. In the left list box, select UserForm. In the right  
list box, select Initialize. A new subroutine called UserForm_Initialize() is created. In this  
subroubtine type “Set LbapcActiveX=New LbapcX.LbapcActiveX” without the quotation  
marks. This statement creates a new LBA-PC ActiveX server object and assigns it to the  
LbapcActiveX variable. On the next line, type “LbapcActiveX1.Open” without the quotation  
marks. This statement initiates communication between the LBA-PC ActiveX server and  
LBA-PC.  
8. Respond to LBA-PC ActiveX events. In the left list box, select LbapcActiveX. A new  
subroutine called LbapcActiveX_OnNewFrame() is created. This subroutine is called every  
time the LBA-PC collects a new frame of data.  
9. Do something during the event. In LbapcActiveX_OnNewFrame() subroutine type  
“Range(“B2”).Value = LbapcActiveX.Results(0)” without the outer quotation marks. This  
statement puts the frame Total result in cell B2.  
An example Workbook, LbapcActiveXExample.xls, can be found in “ActiveX\Examples\Excel” directory  
under the LBA-PC installation directory.  
9.2.2  
Visual Basic (Visual Studio)  
In this section, Visual Basic refers to the Visual Basic part of the Microsoft Visual Studio family of  
development products. Follow these steps to use the LBA-PC ActiveX server in Microsoft Visual Basic:  
1. Start a new Visual Basic project.  
2. Reference the LBA-PC ActiveX server. On the Project menu select References… Scroll  
down until you see LbapcActiveX EXE. Select the checkbox to the left of LbapcActiveX  
EXE.  
3.  
Declare a variable to hold a LBA-PC ActiveX server object. On the View menu select  
Code. A new code window appears. At the top, type “Dim WithEvents LbapcActiveX As  
LbapcX.LbapcActiveX” without the qutotation marks.  
4. Initialize the LbapcActiveX object and initialize communication with LBA-PC. There are two  
list boxes at the top of the code window. In the left list box select Form. An outline of the  
Form_Load() subroutine is placed in the code window. . In this subroutine type “Set  
LbapcActiveX=New LbapcX.LbapcActiveX” without the quotation marks. This statement  
creates a new LBA-PC ActiveX server object and assigns it to the LbapcActiveX variable. On  
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the next line, type “LbapcActiveX.Open” without the quotation marks. This statement  
initiates communication between the LBA-PC ActiveX control and LBA-PC.  
5. Respond to LBA-PC ActiveX events. . In the left list box, select LbapcActiveX. A new  
subroutine called LbapcActiveX_OnNewFrame() is created. This subroutine is called every  
time the LBA-PC collects a new frame of data.  
An example Visual Basic project, LbapcActiveXExample.vbp, can be found in “ActiveX\Examples\Visual  
Basic” directory under the LBA-PC installation directory.  
9.2.3  
LabVIEW  
Follow these steps to use the LBA-PC ActiveX control in National Instruments LabVIEW:  
1. Place an ActiveX reference on the Front Panel. On the Controls palette, select ActiveX, and  
then select Automation Refnum (you cannot use ActiveX Object). Place the control on  
the Front Panel.  
2. Reference the LBA-PC ActiveX server. Right click on the Automation Refnum and select  
Select ActiveX Class, then select Browse… Expand the list box at the top then scroll  
down and select LbapcActiveX EXE. Click OK.  
3. Display the Diagram window. On the Window menu, select Show Diagram.  
4. Open a connect to the LBA-PC ActiveX server. On the Functions palette select  
Communications then select ActiveX then select Automation Open. Place this VI on  
the diagram. Connect a wire from LbapcX.ILbapcActiveX node to the input Automation  
Refnum terminal of the Automation Open VI. The output Automation Refnum terminal is  
the reference for all LBA-PC ActiveX server properties, methods, and events.  
5. To access a LBA-PC ActiveX property, right click on the LbapcX.ILbapcActiveX node, select  
Create, select Property, and then select the desired property from the list. Connect a wire  
from the output Automation Refnum terminal to the reference terminal of the property  
node.  
6. To call a LBA-PC ActiveX method, right click on the LbapcX.ILbapcActiveX node, select  
Create, select Method, and then select the desired property from the list. Connect a wire  
from the output Automation Refnum terminal to reference terminal of the method node.  
7. See the Events section of this document, and the OnNew examples for information on how  
to use LBA-PC ActiveX events in LabVIEW.  
Example VI’s are packaged in LbapcActiveX.llb, which can be found in the  
“ActiveX\Examples\LabVIEW” directory under the LBA-PC installation directory. The LabView  
examples were developed and tested using LabVIEW Professional 6i. Please note, some of the  
example VI’s use advanced National Instruments VI’s that are not part of the base package. In order  
to use all of the example VI’s you must have the LabVIEW Full, Professional, or Developer  
Development System.  
9.3 Properties, Methods, and Events  
ActiveX components operate on the PME system, where PME is:  
Properties  
- Think of these as data items  
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Methods  
Events  
- Functions you can call to perform some operation  
- Notification when things happen  
9.3.1  
Properties  
9.3.1.1 AppInfo  
AppInfo is a two-dimensional array of integer packaged as a Variant. The leftmost dimension is 0  
to 31 and the rightmost is 0 to 2. This array contains information about LBA-PC applications that  
are running and available for ActiveX connection. AppInfo is used to decide which application to  
connect to and which index to send to the OpenIndex method.  
The array is formatted as follows:  
[][0] = Application type  
[][1] = Model Number  
[][2] = Serial Number  
Application type will contain 1 for LBA-PC with a framegrabber or 2 for LBA-PC connected to a  
Pyrocam III. Other Spiricon software products have other numbers, but the LBA-PC ActiveX  
server will only find LBA-PC applications.  
Model Number will contain the framegrabber model number for LBA-PC connected to a  
framegrabber, or 0 for LBA-PC connected to Pyrocam III.  
Serial Number will contain the serial number of the framegrabber or Pyrocam III respectively.  
Not all array rows will contain application information. If the Application type is 0 then that row  
does not contain application information. Row 0 will never contain application information.  
Application indices are fixed at launch and remain until the application is closed. The first LBA-PC  
gets index 1, the second gets index 2, etc. When an application is closed the index is released.  
If you close application 1, then row 1 Application type will be set to 0, but row 2 through 31 will  
still contain any previous application information.  
9.3.1.2 Running  
This property indicates the status of the LBA-PC data collection. This property returns TRUE if  
the LBA-PC is collecting data frames. Otherwise, this property returns FALSE.  
9.3.1.3 OperationComplete  
This property indicates the status of the Ultracal operation.  
This bit flag is defined as follows.  
Ultracal complete  
0x0001  
0x0002  
Auto Exposure complete  
Values are added to this property but never removed. Write a 0 to reset this property.  
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9.3.1.4 OperationError  
This property indicates any previous operation errors.  
This bit flag is defined as follows:  
0x0001  
0x0002  
0x0004  
Attempt to Start running while Ultracal or Auto Exposure  
Attempt to Ultracal or Auto Exposure while running  
LoadConfig method failed  
Values are added to this property but never removed. Write a 0 to reset this property.  
9.3.1.5 NewFrame, HoldNewFrame  
These properties can be used for polling when a new frame is collected by LBA-PC and to hold  
the data, bitmap, picture, results, statistics, and pass/fail flags.  
The NewFrame property is set TRUE each time the LBA-PC collects a new frame of data. You  
must reset NewFrame to FALSE to detect when the next new frame of data is collected.  
If HoldNewFrame is TRUE, then the data, bitmap, results, statistics, and pass/fail flags will not  
change until you reset NewFrame to FALSE. (The LBA-PC will continue collecting and processing  
frames of data)  
9.3.1.6 FrameData, FrameWidth, FrameHeight  
These properties provide LBA-PC data frames and information about the data.  
FrameData is a two dimensional array of double packaged as a Variant. The leftmost dimension  
is the number of rows and has the range 0 to FrameHeight -1. The rightmost dimension is the  
number of columns and has the range 0 to FrameWidth -1. The FrameData is in the same order  
as displayed in the LBA-PC Beam Display Window, top to bottom, left to right.  
9.3.1.7 PixelHScale, PixelVScale  
These properties are the horizontal and vertical pixel scales. The scale units are specified in the  
LBA-PC Options | Camera dialog.  
9.3.1.8 FrameMonth, FrameDay, FrameYear  
These properties provide the date when the frame was collected.  
9.3.1.9 FrameHour, FrameMinute, FrameSecond, FrameMilliseconds  
These properties provide the time when the frame was collected.  
9.3.1.10 CursorX, CursorY, CursorZ  
These properties provide the cursor x and y location, and the value of the pixel at the cursor.  
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9.3.1.11 CrosshairX, CrosshairY, CrosshairZ  
These properties provide the crosshair x and y location, and the value of the pixel at the  
crosshair.  
9.3.1.12 CursorDelta  
This property provides the straight-line distance from the cursor to the crosshair.  
9.3.1.13 EnergyOfBeam  
This property lets you calibrate the LBA to the energy of your laser. Setting this property is  
identical to setting Energy of Beam in the LBA-PC Computations dialog. See sections 3.2.6.1 and  
3.2.6.2 in the LBA-PC Operator’s Manual for a detailed description of Energy of Beam and the  
Energy of Beam calibration procedure.  
9.3.1.14 Bitmap  
This property is a one-dimensional array of integer packaged as a Variant. This information can  
be used to create a Windows bitmap or a LabVIEW picture.  
Bitmap is an exact copy of the LBA-PC Beam Display Window. If the cursor is on then the cursor  
will appear in the bitmap, if the color bar is on then the color bar will appear in the bitmap, etc.  
The data in the array is packed as follows:  
BitmapInfoHeader  
Windows BITMAPINFOHEADER structure  
Palette  
Bits  
256 element array of Windows PALETTEENTRY  
Two-dimensional array of byte. The size of this array is  
specified in BitmapInfoHeader.biSizeImage  
In LabVIEW, convert this property using the ‘Variant To Data’ VI, and then pass the resulting  
array to the LbapcBitmap.vi. The output from this VI is a LabVIEW picture. OnNewBitmap.vi  
contains an example of receiving and displaying a picture using the OnNewFrame event. Utility  
and example VI’s are packaged in LbapcActiveX.llb, which can be found in the  
“ActiveX\Examples\LabVIEW” directory under the LBA-PC installation directory. Please note, you  
must have the LabVIEW Full, Professional, or Developer Development System in order to use  
OnNewBitmap.vi  
In Visual Basic, you can convert the bitmap data into a standard Picture object. An example  
Visual Basic project, LbapcActiveXExample.vbp, contains a function called NewBitmap which  
shows you how to convert the bitmap data into a Picture object. This project can be found in  
“ActiveX\Examples\Visual Basic” directory under the LBA-PC installation directory.  
9.3.1.15 FrameNumber  
This property is the frame number as displayed in the lower right corner of LBA-PC.  
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9.3.1.16 Results  
This property provides all of the LBA-PC results, except statistics, in a one-dimensional array of  
doubles packaged as a Variant.  
The results are loaded into the array in the following order:  
1. Quantitative  
2. Elliptical  
3. Gauss Fit – whole beam  
4. Gauss Fit – major axis  
5. Gauss Fit – minor axis  
6. Top Hat – whole beam  
7. Top Hat – major axis  
8. Top Hat – minor axis  
9. Divergence  
This is the same order as listed in sections 3.1.15 through 3.1.19 below under individual results  
properties (also the same order as displayed in the LBA-PC Results Window). All results values  
will be loaded into the array all the time. Results not enabled in the LBA-PC will be zero. Note  
there are three sets of Gauss Fit and Top Hat results. Either the whole beam section, or the  
major and minor sections will contain valid results depending on how the LBA-PC is configured.  
9.3.1.17 Quantitative Results  
These properties provide individual Quantitative LBA-PC results. For more information, see  
chapter 6 in the LBA-PC Operator’s Manual.  
Property Name  
LBA-PC Result  
QuantFrameTotal  
Total  
QuantApertureFrac % in Aperture  
QuantPeak  
Peak  
QuantValley  
Min  
QuantPeakLocX  
QuantPeakLocY  
QuantCentroidX  
QuantCentroidY  
QuantRadius  
Peak Loc X  
Peak Loc Y  
Centroid X  
Centroid Y  
QuantBeamWidthX Width X (Width Major)  
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QuantBeamWidthY Width X (Width Minor)  
QuantDiameter Diameter  
Note the QuantRadius property. This is a new result not displayed by LBA-PC. This result is the  
distance from the Origin to the Centroid. Since the centroid is already relative to the origin this  
result is defined as:  
2
2
Radius =  
(
Cx ×Cy  
)
The Origin is specified in the Display dialog in the LBA-PC. See section 3.2.7.4 in the LBA-PC  
User’s Manual for more information. Statistical results for QuantRadius are also provided in the  
Statistics property array.  
9.3.1.18 Elliptical Results  
These properties provide individual Elliptical beam LBA-PC results. For more information, see  
chapter 6 in the LBA-PC Operator’s Manual.  
Property Name LBA-PC Result  
EllipRotation  
Rotation  
EllipRoundness Roundness  
9.3.1.19 Gauss Fit Results  
These properties provide individual Gauss Fit LBA-PC results. For more information, see chapter  
6 in the LBA-PC Operator’s Manual.  
Property Name  
LBA-PC Result  
GaussWholeCentroidX  
GaussWholeCentroidY  
GaussWholeWidthX  
GaussWholeWidthY  
GaussWholeHeight  
GaussWholeDeviation  
Centroid X  
Centroid Y  
Width X  
Width Y  
Height  
Deviation  
GaussWholeCorrelation Correlation  
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GaussMajorCentroid  
GaussMajorWidth  
GaussMajorHeight  
GaussMajorDeviation  
Centroid X  
Width X  
Height X  
Deviation X  
GaussMajorCorrelation Correlation X  
GaussMinorCentroid  
GaussMinorWidth  
GaussMinorHeight  
GaussMinorDeviation  
Centroid Y  
Width Y  
Height Y  
Deviation Y  
GaussMinorCorrelation Correlation Y  
9.3.1.20 Top Hat Results  
These properties provide individual Top Hat LBA-PC results. For more information, see chapter 6  
in the LBA-PC Operator’s Manual.  
Property Name  
LBA-PC Result  
TophatWholeMean  
TophatWholeStdDev  
TophatWholeSDMean  
TophatWholeMin  
Mean  
StdDev  
SD/Mean  
Min  
TophatWholeMax  
Max  
TophatMajorMean  
TophatMajorStdDev  
TophatMajorSDMean  
TophatMajorMin  
Mean Major  
StdDev Major  
SD/Mean Major  
Min Major  
TophatMajorMax  
Max Major  
TophatMinorMean  
TophatMinorStdDev  
TophatMinorSDMean  
TophatMinorMin  
Mean Minor  
StdDev Minor  
SD/Mean Minor  
Min Minor  
TophatMinorMax  
Max Minor  
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TophatEffectiveArea  
TophatEffectiveDiameter Effective Area  
TophatFactor Effective Diam  
Factor  
9.3.1.21 Divergence Results  
These properties provide individual Divergence Fit LBA-PC results. For more information, see  
chapter 6 in the LBA-PC Operator’s Manual.  
Property Name LBA-PC Result  
DivergenceX  
DivergenceY  
Divergence X  
Divergence Y  
9.3.1.22 Statistics Results  
The Statistics property provides all of the LBA-PC statistical results in a two-dimensional array of  
doubles packaged as a Variant. Each row of the array contains the statistical results for a  
particular LBA-PC result. For each row, the columns contain the Mean, Standard Deviation,  
Minimum, and Maximum.  
The results are loaded into the array in the following order:  
1. Quantitative  
2. Elliptical  
3. Gauss Fit – whole beam  
4. Gauss Fit – major axis  
5. Gauss Fit – minor axis  
6. Top Hat – whole beam  
7. Top Hat – major axis  
8. Top Hat – minor axis  
9. Divergence  
This is the same order as listed in sections 3.1.15 through 3.1.19 above under individual results  
properties (also the same order as displayed in the LBA-PC Results Window).  
The leftmost index is identical to the index used to access the Results property. The rightmost  
index is defined as follows:  
0
Mean  
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1
2
3
Standard Deviation  
Minimum  
Maximum  
All results values will be loaded into the array all the time. Results not enabled in the LBA-PC will  
be zero. Note there are three sets of Gauss Fit and Top Hat results. Either the whole beam  
section or the major and minor sections will contain valid results depending on how the LBA-PC is  
configured.  
9.3.1.23 Pass/Fail Results  
The PassFailFlag and PassFail properties provide all of the LBA-PC pass/fail test results.  
The PassFailFlag is a combination of all the individual pass/fail results. The value of PassFailFlag  
is defined as follows:  
Fail  
Some test failed  
No test  
Pass  
No individual test enabled  
All tests passed  
The PassFail property provides individual pass/fail results in a one-dimensional array of integers  
packaged as a Variant. The pass/fail results are loaded into the array in the following order:  
1. Quantitative  
•
•
There is no test for Peak Location X or Y. The value of both of these flags is always zero.  
There is no test for Radius so the flag is always zero.  
2. Elliptical  
3. Gauss Fit – whole beam  
4. Gauss Fit – major axis  
5. Gauss Fit – minor axis  
6. Top Hat – whole beam  
7. Top Hat – major axis  
8. Top Hat – minor axis  
9. Divergence  
This is the same order as listed in sections 3.1.15 through 3.1.19 above under individual results  
properties.  
Each ‘flag’ will contain one of the following values:  
-1  
0
Fail  
No Test  
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1
Pass  
All results values will be loaded into the array all the time. Results not enabled in the LBA-PC will  
be zero. Note there are three sets of Gauss Fit and Top Hat results. Either the whole beam  
section, or the major and minor sections will contain valid results depending on how the LBA-PC  
is configured.  
9.3.2  
Methods  
9.3.2.1 LoadConfig  
This method causes the LBA-PC to load the specified configuration file. This method takes a  
single parameter that is the file name of the LBA-PC configuration file you wish to be loaded.  
The file name must contain the full path and file name to the LBA-PC configuration file.  
You cannot load a configuration while the LBA-PC is collecting frames, during Ultracal, or during  
Auto Exposure.  
Be very sure the specified file name is a valid, accessible LBA-PC configuration file. There are  
many reasons why the LoadConfig may fail, most of which cause the LBA-PC to display a  
message on screen. If LBA-PC displays a message, this method will not return until you respond  
to the message.  
Reasons LoadConfig may fail and LBA-PC display an error message:  
•
•
The file does not exist  
The file does not contain a valid LBA-PC configuration  
This method returns the following:  
-1  
0
The LBA-PC is not available  
OK  
1
LBA-PC is collecting frames of data  
File path name is too long  
Load configuration error  
2
3
9.3.2.2 Open  
This method initiates communication between the LBA-PC ActiveX control and LBA-PC. You must  
call this method, or the OpenIndex method, before calling any other method or accessing any of  
the properties. If you do not call this method, then all the properties will be zero, methods will  
have no effect, and no events will fire.  
The first caller to Open will connect to the first available LBA-PC application, the next callers will  
connect to the second LBA-PC, etc.  
If you want to specify the LBA-PC application, then use the AppInfo property and call the  
OpenIndex method.  
This method returns the following:  
-1  
The LBA-PC is not available  
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0
1
OK  
Other initialization error  
9.3.2.3 OpenIndex  
This method initiates communication between the LBA-PC ActiveX control and LBA-PC. You must  
call this method, or the Open method, before calling any other method or accessing any of the  
properties. If you do not call this method, then all the properties will be zero, methods will have  
no effect, and no events will fire.  
OpenIndex takes one parameter, which is the index of the application you want to connect to.  
The AppInfo property can be used to determine which application to connect to.  
If you do not care which LBA-PC application you connect to, or have only one LBA-PC, then call  
the Open method.  
-1  
0
The LBA-PC is not available  
OK  
1
Other initialization error  
9.3.2.4 Start  
This method is identical to clicking Start! on the LBA-PC. This method has no effect if the LBA-PC  
is already collecting frames of data.  
If Ultracal is not complete, the LBA-PC cannot start. If there is any other problem, the LBA-PC  
will not start and will display an error message on the LBA-PC display.  
This method returns the following:  
-1  
0
The LBA-PC is not available  
OK  
1
Load configuration error  
9.3.2.5 Stop  
This method is identical to clicking Stop! on the LBA-PC. This method has no effect if the LBA-PC  
is stopped. This method immediately cancels the Ultracal operation. Any previous Ultracal is  
retained.  
9.3.2.6 Ultracal  
This method is identical to clicking Ultracal! on the LBA-PC. This method has no effect if a  
previous Ultracal operation is not complete.  
If the LBA-PC is collecting frames of data the Ultracal cannot start. If there is any other problem,  
the Ultracal will not start and the LBA-PC will display an error message on the LBA-PC display.  
This method returns the following:  
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-1  
0
The LBA-PC is not available  
OK  
1
LBA-PC is collecting frames of data  
The Ultracal operation runs for unknown amount of time depending on the camera and the LBA-  
PC configuration. Poll the OperationComplete property or respond to the OnOperationComplete  
event to determine when the Ultracal operation is complete.  
9.3.2.7 Auto Exposure  
This method is identical to clicking AutoExposure! on the LBA-PC. This method has no effect if a  
previous Auto Exposure operation is not complete.  
If the LBA-PC is collecting frames of data the Auto Exposure cannot start. If there is any other  
problem, the Auto Exposure will not start and the LBA-PC will display an error message on the  
LBA-PC display.  
This method returns the following:  
-1  
0
The LBA-PC is not available  
OK  
1
LBA-PC is collecting frames of data  
The Auto Exposure operation runs for unknown amount of time depending on the camera and  
the LBA-PC configuration. Poll the OperationComplete property or respond to the  
OnOperationComplete event to determine when the Auto Exposure operation is complete.  
9.3.3  
Events  
All the events can fire each time the LBA-PC collects a new frame of data. If you are still processing  
an event when another frame is collected then the new event is not fired. This is especially true when  
using LabVIEW.  
9.3.3.1 OnNewFrame  
This is a generic event fired each time the LBA-PC collects a new frame of data. You can read  
any desired property values while processing this event. During this event you are guaranteed all  
properties correspond to the same frame of data. After return from this event property values  
will change.  
Please note, LBA-PC does not collect data when minimized and will not send OnNewFrame events  
while minimized.  
During an event, LabVIEW records the event in a queue then returns. Below is a table of various  
ways to use this event.  
LBA-PC  
Capture Mode  
HoldNewFrame  
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Capture Mode  
Single Shot  
N/A  
The LBA-PC stops after collecting one frame.  
Property values will not change until the LBA-  
PC receives another Start command.  
Continuous  
Continuous  
FALSE  
The LBA-PC will continuously update property  
values. By the time a VI can read property  
values after the OnNewFrame event, the values  
have changed. Use this configuration if you do  
not care which frame the properties relate to.  
TRUE  
The LBA-PC will set property values that  
correspond to the same frame of data. These  
values will remain until you reset NewFrame to  
FALSE.  
OnNewFrame.vi contains an example of reading property values after receiving an OnNewFrame  
event. All example VIs are packaged in LbapcActiveX.llb, which can be found in the  
“ActiveX\Examples\LabVIEW” directory under the LBA-PC installation directory.  
In Visual Basic you can read any desired properties during this event. All properties correspond  
to the same frame of data. After return from this event property values will change.  
9.3.3.2 OnOperationComplete  
This event fires when Ultracal is finished or the LBA-PC is stopped because Statistics Frames or  
Time has expired. This event passes an integer bit flag as a parameter. This bit flag is identical  
to the OperationComplete property and is defined as follows.  
Ultracal complete  
0x0001  
Auto Exposure complete0x0002  
In LabVIEW, the parameter data is part of the Event Data cluster output from the Wait On  
ActiveX Event VI. Unbundle the Event Data, index the ParamData array, and convert the result  
using the ‘Variant To Data’ VI. Ultracal.vi contains an example of calling the Ultracal method and  
responding to the OnOperationComplete event. Example VI’s are packaged in LbapcActiveX.llb,  
which can be found in the “ActiveX\Examples\LabVIEW” directory under the LBA-PC installation  
directory.  
9.4 DCOM  
ActiveX is based on Component Object Model (COM) technology. DCOM, Distributed COM, extends  
COM to support communication among objects on different computers—on a local area network (LAN),  
a wide area network (WAN), or even the Internet.  
The LBA-PC ActiveX server supports DCOM. The LBA-PC ActiveX server always runs on the LBA-PC  
computer and can easily be configured for local or remote access. Properties, methods, and events are  
the same as described above, whether local or remote.  
Local access is always the default. When LBA-PC is installed, the LBA-PC ActiveX server is automatically  
registered for local access.  
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9.4.1  
Remote Access  
9.4.1.1 Server (LBA-PC) Computer  
To enable remote access to the LBA-PC computer, follow the steps in the section below for your  
operating system.  
9.4.1.1.1  
Windows 2000  
1. Start DCOMCNFG. From the Start menu select Run…, type dcomcnfg and click OK.  
2. Enable DCOM. On the Default Properties tab, select the Enable Distributed COM on  
this computer check box.  
3. Configure LBA-PC ActiveX server. On the Applications tab, scroll down until you see  
LbapcActiveX EXE. Click on LbapcActiveX EXE then click the Properties… button. On  
the Identity tab, select the Interactive user radio button.  
4. Configure access from the remote computer. There are two ways to configure  
access to the LBA-PC ActiveX server:  
i. Default Security. Changing the default security will affect all DCOM  
applications. From the main DCOMCNFG window, click on the Default  
Security tab. Edit the Default Access Permissions and Default Launch  
Permissions to allow access from the remote computer.  
ii. Application Security. From the LbapcActiveX EXE properties, click on the  
Security tab. Enable and edit the custom access and launch permissions to  
allow access from the remote computer.  
9.4.1.1.2  
Windows XP  
1. Start DCOMCNFG. From the Start menu select Run…, type dcomcnfg and click OK.  
2. Enable DCOM. Click the plus (+) symbol next to Component Services then the plus  
symbol next to Computers. Right click on My Computer and select Properties. On  
the Default Properties tab select the Enable Distributed COM on this computer check  
box. Click OK.  
3. Configure LBA-PC ActiveX server. Click the plus (+) symbol next to My Computer  
then the plus symbol next to DCOM Config. Scroll down until you find LbapcActiveX  
EXE. Right click on LbapcActiveX EXE and select Properties. On the Identity tab,  
select the Interactive user radio button. Click OK.  
4. Configure access from the remote (client) computer. There are two ways to allow  
access from the client computer:  
i. Default Security. Changing the default security will affect all DCOM applications.  
From the My Computer | Properties window, click on the Default COM  
Security tab. Edit the Access Permissions and Launch Permissions to  
allow access from the remote computer.  
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ii. Application Security. From the LbapcActiveX EXE | Properties window, click  
on the Security tab. Enable and edit the custom access and launch permissions  
to allow access from the remote computer.  
9.4.1.2 Client (Application) Computer  
To enable remote access from the application computer, follow the steps in the section below for  
your operating system.  
9.4.1.2.1  
Windows 2000  
1. Copy the LBA-PC ActiveX server. Place a copy of the files LbapcX.exe and LbapcX.tlb  
on your application computer. These files can be found in the LBA-PC\ActiveX  
directory of the installation CD or the ActiveX subdirectory under the LBA-PC  
installation directory on the LBA-PC computer.  
2. Register the LBA-PC ActiveX server. From the directory where you copied the files,  
run LbapcX.exe. The LBA-PC ActiveX server automatically registers itself then stops.  
3. Start DCOMCNFG. From the Start menu select Run…, type dcomcnfg and click OK.  
4. Enable DCOM. On the Default Properties tab select the Enable Distributed COM on  
this computer check box.  
9.4.1.2.2  
Windows XP  
1. Copy the LBA-PC ActiveX server. Place a copy of the files LbapcX.exe and LbapcX.tlb  
on your application computer. These files can be found in the LBA-PC\ActiveX  
directory of the installation CD or the ActiveX subdirectory under the LBA-PC  
installation directory on the LBA-PC computer.  
2. Register the LBA-PC ActiveX server. From the directory where you copied the files,  
run LbapcX.exe. The LBA-PC ActiveX server automatically registers itself then stops.  
3. Start DCOMCNFG. From the Start menu select Run…, type dcomcnfg and click OK.  
4. Enable DCOM. Click the plus (+) symbol next to Component Services then the plus  
symbol next to Computers. Right click on My Computer and select Properties. On  
the Default Properties tab select the Enable Distributed COM on this computer check  
box. Click OK.  
9.4.1.2.3  
Automatic Remote Access  
Automatic remote access means that when you create a LBA-PC ActiveX server object on the  
application computer, DCOM automatically creates the object on the LBA-PC computer then  
manages communication as if the object were on the application computer.  
To enable automatic remote access you must specify the location of the LBA-PC computer  
from the application computer.  
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9.4.1.2.3.1  
Windows 2000  
1. Start DCOMCNFG. From the Start menu select Run…, type dcomcnfg and  
click OK.  
2. Configure the client computer for automatic remote access. On the  
Applications tab, scroll down until you see LbapcActiveX EXE. Click on  
LbapcActiveX EXE then click the Properties… button. Click on the Location  
tab. Unselect the Run application on this computer check box. Select the  
Run application on the following computer: check box. Type in the name  
of the LBA-PC computer or click Browse… to browse the available network.  
Click OK.  
9.4.1.2.3.2  
Windows XP  
1. Start DCOMCNFG. From the Start menu select Run…, type dcomcnfg and  
click OK.  
2. Configure the client computer for automatic remote access. Click the plus (+)  
symbol next to Component Services, then the plus symbol next to My  
Computer, then the plus symbol next to DCOM Config. Scroll down until you  
find LbapcActiveX EXE. Right click on LbapcActiveX EXE and select  
Properties. Click on the Location tab. Unselect the Run application on this  
computer check box. Select the Run application on the following  
computer: check box. Type in the name of the LBA-PC computer or click  
Browse… to browse the available network. Click OK.  
9.4.1.2.4  
Programmatic Remote Access  
In Visual Basic, you can use the CreateObject function to create an object and specify the  
remote computer. See the Visual Basic documentation for more information.  
In LabVIEW, the Automation Open VI contains a Machine Name input terminal where  
you can specify the remote computer. See the LabVIEW documentation for more  
information.  
9.4.2  
If you have a problem  
•
•
Start simple. Don’t try to do everything in the first shot. Start with a test application that  
simply creates a LBA-PC ActiveX server object. On the LBA-PC computer you will briefly see a  
small window appear then disappear when the LBA-PC ActiveX server object is created.  
Verify all the DCOM settings on both computers. Make sure you check both the default  
settings and the LBA-PC ActiveX server specific settings.  
•
•
Reboot both computers after configuring DCOM on each computer.  
Minimize network problems. Remove all network protocols from both computers except one  
and try again.  
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Note: The Default Protocols tab in DCOMCNFG appear to be only guidelines. Network protocols can still cause  
DCOM problems even if they are removed from the Default Protocols list. You must remove the protocol from your  
network connection.  
•
Use Microsoft resources. Search Microsoft articles and knowledge base for an error code or  
error message. The Microsoft Developer Network web site, msdn.microsoft.com, contains a  
wealth of information for developers.  
•
•
Use National Instruments resources. The NI Developer Zone contains articles, examples, and  
a knowledge base about using ActiveX with LabVIEW.  
Search the news groups. There are many news groups devoted to COM/DCOM, OLE, ActiveX,  
etc. You can use www.google.com to search for these news groups or see if someone had  
just the same problem in the past.  
•
We will be happy to help in any way we can especially if the LBA-PC ActiveX server or a  
supplied example is misbehaving or not operating as described in this document. However,  
DCOM introduces so many variables that are beyond our control - especially related to  
protocols, connections, security, timeouts, etc. – so that we may be of limited help with your  
particular implementation. The list of techniques and resources above is where we go when  
you call…  
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Chapter 10 REMOTE GPIB OPERATION  
10.1 Introduction  
The LBA-PC can be controlled as a remote device via GPIB. For the most part, communications  
between the LBA-PC and the host controller will follow the data format and coding protocols outlined in  
the IEEE 488.1 and 488.2 standards.  
This manual will not attempt to fully describe the nuances of the GPIB bus operation nor to convey fully  
the operation of the IEEE 488.1 and 488.2 protocols. If you are a first time user of the IEEE 488  
command structure, we recommend that you obtain and review a copy of the applicable IEEE  
standards. Other excellent sources of information are the user manual provided with your National  
Instruments GPIB board and the “Tutorial Description of the HP-IB” published by Hewlett Packard.  
10.2 Hardware and Software Requirements  
The LBA-PC is a 32-bit application that runs only under Windows 2000 and Windows XP. The LBA-PC  
remote works only with National Instruments GPIB boards and corresponding software. The LBA-PC  
has been tested with NI-488.2M software v2.1. The National Instruments NI-488.2M device driver for  
Windows 2000 and XP supports the following National Instruments GPIB boards:  
•
•
•
•
•
•
AT-GPIB/TNT (PnP)  
AT-GPIB/TNT  
PCI-GPIB  
PCI-GPIB+  
PCMCIA-GPIB  
PCMCIA-GPIB+  
If you have an older board you may be able to obtain an upgrade through National Instruments.  
Contact National Instruments for more information. Updates of the software are available on their web  
site at www.ni.com.  
10.3 Remote GPIB Setup  
LBA-PC uses the interface name “GPIB0” and expects “Send EOI at end of Write” for all  
communications. To configure the NI-488.2M software for use with LBA-PC, follow these steps:  
1. Click on Start | Programs | National Instruments | NI-488.2 | Explore GPIB.  
2. Under My System, Devices and Interfaces, right-click on GPIB0 and select Properties…  
3. Set the Primary and Secondary drop-down boxes to set the GPIB address to be used by the  
LBA-PC.  
4. Click on the Send EOI at end of Write button and make sure all other buttons in the  
Termination Methods section are clear.  
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5. Click on the Advanced tab, make sure that Automatic Serial Polling is not checked.  
6. Click OK.  
NOTE: It is possible for the LBA-PC to generate many service requests per second and the NI-488.2M default is to  
queue service requests. For these reasons we suggest you disable Automatic Serial Polling on both the LBA-PC and  
the host controller.  
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10.4 Command Formats and Responses  
Commands to the LBA-PC will not normally generate a response back to the host controller, unless the  
command:  
•
•
•
•
Changes remote/local mode  
Is a query  
Initiates an operation that produces results  
Generates an error  
10.4.1  
IEEE 488.1 Command Support  
The LBA-PC in combination with an appropriate National Instruments GPIB board conforms to the  
IEEE 488.1 standard according to the following Subset Codes:  
SH1, AH1, T6, L4, SR1, RL2, PP0, DC1, DT0, E2, C0  
These Subset Codes are defined in the IEEE 488.1 standard and describe interface capabilities of the  
LBA-PC.  
The following multiple line interface message commands are supported by the LBA-PC:  
GTL  
-
Go To Local (0x01). When the LBA-PC detects the GTL message it returns  
to local command mode.  
LLO  
-
Local Lockout (0x11). When the LBA-PC detects the LLO message it enters  
what is called the lockout state. This is equivalent to entering the operator  
password in the Options | Password menu item. While in the lockout state  
access is denied to many of the LBA-PC menu items. When the LBA-PC  
exits the lockout state access to all menu items is restored.  
MLA  
MSA  
MTA  
PPC  
PPD  
-
-
-
-
-
My Listen Address (0x20 to 0x3e).  
My Secondary Address (0x60 to 0x7e).  
My Talk Address (0x40 to 0x5e).  
Parallel Poll Configure (0x05). Handled by GPIB board and NI-488.2M.  
Parallel Poll Disable (0x70 to 0x7e). Handled by GPIB board and NI-  
488.2M.  
PPE  
-
Parallel Poll Disable (0x60 to 0x6e). Handled by GPIB board and NI-  
488.2M.  
PPU  
SPD  
SPE  
UN  
-
-
-
-
-
Parallel Poll Unconfigure (0x15). Handled by GPIB board and NI-488.2M.  
Serial Poll Disable (0x19).  
Serial Poll Enable (0x18).  
Unlisten (0x3f).  
UNT  
Untalk (0x5f).  
The following IEEE 488.1 commands are not supported:  
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DCL, GET, SDC, TCT  
10.4.2  
IEEE 488.2 Common Commands  
The following IEEE 488.2 common commands are supported by the LBA-PC.  
*IDN? -  
Identification Query  
*RST  
*CLS  
*ESE  
-
-
-
Reset  
Clear Status Registers  
Event Status Enable Write  
Event Status Enable Query  
Event Status Register Query  
Service Request Enable Write  
Service Request Enable Query  
Status Byte Register Query  
*ESE? -  
*ESR? -  
*SRE  
-
*SRE? -  
*STB? -  
All other IEEE 488.2 common commands are not recognized by the LBA-PC and will return a  
Command Error.  
10.4.3  
LBA-PC Command and Data Formats  
The LBA-PC does not support the IEEE 488.2 specification of sending multiple commands separated  
by semicolons. Each command must be sent separately and terminated by asserting the EOI line with  
the last byte sent.  
The following are some typical formats for command and response transmissions:  
cmd: *CCC(^END)  
cmd: *CCC?(^END)  
cmd: *CCC _ key=value(^END)  
cmd: *CCC _ key=value;key=value;…;key=value(^END)  
rsp:  
rsp:  
CCC _ key=value;key=value;…;key=value;;(^END)  
CCC _ FrameNumber=f;#dn..n (DAB)…(DAB)(^END)  
Where:  
*
=
=
=
=
=
=
Precedes a 488.2 common command  
Precedes a LBA-PC command  
:
CCC  
?
Three character command code, case is ignored  
Query character to illicit a response  
ASCII SPACE character (0x20)  
_
key  
Command dependent parameter  
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value  
=
Value assigned to key  
(DAB) =  
(^END) =  
8 bit data byte in binary format  
Indicates that EOI is asserted with the last byte sent.  
10.4.4  
Establishing Remote Control  
Upon starting execution, the LBA-PC initializes itself in Local Mode.  
The LBA-PC enters Remote Mode when it receives a :REM command or is addressed to listen when  
the REN line is true. The LBA-PC responds with REM when it receives the :REM command. There is  
no response when the REN line is used to enter Remote Mode.  
The LBA-PC enters Local Mode when it receives the :LOC command or the REN line is false. The LBA-  
PC responds with LOC when it receives the :LOC command. There is no response when the REN line  
is used to enter Local Mode. In Local Mode the LBA-PC receives and responds to remote commands.  
The LBA-PC automatically enters what is called the lockout state when going from Local to Remote  
Mode. This is equivalent to entering the operator password in the Options | Password menu item.  
While in the lockout state, access is denied to many of the LBA-PC menu items. The LBA-PC  
automatically exits the lockout state when returning to Local Mode. You can override the lockout  
state by sending the PSW command or by selecting Options | Password and entering the operator  
password.  
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10.5 Configuration Commands  
Configuration commands allow you to do the following:  
ꢀ
ꢀ
Restore or Save configuration files  
Set or query all or part of a particular LBA-PC configuration  
10.5.1  
Restore and Save Configuration Files  
10.5.1.1 LDC - Restore Config…  
To restore a LBA-PC configuration stored on disk, you must send the LDC command along with  
an optional parameter that identifies the configuration file name. This command is identical to  
selecting the File | Restore Config menu item, entering the configuration file name, and clicking  
OK.  
The file name is optional and is a string describing the drive, directory, file name, and extension.  
If no drive or directory is specified then the current Windows drive or directory is used. In  
Windows, the current drive and directory can be changed at any time by another program, some  
internal operation, or some user action. This is probably not what you want. We very strongly  
recommend that you always specify the drive and directory. If no extension is specified then  
.CFG is used.  
If the file name is not specified then the current value from the last previous restore File |  
Restore Config., LDC command, File | Save Config., or SDC command is used. The default  
configuration file name can be retrieved with the LDC? command.  
Note that the backslash character, “\”, has special meaning known as an escape sequence. To  
specify a single backslash you must send two. For example, “c:\\spiricon\\lba300pc\\config.cfg”  
is interpreted by the LBA-PC as, “c:\spiricon\lba300pc\config.cfg”. Although other escape  
sequences are recognized there is no reason to ever use them with LBA-PC.  
The following example describes how to restore the LBA-PC configuration from the file  
c:\spiricon\cohu4800.cfg.  
Host sends  
:LDC ConfigFileName=c:\\spiricon\\cohu4800.cfg(^END)  
10.5.1.2 SDC - Save Config…  
To save the current LBA-PC configuration to a file on disk, you must send the SDC along with any  
optional parameter that identifies the configuration file name. This command is identical to  
selecting the File | Save Config menu item, entering the configuration file name, and clicking OK.  
The file name is optional and is a string describing the drive, directory, file name, and extension.  
If no drive or directory is specified then the current Windows drive or directory is used. In  
Windows, the current drive and directory can be changed at any time by another program, some  
internal operation, or some user action. This is probably not what you want. We very strongly  
recommend that you always specify the drive and directory. If no extension is specified then  
.CFG is used.  
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If the file name is not specified then the current value from the last previous restore File |  
Restore Config, LDC command, File | Save Config, or SDC command is used. The default  
configuration file name can be retrieved with the SDC? command.  
Note that the backslash character, “\”, has special meaning known as an escape sequence. To  
specify a single backslash you must send two. For example, “c:\\spiricon\\lba300pc\\config.cfg”  
is interpreted by the LBA-PC as, “c:\spiricon\lba300pc\config.cfg”. Although other escape  
sequences are recognized there is no reason to ever use them with LBA-PC.  
The following example describes how to save the current LBA-PC configuration to the file  
c:\spiricon\remote.cfg.  
Host sends  
:SDC ConfigFileName=c:\\spiricon\\remote.cfg(^END)  
10.5.2  
Configuration Commands  
Configuration commands allow you to change the current configuration of the LBA-PC. These  
commands are modeled after the dialog boxes displayed on the screen after selecting some items in  
the File menu, and all the items in the Options and Pass/Fail menus.  
Commands to set a configuration have the following format:  
:CCC key=value;key=value;…;key=value;key=value(^END)  
Where:  
:
=
=
=
=
=
ASCII colon character (0x3A)  
CCC  
Key  
=
three character command code (case is ignored) followed by a space  
ASCII text code for which parameter to set (case ignored)  
ASCII equal sign character (0x3D)  
value  
value to be assigned to the parameter specified by key.  
The particular parameter type, format, and allowable range are dependent on which key is being set.  
ASCII semi-colon character (0x3B)  
;
=
In this document “key=value” is collectively called a parameter. Parameters can occur in any order.  
Range checking is performed on all values in “key=value” for each transmitted command. A Range  
Error occurs if any value is invalid or out of range, the entire command is then ignored.  
The following is a list of LBA-PC configuration command data types used for ‘value’:  
Type  
L
Description  
Selection. ASCII numeric value corresponding to the desired  
selection. All selections start with a base value of zero.  
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I
Integer. ASCII numeric value in integer format.  
Boolean. ASCII numeric integer value.  
0 = false. 1 = true.  
B
F
S
Fixed/Floating. ASCII numeric value in fixed or floating point  
notation.  
String. Series of ASCII characters. Note that the backslash,  
“\”, has special meaning in strings known as an escape  
sequence. To specify a single backslash, you must send two.  
For example: “c:\\spiricon\\lba300pc\\lbapc.cfg” is interpreted  
as “c:\spiricon\lba300pc\lbapc.cfg”. Although other escape  
sequences are recognized there is no reason ever to use them  
with LBA-PC.  
T
Time. ASCII numeric integer values in the form  
[[HHH:]MM:]SS.  
D
Date. ASCII numeric integer values in the form MM/DD/YY.  
You can obtain the current settings associated with any configuration command by sending the  
command followed by the query character, “?”. Any parameters that are part of a query command is  
a command error, unless they are specifically allowed in the command description.  
Configuration query commands return all of the keys for the specified configuration in the following  
format:  
CCC key=value;key=value;…;key=value;key=value;(^END)  
Other query commands respond in ways that are specific to a particular command. See the individual  
command listings in Appendix A for details.  
The following example illustrates the process for setting the Crosshair Location Mode to Peak.  
Host sends  
:DIS Crosshair=3(^END)  
The following example illustrates the process for querying the current Aperture configuration.  
Host sends  
:APT?(^END)  
LBA-PC sends  
APT  
DrawShape=1;  
CenterXLoc=1.600e+01;  
CenterYLoc=1.500e+01;  
Major=8.000e+00;  
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Minor=7.500E+00;  
Rotation=0;  
DisplayShape=0;  
AutoAperture=1;  
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10.6 Transfer Commands  
Transfer commands allow you to do the following:  
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
Download raw data (whole frames or data at the cursors)  
Read, write, upload, or download data files  
Set or query conditions associated with a frame  
Download computational results  
Download pass/fail results  
Log data or results to the host  
The LBA-PC uses the IEEE 488.2 Definite Length Arbitrary Block Response Data specification to send  
and receive binary data. This specification has the form:  
#nd..d(DAB)…(DAB)  
Where:  
#
n
=
=
ASCII pound symbol (0x23)  
ASCII decimal digit ranging from 1 to 9. This value specifies the number of  
digit elements, d..d, that follow.  
d..d  
=
ASCII decimal integer that specifies the number of data bytes that follow.  
8-bit data byte.  
(DAB) =  
The LBA-PC also uses a modified form of the specification that has the form:  
#nd..d(DAW)…(DAW)  
Where:  
#
n
=
=
ASCII pound symbol (0x23)  
ASCII decimal digit ranging from 1 to 9. This value specifies the number of  
digit elements, d..d, that follow.  
d..d  
=
ASCII decimal integer that specifies the number of data words that follow.  
Data Word. Two 8-bit data bytes, low byte followed by high byte.  
(DAW) =  
The second form is used to emphasize the fact that each pixel is a 16-bit value.  
10.6.1  
Transferring Raw Data  
You can download a frame of data from the LBA-PC. If you do not specify a specific frame then data  
from the current frame is transferred. Data frames are always transferred as raw data. Data frames  
contain no information about conditions that created the data. To obtain other information regarding  
the conditions under which the frame was created (i.e. pixel scale, energy calibration, capture  
resolution, etc.) you will need to also transfer the Frame Status data (see A.5.4.7 FST). If you want  
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quantitative results, you will also have to retrieve that separately (see A.5.4.17 RDR?). If you wish to  
associate this information with a data frame, be sure to specify the same frame number for the data  
and status/results.  
Three commands allow you to download raw data or data at the cursors from any frame including the  
reference and gain frames. These commands are:  
RCC?  
RCR?  
RDD?  
-
-
-
Download data in the column at the cursor  
Download data in the row at the cursor  
Download a frame of data  
The LBA-PC may also be configured to automatically send a RDD? response each time a new frame of  
data is acquired (see A.5.4.16 RDD?).  
10.6.1.1 RCC?, RCR? - Read Cursor Transfer  
To download data at the cursors from the LBA-PC, you must send the RCC? or RCR? command  
with optional parameters that identify which frame and column or row, as appropriate, you are  
requesting to transfer.  
The frame parameter is optional and is numbered from -1 to n. ‘n’ is the number of frames in  
the frame buffer. Frame -1 is the Gain Frame, 0 is the Reference frame, and frames 1 to n are  
data captured in the frame buffer. If you do not send the frame number parameter then the  
current frame is used.  
The column or row, counted from the upper left corner of the beam window, parameter is  
optional and is numbered from 1 to n. ‘n’ is the frame width or frame height, respectively. If  
you do not send a column or row parameter then the current cursor location is used.  
The data at the cursors is sent as a modified IEEE 488.2 Definite Length Arbitrary Block  
Response Data. The number of bytes in a column or row is two times the number of pixels. For  
example, a row of a 128 X 120 frame consists of 256 bytes and a column has 240 bytes. Each  
pixel is a sixteen-bit two’s complement fixed point value having one of the following forms:  
siiiiiii ifffffff  
siiiiiii iiifffff  
siiiiiii iiiiifff  
siiiiiii ifffffff  
siiiiiii iiifffff  
siiiiiii iiiiifff  
siiiiiii iiiiiiif  
LBA-300PC  
LBA-400PC  
LBA-500PC  
LBA-708PC  
LBA-710PC  
LBA-712PC  
LBA-712PC  
-256 to 255.9921875  
-1024 to 1023.96875  
-4096 to 4095.875  
-256 to 255.9921875  
-1024 to 1023.96875  
-4096 to 4095.875  
-16384 to 16383.5  
Where:  
s
i
=
=
=
sign bit  
integer  
fraction  
f
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Use the :FST? command to determine the specific fixed point format of pixels in a frame. The  
PixelBits parameter specifies the number of integer bits. The PixelBitsFraction parameter  
specifies the number of fraction bits. To convert a sixteen bit fixed point data word to a floating  
point value, divide the data word by 2 raised to the power of PixelBitsFraction (128, 32, 8, or 2  
for the LBA-300/708PC, LBA-400/710PC, LBA-500/712PC, or LBA-714PC respectively).  
The LBA-PC responds to the query by repeating RCC or RCR followed by two parameters  
specifying the frame number and number of data rows or number of data columns. Next comes  
the definite length specification which has the form:  
#nd..d(DAW)…(DAW)  
Where:  
#
n
=
=
ASCII pound character (0x23)  
ASCII decimal digit ranging from 1 to 9. This value specifies the  
number of digit elements, d..d, that follow.  
d..d  
=
ASCII decimal integer that specifies the number of data words that  
follow.  
(DAW) =  
Data Word. Two 8-bit data bytes, low byte followed by high byte.  
Column data is transmitted from the display’s top to bottom and row data is transmitted from the  
display’s left to right.  
The following example describes how the host controller requests and receives column 49 in  
frame 3. Frame 3 is 256 X 240 so 240 data words, or 480 bytes, is sent to the host.  
Host sends  
:RCC?  
FrameNumber=3;  
Column=49(^END)  
LBA-PC sends  
RCC  
FrameNumber=3;  
Column=49;  
#3240(DAW)…(DAW)(^END)  
The following example describes how the host controller requests and receives the row at the  
cursor in the current frame. The current frame is 512 X 480 so 512 data words, or 1024 bytes, is  
sent to the host.  
Host sends  
:RCR?(^END)  
LBA-PC sends  
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RCC  
FrameNumber=19;  
Row=11;  
#3512(DAW)…(DAW)(^END)  
10.6.1.2 RDD? - Read Frame Transfer  
To download a frame of data from the LBA-PC, you must send the RDD? command along with  
any optional parameter that identifies which frame you are requesting to transfer.  
The frame parameter is optional and is numbered from -1 to n. ‘n’ is the number of frames in  
the frame buffer. Frame -1 is the Gain Frame, 0 is the Reference frame, and frames 1 to n are  
data captured in the frame buffer. If you do not send the frame number parameter then the  
current frame is used.  
The frame data is sent as a modified IEEE 488.2 Definite Length Arbitrary Block Response Data.  
The number of bytes in a frame is two times the number of pixels. For example, a 128 X 120  
frame consists of 30,720 bytes, a 256 X 240 frame consists of 122,880 bytes, etc. Each pixel is a  
sixteen-bit two’s complement fixed point value having the form:  
siiiiiii ifffffff  
siiiiiii iiifffff  
siiiiiii iiiiifff  
siiiiiii ifffffff  
siiiiiii iiifffff  
siiiiiii iiiiifff  
siiiiiii iiiiiiif  
LBA-300PC  
LBA-400PC  
LBA-500PC  
LBA-708PC  
LBA-710PC  
LBA-712PC  
LBA-714PC  
-256 to 255.9921875  
-1024 to 1023.96875  
-4096 to 4095.875  
-256 to 255.9921875  
-1024 to 1023.96875  
-4096 to 4095.875  
-16384 to 16383.5  
Where:  
s
i
=
=
=
sign bit  
integer  
fraction  
f
Use the :FST? command to determine the specific fixed point format of pixels in a frame. The  
PixelBits parameter specifies the number of integer bits. The PixelBitsFraction parameter  
specifies the number of fraction bits. To convert a sixteen bit fixed point data word to a floating  
point value, divide the data word by 2 raised to the power of PixelBitsFraction (128, 32, 8, or 2  
for the LBA-300/708PC, LBA-400/710PC, or LBA-500/712PC, or LBA-714PC respectively).  
The LBA-PC responds to the query by repeating RDD followed by three parameters specifying the  
frame number, number of data columns, and number of data rows. Next comes the definite  
length arbitrary block response data specification, which has the form:  
#nd..d(DAW)…(DAW)  
Where:  
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#
n
=
=
ASCII pound character (0x23)  
ASCII decimal digit ranging from 1 to 9. This value specifies the  
number of digit elements, d..d, that follow.  
d..d  
=
ASCII decimal integer that specifies the number of data words that  
follow.  
(DAW) =  
Data Word. Two 8-bit data bytes, low byte followed by high byte.  
The data is transmitted in a row and column sequence beginning at the display’s upper left-hand  
corner, proceeding row by row and ending at the lower right-hand corner.  
The following example describes how the host controller requests the current frame and receives  
the data. The received data frame has the dimensions of 64 X 60. Therefore, the LBA-PC  
transmits 3840 data words (pixels), or 7680 bytes to the host controller.  
Host sends  
:RDD?(^END)  
LBA-PC sends  
RDD  
FrameNumber=9;  
Width=64;  
Height=60;  
#43840(DAW)…(DAW)(^END)  
The following example describes how the host controller requests and receives data in frame  
number 17. The LBA-PC sends the 32 X 30 frame as 960 data words or 1920 bytes.  
Host sends  
:RDD?  
FrameNumber=17(^END)  
LBA-PC sends  
RDD  
FrameNumber=17;  
Width=32;  
Height=30;  
#3960(DAW)…(DAW)(^END)  
10.6.2  
Transferring Data Files  
Four commands allow you to download, upload, read or write data files. These commands are:  
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FRM?  
FRM  
LDD  
SDD  
-
-
-
-
Download data file  
Upload data file  
(remote to host)  
(host to remote)  
(loaded @ remote)  
(saved @ remote)  
File | Load… data file  
File | Save As… data file  
The FRM command is used to download and upload LBA-PC data files. The transmitted data is in an  
internal binary form that is identical to a .LB3/4/5 data file. The format of this data is not  
documented. To use this command you must save and restore exactly what was received from the  
LBA-PC. Data downloaded with the FRM? command should be written to a file on disk with the  
extension .LB3/4/5. This data file can then be read by LBA-PC using the File | Load… dialog box. To  
upload a data file, you must send exactly the binary data received in a previous FRM? command or  
exactly the binary data read from a .LB3/4/5 file written by LBA-PC.  
The LBA-PC may also be configured to send a FRM? response each time a new frame of data is  
acquired (see A.5.4.6 FRM).  
The LDD and SDD commands are used to tell the LBA-PC to read and write data files on the remote  
computer, (the PC where the LBA-PC application is running).  
10.6.2.1 FRM? - Download Data Frame  
To download an LBA-PC data frame, you must send the FRM? command with an optional  
parameter that identifies which frame you are requesting to transfer.  
The frame parameter is optional and is numbered from -1 to n. ‘n’ is the number of frames in  
the frame buffer. Frame -1 is the Gain Frame, 0 is the Reference frame, and frames 1 to n are  
data captured in the frame buffer. If you do not send the frame number parameter then the  
current frame is used.  
The LBA-PC responds by repeating FRM followed by a parameter specifying the frame number.  
Next comes the definite length specification that has the form:  
#nd..d(DAB)…(DAB)  
Where:  
#
n
=
=
ASCII pound character (0x23)  
ASCII decimal digit ranging from 1 to 9. This value specifies the  
number of digit elements, d..d, that follow.  
d..d  
=
ASCII decimal integer that specifies the number of data words that  
follow.  
(DAB) =  
8-bit data byte.  
The following example describes how the host controller requests and receives a data file  
containing frame 10. The data file contains 32,768 bytes.  
Host Sends  
:FRM?  
FrameNumber=10(^END)  
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LBA-PC sends  
FRM  
FrameNumber=10;  
#532768(DAB)…(DAB)  
10.6.2.2 FRM - Upload Data Frame  
To upload an LBA-PC data frame, you must send the FRM command with optional parameters  
that identify the frame number and whether to replace an existing configuration.  
The frame parameter is optional and is numbered from -1 to n. ‘n’ is the number of frames in  
the frame buffer. Frame -1 is the Gain Frame, 0 is the Reference frame, and frames 1 to n are  
data captured in the frame buffer. If you do not send the frame number parameter then the  
current frame is used.  
The replace parameter is optional and is a boolean with a value of 0 or 1 (i.e., false or true).  
The default for the replace parameter is 0 (i.e., false).  
•
If the replace parameter is true and the camera type or camera resolution of the file  
being uploaded is different than the current configuration, then the camera type,  
resolution, or both are changed to match the file and the file is stored in the frame  
buffer. Note that the frame buffer is cleared when the camera type or camera resolution  
is changed.  
•
•
If the replace parameter is false and the camera type or camera resolution does not  
match the current LBA settings, then an execution error is reported and the file is  
discarded.  
If the replace parameter is true and the pixel scale of the uploaded file is different than  
the current configuration, then the pixel scale is set to the value in the file and the file is  
stored in the frame buffer.  
•
•
If the replace parameter is false and the pixel scale is different, then the pixel scale is not  
changed and the file is stored in the frame buffer.  
If the replace parameter is true and the energy calibration of the uploaded file is  
different than the current configuration, then the energy calibration is set to the value in  
the file and the file is stored in the frame buffer.  
If the replace parameter is false and the energy calibration is different, then the energy  
calibration is not changed and the file is stored in the frame buffer.  
NOTE: You must send exactly the binary data received in a previous FRM? command or exactly the binary data  
read from a .LB3/4/5 file written by LBA-PC.  
The following example describes how the host uploads a data file to frame 33. Because the  
replace parameter is not specified the file will be stored only if the camera and camera resolution  
match the current configuration. The pixel scale will not be changed. The file contains 124,928  
bytes.  
Host sends  
FRM  
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FrameNumber=33;  
#6124928(DAB)…(DAB)(^END)  
The following example describes how the host uploads a data file to frame 25. The replace  
parameter is specified so the camera or camera resolution will be changed if the settings in the  
file are different than the current configuration. The pixel scale and energy calibration will also  
be changed to the file value if different than the current configuration. The file contains 124,928  
bytes.  
Host sends  
FRM  
FrameNumber=25;  
Replace=1;  
#6124928(DAB)…(DAB)(^END)  
10.6.2.3 LDD - Read Data File  
To read a data file stored on the LBA-PC computer, you must send the LDD command with  
optional parameters identifying the frame number, start record, number of records, start frame,  
file name, and whether to replace an existing configuration. This command is identical to  
selecting the File | Load… menu item, entering the file name, start record, number of records,  
and start frame, and clicking OK.  
The start record is optional and is numbered from 1 to n. ‘n’ is the number of records in the file.  
The number of records is optional and is numbered from 0 to n, where ‘n’ is the number of  
records in the file. A value of 0 specifies all of the records from the start record to the end of the  
file. The number of records is forced to 1 when the start frame is -1 or 0.  
If the start record or number of records is not specified then the value from the last File |  
Restore Config, LDC command, File | Load, File | Save, LDD command, or SDD command is used.  
The start frame parameter is optional and is numbered from -1 to n. ‘n’ is the number of frames  
in the frame buffer. Frame -1 is the Gain Frame, 0 is the Reference frame, and frames 1 to n are  
data captured in the frame buffer. If you do not send the frame number parameter then the  
current frame is used.  
The replace parameter is optional and is a boolean with a value of 0 or 1 (i.e., false or true). The  
default for the replace parameter is 0 (i.e., false).  
•
If the replace parameter is true and the camera type or camera resolution of the file  
being read is different than the current configuration, then the camera type, resolution,  
or both are changed to match the file and the file is stored in the frame buffer. Note  
that the frame buffer is cleared when the camera type or camera resolution are changed.  
•
•
If the replace parameter is false and the camera type or camera resolution does not  
match the current LBA settings, then an execution error is reported and the file is  
discarded.  
If the replace parameter is true and the pixel scale of the file is different than the current  
configuration, then the pixel scale is set to the value in the file and the file is stored in  
the frame buffer.  
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If the replace parameter is false and the pixel scale is different, then the pixel scale is not  
changed and the file is stored in the frame buffer.  
If the replace parameter is true and the energy calibration of the file is different than the  
current configuration, then the energy calibration is set to the value in the file and the  
file is stored in the frame buffer.  
•
If the replace parameter is false and the energy calibration is different, then the energy  
calibration is not changed and the file is stored in the frame buffer.  
The file name is optional and is a string describing the drive, directory, file name, and extension.  
If no drive or directory is specified then the current Windows drive or directory is used. In  
Windows, the current drive and directory can be changed at any time by another program, some  
internal operation, or some user action. This is probably not what you want. We very strongly  
recommend that you always specify the drive and directory. If the extension is not specified then  
.LB3/4/5/7 is used. If the file name is not specified then the current value from the last previous  
restore File | Restore Config, LDC command, File | Load, File | Save, LDD command, or SDD  
command is used.  
Note that the backslash character, “\”, has special meaning known as an escape sequence. To  
specify a single backslash you must send two. For example, “c:\\spiricon\\lba300pc\\data.lb3” is  
interpreted by the LBA-PC as “c:\spiricon\lba300pc\data.lb3”. Although other escape sequences  
are recognized there is no reason to ever use them with the LBA-PC.  
The current default values for the start record, number of records, and file name can be retrieved  
with the LDD? command.  
The following example describes how to read all the records from a file into the frame buffer  
starting at frame 7.  
Host sends  
:LDD  
FileName=c:\\spiricon\\lba300pc\\tophat.lb3;  
StartRecord=1;  
NumberRecords=0;  
StartFrame=7(^END)  
10.6.2.4 SDD - Save Data File  
To write a data file on the LBA-PC computer, you must send the SDD command with optional  
parameters identifying the frame number, start frame, number of frames, and file name. This  
command is identical to selecting the  
File | Save As… menu item, entering the file name, start frame, and number of frames, and  
clicking OK.  
The frame parameter is optional and is numbered from -1 to n. ‘n’ is the number of frames in  
the frame buffer. Frame -1 is the Gain Frame, 0 is the Reference frame, and frames 1 to n are  
data captured in the frame buffer. If you do not send the frame number parameter then the  
current frame is used.  
The number of frames is optional and is numbered from 0 to n, where ‘n’ is the maximum  
number of frames in the frame buffer. A value of 0 specifies all the frames in the frame buffer.  
The number of frames is forced to 1 when the start frame is -1, or 0. If no number of frames is  
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specified then the value from the last File | Restore Config, LDC command, File | Load, File |  
Save, LDD command, or SDD command is used.  
The file name is optional and is a string describing the drive, directory, file name, and extension.  
If no drive or directory is specified then the current Windows drive or directory is used. In  
Windows, the current drive and directory can be changed at any time by another program, some  
internal operation, or some user action. This is probably not what you want. We very strongly  
recommend that you always specify the drive and directory. If no extension is specified then  
.LB3/4/5/7 is used. If the file name is not specified then the current value from the last previous  
restore File | Restore Config, LDC command, File | Load, File | Save, LDD command, or SDD  
command is used.  
Note that the backslash character, “\”, has special meaning known as an escape sequence. To  
specify a single backslash you must send two. For example: “c:\\spiricon\\lba300pc\\data.lb3”  
is interpreted by the LBA-PC as “c:\spiricon\lba300pc\data.lb3”. Although other escape  
sequences are recognized there is no reason ever to use them with LBA-PC.  
The current default values for the start record, number of records, and file name can be retrieved  
with the SDD? command.  
The following example describes how to write all the frames from the frame buffer into a file  
called tophat.lb3.  
Host sends  
:SDD  
FileName=c:\\spiricon\\lba300pc\\tophat.lb3;  
StartFrame=1;  
NumberFrames=0(^END)  
10.6.2.5 RDR? - Read Results  
The results displayed in the Results window can be downloaded by using the RDR? command.  
This query command has three optional parameters:  
Labels  
Values  
Units  
Text labels from left-hand column of results window  
Computations results from center column  
Applicable units from right-hand column  
The Labels parameter specifies whether you want to download the text in the left-most column of  
the results windows. This text is a label describing the value in the center column. The Values  
parameter specifies you want to download the numeric values displayed in the center column of  
the results window. The Units parameter specifies you want to download the text in the right-  
most column of the results window. This text is a label describing the units that apply to the  
value in the center column. If more that one parameter is specified then each is sent in a  
separate response. If these parameters are not specified then the default is Labels=0, Values=1,  
Units=0.  
The Labels and Values response changes when statistics is on. For the Labels response, each  
label displayed in the left-hand column of the results window is followed by the text “Mean,  
Deviation, Minimum, Maximum”. The statistics Results response is all numeric values in each row  
displayed in the center columns of the results windows. Therefore, when statistics is on, you will  
receive five numeric values for each row corresponding to the current, mean, deviation,  
minimum, and maximum values.  
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The following example describes how to download the current result values displayed in the  
results window:  
Host sends  
:RDR?  
(^END)  
LBA-PC sends  
RDR  
3298655,  
86.96,  
1.776e+02,  
2.288e+01,  
1.846e+03,  
1.950e+03,  
1.696e+03,  
1.519e+03,  
3.842e+03,  
3.781e+03,  
3.812e+03(^END)  
The following example describes how to download the current labels and units displayed in the  
results window.  
Host sends  
:RDR?  
Labels=1;  
Values=0;  
Units=1(^END)  
LBA-PC sends  
RDR  
Total,  
% Above Clip,Peak,  
Min,  
Peak Loc X,  
Peak Loc Y,  
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Centroid X,  
Centroid Y,  
Width X,  
Width Y,  
Diameter(^END)  
LBA-PC sends  
RDR  
,%,,,um,um,um,um,um,um,um(^END)  
10.6.2.6 LOG - Logging  
You can configure the LBA-PC to automatically send a FRM or RDD and RDR response each time  
new data is acquired. Remote logging is the fastest method available to transfer new frames  
from the LBA-PC.  
Use the File | Logging… dialog box or the LOG configuration command to specify logging new  
data or results to the host. If the data log file name is “FRM” or “RDD” then each time a new  
frame of data is acquired the LBA-PC will automatically send a response as if you had sent  
“:FRM?” or “:RDD?” respectively. If the results log file name is “RDR” then each time a new  
frame of data is acquired the LBA-PC will automatically send a response as if you had sent  
“:RDR?”.  
The LBA-PC will not capture another frame until the host reads the current logging response.  
This example describes how to enable data file logging to the host controller.  
Host sends  
:LOG  
DataLogging=1;  
DataFileName=FRM(^END)  
Host sends  
:RUN  
LBA-PC sends  
FRM  
FrameNumber=1;  
#516384(DAB)…(DAB) (^END)  
LBA-PC sends  
FRM  
FrameNumber=2;  
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#516384(DAB)…(DAB)(^END)  
LBA-PC sends  
FRM  
FrameNumber=3;  
#516384(DAB)…(DAB)(^END)  
etc.  
10.6.2.7 FST? - Transferring Status Information  
The commands RCC, RCR, and RDD will permit you to download raw binary data. This data does  
not tell you under what conditions the data was acquired. More information needs to be  
transferred from the LBA-PC if you hope to perform an analysis of this data.  
The LBA-PC takes a snapshot of existing conditions each time a frame of data is acquired. If you  
are downloading data from the LBA-PC, you can get a copy of the prevailing conditions that  
existed at the moment the data was acquired by using the FST? command.  
The FST? command returns the following information about each frame:  
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
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Frame number  
Acquisition date and time  
Which camera the frame was collected from  
Number of integer and fraction bits in raw pixel  
Pixel scale  
Pixel units  
Gamma correction factor  
Lens setting  
X and Y capture location  
X and Y capture size  
Capture resolution  
Calibration energy  
Raw frame total equivalent to calibration energy  
Energy units  
Whether the Ultracal or reference frame has been subtracted and whether gain  
correction has been applied.  
•
•
User comment  
Whether the frame is write protected.  
The FST command allows you to change the following information about each frame:  
User comment  
•
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•
Turn on/off write protection  
The following example describes how to retrieve the frame status of frame number 27.  
Host sends  
:FST?  
FrameNumber=27(^END)  
LBA-PC sends  
FST  
FrameNumber=27;  
CameraInput=0;  
Date=11/24/97;  
Time=03:17:55.16;  
PixelBits=8;  
PixelHScale=1.300e+01;  
PixelVScale=1.300e+01;  
PixelUnits=1;  
Gamma=1.000e+00;  
Lens=0;  
PixelBitsFraction=7;  
CaptureLocation=32,44;  
CaptureSize=128,120;  
CaptureResolution=2;  
EnergyOfBeam=0.000e+00;  
EnergyOfFrame=0.000e+00;  
EnergyUnits=2;  
AC=1;  
RS=0;  
GC=0;  
CommentLine=This is a test shot;  
WriteProtect=0(^END)  
The following example describes how to set a frame comment and write protect frame number  
52.  
Host sends  
:FST  
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FrameNumber=52;  
CommentLine=This will appear in the title bar;  
WriteProtect=1(^END)  
10.6.3  
PFS? - Pass/Fail Status  
To retrieve the current pass/fail status, you must send the PFS? command.  
The LBA-PC responds by repeating PFS followed by a “key=value” parameter for each value that has  
pass/fail testing enabled. The ‘key’ is an ASCII text string identical to the label displayed in the left-  
hand column of the results window. The ‘value’ is a boolean, where 0 equals fail and 1 equals pass.  
The following example describes how the host controller retrieves the current pass/fail testing status.  
Total, Peak, Centroid X, and Centroid Y are being tested. Total passed, Peak failed, Centroid X failed,  
Centroid Y passed.  
Host sends  
:PFS?  
LBA-PC sends  
PFS  
Total=1;  
Peak=0;  
Centroid X=0,  
Centroid=1(^END)  
10.7 COORDINATE SYSTEMS  
10.7.1  
Spatial Coordinates  
The visible spatial coordinate system of the LBA-PC is called world coordinates. World coordinates are  
used for computed centroid location and peak location, aperture location, cursor and crosshair  
location, and pass/fail centroid and peak locations. World coordinates are defined by the Origin  
Location, ‘Lens’ setting, and Pan Location. The world coordinates system is the only coordinate  
system that is used when using the LBA-PC in the local, non-remote mode.  
When operating the LBA-PC remotely, you must be aware of two other coordinate systems called  
detector and frame coordinates. Detector coordinates are represented on the LBA-PC display by the  
Pan/Zoom window. Detector coordinates are used to describe the active pixels of the camera  
detector. Frame coordinates are used to describe the frame data stored in the frame buffer.  
The figure below shows the relationship between the Pan/Zoom window, the capture window, frame  
data, and the Beam display window. The Pan/Zoom window represents the active area of the camera  
detector. The capture window, represented in the LBA-PC display by the dark gray square inside the  
Pan/Zoom window, represents the location and size of the area of the detector that will be digitized.  
The digitized data is placed in the frame buffer. Data in the frame buffer is then converted to false  
color or gray scale and displayed in the beam window.  
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Frame Buffer  
Beam Window  
Frame Coordinates  
World Coordinates  
Pan/Zoom Window  
Capture  
Window  
Detector Coordinates  
Coordinate Systems  
Figure 62  
10.7.2 Pan/Zoom Window Detector Coordinates  
Detector coordinates define locations on the camera detector. Detector coordinates are always  
positive integers. For a particular camera type, detector coordinates never change. The detector  
coordinate origin is always the upper left corner of the detector. This origin does not start at x=0,  
y=0, rather it relates to electronic timing of the camera. X values increase to the right and decrease  
to the left. Y values increase going down and decrease going up.  
The Pan/Zoom window represents the boundary of active pixels on the detector. Use the PNW?  
command to retrieve the upper left and lower right corners describing the camera detector pan  
window limits.  
The following example describes how to retrieve the boundaries of the camera detector and set the  
upper left corner of the capture window to the upper left corner of the detector.  
Host sends  
:PNW?(^END)  
LBA-PC sends  
PNW  
UpperLeft=112,32;  
LowerRight=744,512(^END)  
Host sends  
:PAN  
X=112;  
Y=32(^END)  
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Detector coordinates are used to position the origin location which in turn defines the World  
Coordinate system. Detector coordinates also are used to define the location of the frame data  
capture windwo which in turn defines the Frame Coordinate system.  
10.7.2.1 DIS - Set Manual Origin Location  
The Origin location can be set anywhere inside the :PNW? limits. Since the Origin location  
defines world coordinates, there is no way for you to associate a particular world coordinate with  
the manual origin location. The Origin location must be defined in terms of the detector  
coordinate system.  
See section 9 regarding the World Coordinate system and the LBA-PC online help for more  
information about Origin Locations.  
The following example describes how to enable the manual origin and set the manual origin  
location to the center of the detector. The center of the detector in this example is at  
(112+744)/2 and (32+512)/2.  
Host sends  
:DIS  
Origin=0(^END)  
Host sends  
:PNW?(^END)  
LBA-PC sends  
PNW  
UpperLeft=112,32;  
LowerRight=744,512(^END)  
Host sends  
:DIS  
ManualOrigin=426,272(^END)  
Another technique that you can use to position the origin in manual origin mode is to move the  
cursors to the desired location (:CUR) and send the :ORG command which sets the manual origin  
to the current cursor location.  
10.7.2.2 PAN - Set Capture Window Location  
The PAN command specifies the upper left corner of the capture window. The entire capture  
window must fit inside the current pan window limits retrieved with the PNW? command.  
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The PAN command is affected by the current capture resolution (zoom). Use the :PAN?  
command to retrieve the current capture window location and resolution. The capture resolution  
value is coded as a power of two. A capture resolution value of 0 represents 20 which equals 1, a  
value of 1 represents 21 = 2, 2 represents 22 = 4, etc. When the capture resolution is x1, x2, x4,  
etc., the LBA-PC samples every pixel, every other pixel, every 4th pixel, etc. If the current frame  
size is 64 X 60 then the area covered by the capture window is actually 64 X 60, 128 X 120, 256  
X 240, etc. To determine the actual size of the capture window, multiply the capture size by the  
capture resolution.  
The upper left corner of the pan window must be placed on an integer multiple of the capture  
resolution starting from the upper left corner of the pan window limit. For example, if the left  
edge of the pan window limit is at 112 and the capture resolution is x8 then the left edge of the  
pan window must be placed at 112, 120, 128, etc. Illegal values will be truncated to the next  
lower integer multiple.  
The following describes how to center the pan window in the detector. In this example the  
horizontal center of the detector is at (112+744)/2=428 and the vertical center is at  
(32+512)/2=272. The frame data size is 128 X 120. The capture resolution value is 1, so we  
must multiply the data size by 21=2. Therefore, the actual size of the capture window is 256 X  
240. To put the capture window center at the detector center we subtract half the capture  
window size, 428-128=300 and 272-120=152.  
Host sends  
:PNW?(^END)  
LBA-PC sends  
PNW  
UpperLeft=112,32;  
LowerRight=744,512(^END)  
Host sends  
:PAN?(^END)  
LBA-PC sends  
PAN  
CaptureLoc=112,32;  
CaptureSize=128,120;  
CaptureResolution=1(^END)  
Host sends  
PAN  
X=300;  
Y=152(^END)  
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The following describes how to set the pan window to the lower right corner of the detector. In  
this example the lower right corner of the detector is at (744, 512). The frame data size is 32 X  
30. The capture resolution value is 2, so we must multiply the data size by 22=4. Therefore the  
actual size of the capture window is 128 X 120. To put the capture window in the lower right  
corner we subtract the capture window size from the lower right limits, 744-128=616 and 512-  
120=392.  
Host sends  
:PNW?(^END)  
LBA-PC sends  
PNW  
UpperLeft=112,32;  
LowerRight=744,512(^END)  
Host sends  
:PAN?(^END)  
LBA-PC sends  
PAN  
CaptureLoc=224,64;  
CaptureSize=32,30;  
CaptureResolution=2(^END)  
Host sends  
PAN  
X=616;  
Y=392(^END)  
10.7.3  
Frame Coordinates  
Frame coordinates are used for the frame data stored in the frame buffer. Frame coordinates are  
dependent only on the frame size. Frame coordinates are always positive with the origin in the upper  
left corner. Frame coordinates are specified with column and row values. Column values increase to  
the right and are numbered from 1 to the frame width. Row values increase going down and are  
numbered from 1 to the frame height.  
Frame coordinates are used in the :RCC? and :RCR? commands to specify which column and row to  
download.  
Although :RCC? and :RCR? allow you to download data from the current cursor column and row, there  
is no way to associate the cursor location in world coordinates (described below) with a particular data  
frame column or row. Download cursor column and row are intended to be useful only when the  
cursor is set to follow the centroid, or peak location.  
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See section 2.3.1.1 RCC?, RCR? - Read Cursor Transfer for additional information.  
10.7.4  
Beam Window World Coordinates  
Most parameters that specify spatial coordinates must be in LBA-PC world coordinates. World  
coordinates are used for locations in the current frame as displayed in the beam window with no  
magnification. World coordinates are displayed for computed centroid location and peak location  
results, aperture location, cursor and crosshair location, and pass/fail locations. World coordinates are  
dependent on the frame size, capture resolution, origin location, and pixel scale. These dependency  
values may change from frame to frame.  
World coordinates are based upon the Origin Location, which defines x=0, y=0. If the origin is set to  
Detector lower left, Window lower left, or manual then y values increase going up and decrease going  
down as viewed in the beam window. If the origin is set to Detector upper left or Window upper left  
then y values increase going down and decreases going up. If manual origin is enabled then negative  
x values are to the left and positive to the right, and y negative values are down and positive up. See  
the LBA-PC online help for more information about using Origin Locations.  
NOTE: When the Origin Location is set to Window UL or Window LL, the World Coordinate system moves relative  
to the detector coordinates as the Beam Window is panned or hardware zoomed.  
World coordinates are used to set the aperture center location (:APT), the manual cross-hair location  
(:CHR), and the manual cursor location (:CUR).  
Use the WLD? command to retrieve the location of upper left and lower right corner of the current  
frame in world coordinates.  
The following example describes how to retrieve the boundaries of the current frame then set the  
cursor to the center of the frame.  
Host sends  
:WLD?  
LBA-PC sends  
WLD  
UpperLeft=0.000e+00,0.000e+00;  
LowerRight=6.630e+03,6.214e+03  
Host sends  
:CUR  
X=3.315e+03;  
Y=3.107e+03(^END  
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10.8 ERROR MESSAGES  
Since the LBA-PC is pretty much of a black box and the GPIB is not much better we have included  
descriptive error messages and other information to make debugging a little easier.  
The LBA-PC maintains two output queues, the response output queue and the error message queue.  
To enable the error message queue, you must send the ERR command with a parameter specifying  
verbose error reporting.  
The verbose parameter is optional and is a boolean with a value of 0 or 1 (i.e. false or true). The  
default for the verbose parameter is 1 (true). When verbose error reporting is true then the LBA-PC  
enables the error message queue.  
When the error message queue is enabled and the LBA-PC detects an error then a text string  
description is placed in the error message queue. The LBA-PC then sets the EMAV bit, bit 3, in the  
Status Byte to indicate an error message is in the queue.  
Perform a serial poll or use the *STB? command to read the status byte. If the EMAV bit is set, use the  
:ERR? command to read the error message. The EMAV bit will be cleared when the error message  
queue is empty.  
There are three categories of errors, two of which are reported via the error message queue. The first  
category of errors is remote command errors. These errors include command, execution, and range  
errors originating directly from commands sent by the host to the LBA-PC.  
Example of a category 1 error:  
Host sends  
:ERR(^END)  
Host sends  
:APP?(^END)  
Host sends  
*STB?(^END)  
LBA-PC sends  
STB  
#H08(^END)  
Host sends  
:ERR?(^END)  
LBA-PC sends  
!!! unrecognized command ‘APP'(^END)  
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The second category of errors is LBA-PC execution errors. These error messages are normally  
displayed in a message box on the screen. The LBA-PC reroutes these error messages to the error  
message queue when the queue is enabled.  
Example of a category 2 error:  
Host sends  
:PAN  
X=0;  
Y=0(^END)  
Host sends  
*STB?(^END)  
LBA-PC sends  
STB  
#H08(^END)  
Host sends  
:ERR?(^END)  
LBA-PC sends  
!!! PAN - ‘X=0’ out of range (112,744)(^END)  
The third category of errors are either fatal or result from some local user action. These errors cannot  
occur because of remote commands. This third category of errors is always displayed in a message box  
on the screen and requires user action before continuing. See the ERR specification for the specific  
errors included in each error category.  
Example of a category 3 error:  
Operator clicks START!  
Host sends  
:LDC  
Host sends  
*STB?(^END)  
LBA-PC sends  
STB  
#H08(^END)  
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Host sends  
:ERR?(^END)  
LBA-PC sends  
!!! LDC - cannot load config while running(^END)  
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10.9 SERVICE REQUEST  
10.9.1 Service Request Response  
One of the provisions of the GPIB hardware bus is the ability to signal the host controller when an  
event has occurred. Under the direction of the host controller, the LBA-300PC can assert the SRQ line  
when new data is available, new results is available, a task has been completed, or an error has  
occurred. Under the IEEE standard, the controller performs a poll of the devices to determine who  
requested service and why. A serial poll automatically clears the SRQ.  
The LBA-300PC contains six registers that pertain to the SRQ operation. The function of four of these  
registers is fully explained in the IEEE 488.2 standard. We have modified the definition of some of the  
bit flags to be more applicable to the operation of the LBA-300PC, and added two registers that are  
specific to the LBA-300PC. The four IEEE 488.2 registers are accessible through the common  
command set as follows:  
STB  
SRE  
-
-
Read the Status Byte. This byte contains the event related flags.  
Write or Read the Service Request Enable byte. These bits determine which of  
the above Status Byte bits will cause the SRQ to be asserted.  
ESR  
ESE  
-
-
Read the Event Status Register. This byte contains error bit flags.  
Write or Read the Event Status Enable byte. These bits determine which error  
condition flags cause the ESB bit to be set and may cause the SRQ to be  
asserted  
The two LBA-300PC specific registers are accessible through commands similar to the common  
command set as follows:  
ELR  
ELE  
-
-
Read the LBA-300PC Event Status Register. This byte contains event bit flags.  
Write or Read the LBA-300PC Event Status Enable byte. These bits determine  
which event flags cause the ELB bit to be set and may cause the SRQ to be  
asserted.  
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Appendix A Remote Command/Error Message Operation  
The LBA-PC can be controlled as a remote device via GPIB. For the most part, communications  
between the LBA-PC and the host controller will follow the data format and coding protocols outlined in  
the IEEE 488.1 and 488.2 standards.  
A.1 IEEE 488.1 Command Support  
The LBA-PC in combination with an appropriate National Instruments GPIB board conforms to the IEEE  
488.1 standard according to the following Subset Codes:  
SH1, AH1, T6, L4, SR1, RL2, PP0, DC1, DT0, E2, C0  
These Subset Codes are defined in the IEEE 488.1 standard and describe interface capabilities of the  
LBA-PC.  
The following multiple line interface message commands are supported by the LBA-PC:  
GTL  
LLO  
Go To Local (0x01). When the LBA-PC detects the GTL message it returns to  
local command mode.  
Local Lockout (0x11). When the LBA-PC detects the LLO message it enters what  
is called the lockout state. This is equivalent to entering the operator password  
in the Options | Password menu item. While in the lockout state access is denied  
to many of the LBA-PC menu items. When the LBA-PC exits the lockout state  
access to all menu items is restored.  
MLA  
MSA  
MTA  
PPC  
PPD  
PPE  
PPU  
SPD  
SPE  
UNL  
UNT  
My Listen Address (0x20 to 0x3e).  
My Secondary Address (0x60 to 0x7e).  
My Talk Address (0x40 to 0x5e).  
Parallel Poll Configure (0x05). Handled by GPIB board and NI-488.2M.  
Parallel Poll Disable (0x70 to 0x7e). Handled by GPIB board and NI-488.2M.  
Parallel Poll Disable (0x60 to 0x6e). Handled by GPIB board and NI-488.2M.  
Parallel Poll Unconfigure (0x15). Handled by GPIB board and NI-488.2M.  
Serial Poll Disable (0x19).  
Serial Poll Enable (0x18).  
Unlisten (0x3f).  
Untalk (0x5f).  
The following IEEE 488.1 commands are not supported:  
DCL, GET, SDC, TCT  
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A.2 IEEE 488.2 Common Commands  
The following IEEE 488.2 common and related commands are supported by the LBA-PC.  
Command Meaning  
Usage  
*IDN?  
Identification  
LBA-PC returns the string “Spiricon, LBA-  
PC, ssss, v.vv” where ssss is the serial  
number of the board and v.vv is the  
software version number.  
*RST  
Reset  
Causes the LBA-PC to do the following:  
Clear ELR, ESR, STB  
Stop running  
Restore last configuration saved or  
restored  
:CLR  
Clear Queues  
and Status  
Registers  
Clear output queue (MAV) and error  
message queue (EMAV). Clear ELR, ESR,  
STB.  
*CLS  
:ELE  
Clear Status  
Registers  
Clear ELR, ESR, STB.  
300PC Event  
Status Enable  
Set mask to enable event status  
notification of corresponding bits set in  
ELR.  
:ELE?  
:ELR?  
Return ELE contents.  
300PC Event  
Status  
Register  
Return and clear ELR contents:  
bit 7 - Range Error flag, set when host  
attempts to set an input to a value that  
exceeds permissible range.  
bit 6 - Checksum Error flag, set when  
locally computed checksum does not  
match transmitted value.  
bit 5 - unused  
bit 4 - unused  
bit 3 - unused  
bit 2 - New Frame Available flag, set each  
time the LBA-PC has acquired a new  
frame of data.  
bit 1 - Results Available flag, set each  
time the LBA-PC completes a set of  
computations for a new frame of data.  
bit 0 - Results Pass/Fail flag, set  
whenever a pass/fail alarm occurs while  
running.  
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Command Meaning  
Usage  
*ESE  
Event Status  
Enable  
Sets mask to enable event status  
notification of corresponding bits set in  
ESR.  
*ESE?  
*ESR?  
Return ESE contents.  
Event Status  
Register  
Return and clear ESR contents:  
bit 7 - Power on.  
bit 6 - User Request (unused).  
bit 5 - Command Error flag, set when host  
sends a command that is not recognized.  
bit 4 - Execution Error flag, set when the  
host commands the LBA-PC to perform a  
task which is preempted by other  
conditions (e.g. some configurations  
cannot be set while running, path does  
not exist, illegal file name, etc.)  
bit 3 - Device Dependent Error flag  
(unused).  
bit 2 - Query Error flag, data in output  
queue has been lost.  
bit 1 - Request Control (unused).  
bit 0 - Operation Complete flag, set when:  
Ultracal done (only if Ultracal successful)  
AutoExposure done  
Generate Gain done  
Block Capture done  
Logging done  
Post Process done (only if stop not caused  
by error)  
Statistics done  
Print done  
*SRE  
Service  
Request  
Enable  
Set mask to enable service request  
notification of corresponding bits in STB.  
*SRE?  
*STB?  
Return SRE contents.  
Returns Status Byte contents:  
bit 7 - unused  
Status Byte  
bit 6 - Master Summary Status, MSS, set  
whenever an unmasked status condition  
exists (STB & SRE).  
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Command Meaning  
Usage  
bit 5 - Event Status bit, ESB, set  
whenever an unmasked event status  
condition exists (ESR & ESE).  
bit 4 - Message Available bit, MAV, set  
when a response to a query is available in  
the output queue.  
bit 3 - Error Message Available bit, EMAV,  
set when an error message has been  
posted to the error message queue (see  
:ERR).  
bit 2 - LBA-PC Event Status bit, LSB, set  
whenever an unmasked LBA-PC event  
status condition exists (ELR & ELE).  
bit 1 - unused  
bit 0 - unused  
All other IEEE 488.2 common commands are not recognized by the LBA-PC and will return a Command  
Error.  
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Standard  
Event Status  
Enable  
Standard  
Event Status  
Register  
LBA-300PC  
Event Status  
Enable  
LBA-300PC  
Event Status  
Register  
*ESE, *ESE?  
*ESR?  
:ELE, :ELE?  
:ELR?  
range error  
power on  
7
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
&
&
&
7
7
&
checksum error  
user request  
6
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
6
&
command error  
5
4
3
5
&
execution error  
&
4
&
dependent error  
&
3
&
new frame  
query error  
2
&
2
&
results  
request control  
1
&
1
&
pass/fail alarm  
op complete  
0
&
0
&
L o g i c a l AND  
L o g i c a l AND  
7
7
X
5
4
3
2
1
0
&
MSS 6 RQS  
ESB  
&
MAV  
EMAV  
LSB  
&
&
&
1
&
0
&
Service  
Request  
Generation  
L o g i c a l AND  
Status Byte  
Enable  
Status Byte  
Register  
Register  
*STB?  
*SRE, *SRE?  
Service Request Generation  
Figure 63  
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A.3 LBA-PC Command and Data Formats  
The LBA-PC does not support the IEEE 488.2 specification of sending multiple commands separated by  
semicolons. Each command must be sent separately and terminated by asserting the EOI line with the  
last byte sent.  
The following are some typical formats for command and response transmissions:  
cmd: *CCC(^END)  
cmd: *CCC?(^END)  
cmd: *CCC_key=value(^END)  
cmd: *CCC_key=value;key=value;…;key=value(^END)  
rsp:  
rsp:  
CCC_key=value;key=value;…;key=value;;(^END)  
CCC_FrameNumber=f;;#dn..n(DAB)(DAB)…(DAB)(DAB)(^END)  
Where:  
*
=
precedes a 488.2 common command  
precedes a LBA-PC command  
:
=
=
=
=
=
=
CCC  
?
three character command code, case is ignored  
query character to illicit a response  
an ASCII SPACE character (0x20)  
command dependent parameter  
_
key  
value  
value assigned to key  
(DAB) =  
(^END)=  
8 bit data byte in binary format  
indicates that EOI is asserted with the last byte sent.  
A.4 Configuration Command Parameters  
Type Description  
L
Selection. ASCII numeric value corresponding to the desired  
selection. All selections start with a base value of zero.  
I
Integer. ASCII numeric value in integer format.  
B
Boolean. ASCII numeric integer value.  
0 = false. 1 = true.  
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Type Description  
F
Fixed/Floating. ASCII numeric value in fixed or floating point  
notation.  
S
String. Series of ASCII characters. Note that the backslash,  
“\” has special meaning in strings known as an escape  
sequence. To specify a single backslash you must send two.  
For example: “c:\\spiricon\\lba300pc\\lbapc.cfg” is  
interpreted as “c:\spiricon\lba300pc\lbapc.cfg”. Although other  
escape sequences are recognized, there is no reason to use  
them with the LBA-PC.  
T
Time. ASCII numeric integer values in the form  
[[HHH:]MM:]SS.  
D
Date. ASCII numeric integer values in the form MM/DD/YY.  
A.5 LBA-PC Configuration Commands  
A.5.1  
File Menu  
If a key is not specified with the command then the default is the last value set via restore config, or a  
previous command (unless otherwise specified in the description).  
Many commands can generate error messages. See the :ERR? query command for a list of error  
messages  
Range checking is performed on all values in key=value for each transmitted command. If any value is  
invalid or out of range then the entire command is ignored and the Range Error flag is set in ELR.  
All footnote references can be found on the last page of this Appendix.  
A.5.1.1 LDC - restore configuration  
NOTE: There is no default path for this command. If you want the configuration to be restored from a particular  
path then send the path with the file name.  
:LDC <configuration>1,3  
:LDC?  
Key  
Type Value Description  
ConfigFileName6 S  
Name of configuration file to load.  
If no extension (i.e. no period) then .CFG is  
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Key  
Type Value Description  
appended.  
Maximum 256 characters.  
default = drive, path, and filename from last  
load or save config  
A.5.1.2 SDC - save configuration  
NOTE: There is no default path for this command. If you want the configuration to be saved in a particular path  
then send the path with the file name.  
:SDC <configuration>1,3  
:SDC  
Key  
Type Value Description  
ConfigFileName6 S  
Name of configuration file to load.  
If no extension (i.e. no period) then .CFG is  
appended.  
Maximum 256 characters.  
default = drive, path, and filename from last  
load or save config  
A.5.1.3 LDD - load data from file  
NOTE: There is no default path for this command. If you want the data file to be loaded from a particular path  
then send the path with the file name.  
:LDD <configuration>1,3  
:LDD?  
Key  
FileName6  
Type  
Value Description  
Name of file to load.  
S
If no extension (i.e. no period) then .LB3/4/5/7  
is appended to data and reference frames. .GAI  
is appended to gain frame files.  
Maximum 256 characters.  
default = filename from last load or save data  
command.  
StartRecord  
I
Number of frames to write.  
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Key  
Type  
Value Description  
1 to n. ‘n’ is the number of records in the file.  
0 = all records (up to frame buffer size)  
1 to n. ‘n’ is the size of the frame buffer.  
forced to 1 when StartFrame < 1  
First frame saved.  
NumberRecords I  
StartFrame  
I
-1 = gain frame  
0 = reference frame  
1 to n. ‘n’ is the size of the frame buffer  
default = current frame  
Replace  
B
true = replace  
If the camera or the camera resolution stored in  
the file do not match the current configuration  
then the LBA-PC must replace the current  
camera or change the resolution before the  
frame can be loaded. Either of these changes  
results in clearing the frame buffer (i.e., all  
current frames are discarded). If the pixel scale  
stored in the file does not match the current  
pixel scale then the pixel scale will be set to the  
value in the file.  
false = do not replace  
If the camera or camera resolution stored in the  
file do not match then an error is generated.  
forced to false when StartFrame < 1  
default = false  
A.5.1.4 SDD - save data to file  
NOTE: There is no default path for this command. If you want the to be saved in a particular path then send the  
path with the file name.  
:SDD <configuration>1,3  
:SDD?  
Key  
Type Value Description  
FileName6  
S
Name of file to load.  
If no extension (i.e., no period) then .LB3/4/5/7  
is appended to data, reference, and ultracal  
frames. .GAI is appended to gain frame files.  
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Key  
Type Value Description  
Maximum 256 characters.  
default = filename from last load or save data  
command  
NumberRecords I  
0 = all records (up to frame buffer size)  
1 to n. ‘n’ is the size of the frame buffer.  
forced to 1 when StartFrame < 1  
StartFrame  
I
First frame saved.  
-1 = gain frame  
0 = reference frame  
1 to n. ‘n’ is the size of the frame buffer.  
default = current frame  
Append existing file  
Append  
B
false = do not append  
The file will be created if it does not exist. An  
error occurs if Replace is also false and the file  
exists.  
true = append to existing file  
The file will be created if it does not exist.  
Frames will be appended to the file if it exists.  
An error occurs if the file exists and the file’s  
version, camera, or resolution do not match the  
current configuration.  
forced to false when StartFrame < 1  
default = true  
Replace  
B
Overwrite existing file. If this key is true then  
the Append key is ignored.  
false = do not overwrite  
The file will be created if it does not exist. An  
error occurs if Append is also false and the file  
exists.  
true = overwrite existing file  
The file will be created if it does not exist. The  
file will be replaced if it exists.  
forced to true if StartFrame < 1  
default = false  
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A.5.1.5 EXP - set export configuration & export image(s)  
:EXP <configuration>1  
:EXP?  
Key  
Type Value Description  
Export3  
B
false = set configuration only.  
true = set configuration then export images.  
Images cannot be exported while running.  
default = true  
Replace  
B
S
Overwrite if file exists.  
default = false  
ExportFileName6  
Base name of export file. Extension  
automatically created by LBA-PC based on  
export file type.  
Maximum 256 characters.  
First frame to export.  
StartFrame  
I
I
1 to n. ‘n’ is the size of the frame buffer.  
Number of frames to export.  
0 = all frames  
NumberFrames  
1 to n. ‘n’ is the size of the frame buffer.  
.BMP export enable.  
BMP  
B
B
B
B
B
AsciiComma  
AsciiSpace  
CursorData  
ColumnRowSum  
.CMA export enable.  
.SPC export enable.  
.CUR export enable.  
.SUM export enable.  
A.5.1.6 LOG - set logging configuration  
NOTE: There is no default path for this command. If you want the data log file, results log file, or export log file(s)  
to be saved in a particular path then send the path with the file name.  
Data & Results logging will append to an existing file once opened. It will overwrite an existing  
file if newly opened. Export logging will always overwrite an existing file. No warning or error  
message is given in either instance.  
:LOG <configuration>1,3  
:LOG?  
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Key  
Type Value Description  
DataLogging  
DataFileName  
B
S
Data logging enable.  
Name of data log file.  
If no extension (i.e., no period) then  
.LB3/4/5/7 is appended.  
Maximum 256 characters.  
If this key is set to “FRM” or “RDD” (case  
ignored) (or was previously set to FRM or  
RDD in the dialog) then data frames will be  
logged to the GPIB bus. Each time a new  
frame is captured the LBA-PC will  
automatically send a response as if you had  
sent “:FRM?” or “RDD?” respectively. You  
must address the LBA-PC to talk and be  
prepared to accept the transmitted data.  
The LBA-PC will wait until you have read the  
data before capturing another frame. Note:  
FRM and RDD are ignored if the LBA-PC is  
not in remote.  
ResultsLogging  
ResultsFileName  
B
S
Results logging enable.  
Name of results log file.  
If no extension (i.e., no period) then .RLG is  
appended.  
Maximum 256 characters.  
If this key is set to “RDR” (case ignored) (or  
was previously set to RDR in the dialog) the  
results will be logged to the GPIB bus. Each  
time results are computed for a new frame  
the LBA-PC will automatically send a  
response as if you had sent “:RDR?  
Values=1”. The LBA-PC will wait until you  
have read the data before capturing another  
frame. Note, in this case the results format  
is ignored. Note: RDR is ignored if the LBA-  
PC is not in remote.  
ResultsFormat  
L
Results log format.  
0 = math  
1 = spreadsheet  
Export logging enable.  
ExportLogging  
ExportFileName  
B
S
Name of export log file. Any file extension is  
ignored and an appropriate extension is used  
depending on the type of export file that is  
being logged.  
BMP  
B
.BMP logging enable.  
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Key  
Type Value Description  
AsciiComma  
AsciiSpace  
B
B
B
B
L
.ASC logging enable.  
.ASP logging enable.  
.CUR logging enable.  
.SUM logging enable.  
Logging duration.  
0 = continuous  
CursorData  
ColumnSumRow  
LoggingMethod  
1 = frames  
2 = time  
NumberFrames  
Time  
I
Number of frames to log, if LoggingMethod  
is frames.  
1 to 100000.  
T
L
Amount of time to log, if LoggingMethod is  
time.  
0:0:1 to 999:59:59  
Which frames to log.  
0 = all  
PassFailFilter  
1 = passed  
2 = failed  
A.5.1.7 GAI - generate gain frame  
This command is equivalent to selecting File | Generate Gain. To read or write the gain frame  
data use the RDD or FRM command with the StartFrame parameter set to -1.  
:GAI3  
A.5.1.8 REF - set reference  
This command is equivalent to File | Set Reference. To read or write the reference frame data  
use the RDD or FRM command with the StartFrame parameter set to 0.  
:REF3  
A.5.1.9 PRN - set print configuration and print  
:PRN <configuration>1  
:PRN? 2  
Key  
Type Value Description  
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Key  
Type Value Description  
Print3  
B
start printing now  
default = true  
BeamImage  
Results  
B
B
B
B
I
Print beam enable.  
Print results enable.  
SeparatePages  
CurrentOnly  
StartFrame  
Print beam and results on separate pages.  
Print current frame only.  
First frame to print.  
1 to n. ‘n’ is the frame buffer size.  
default = current frame.  
Number of frames to print.  
0 = all frames  
NumberFrames  
I
1 to n. ‘n’ is the frame buffer size.  
2D beam print dark background.  
2DdarkBackground  
B
A.5.2  
Options Menu  
A.5.2.1 APT - set aperture configuration  
:APT <configuration>1  
:APT?2  
Key  
Type Value Description  
DrawShape  
L
Shape of user drawn aperture.  
0 = none  
1 = circle  
2 = square  
3 = ellipse  
4 = rectangle  
CenterXLoc  
CenterYLoc  
Major  
F
F
F
F
I
x location in world coordinates5  
Y location in world coordinates5  
major axis length in world coordinates5  
minor axis width in world coordinates5  
-90 to 90  
Minor  
Rotation  
DisplayShape  
L
Shape of computed display aperture.  
0 = none  
1 = circle  
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Key  
Type Value Description  
2 = square  
3 = ellipse  
4 = rectangle  
AutoAperture  
B
Auto aperture enable.  
A.5.2.2 CAM - set camera configuration  
A path may be included in the ‘File’ parameter. If a path is included in the ‘File’ parameter then  
the path where the LBA-PC looks for CAM files will also be changed.  
If a ‘File’ is specified the current settings for Resolution, FrameBufferSize, NumberFrames, and  
Lens are not changed.  
If a ‘File’ is specified then this file is read first. Parameters such as Pixel Scale, Pixel Units,  
Gamma & Lens can be specified to override the default CAM file parameters.  
If ‘File’ or ‘Resolution’ is specified that is different from the current configuration then the frame  
buffer will be flushed and all current frame data will be lost.  
If ‘FrameBufferSize’ or ‘NumberFrames’ specified is less than the current configuration then  
frames at the end of the frame buffer will be discarded.  
:CAM <configuration>1  
:CAM? 2  
Key  
Type Value Description  
File3  
S
CAM file name.  
Maximum 256 characters.  
Full frame video sample rate.  
Maximum value depends on camera.  
-1 = Full 1x  
Resolution3  
L
0 = 1x  
1 = 2x  
2 = 4x  
3 = 8x  
4 = 16x  
NumberFrames3  
Sync Source  
I
Number of frames in frame buffer  
Camera sync source.  
0 = Genlock  
L
1 = Digital  
PixelBits  
I
Number of digitized bits/pixel. Available only  
when Sync Source is set to Digital.  
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Key  
Type Value Description  
8 to 15, -8 to -15  
PixelHScale  
F
Horizontal pixel scale.  
Forced equal to vertical pixel scale if  
SyncSource is genlock  
PixelVScale4  
PixelUnits  
F
L
Vertical pixel scale.  
Pixel scale units display.  
0 = none  
1 = µm  
2 = mm  
3 = cm  
4 = m  
5 = in  
6 = mils  
7 = mrad  
Gamma  
F
Camera gamma value.  
0.1 to 10.0  
Lens  
B
Invert image enable (if camera is fitted with a  
lens)  
A.5.2.3 CAP - set capture configuration  
:CAP <configuration>1  
:CAP? 2  
Key  
Type Value Description  
CaptureMethod  
L
Capture Method.  
0 = continuous  
1 = single  
2 = block  
3 = live  
CaptureInterval  
BlockLength  
I
I
Frames between captures.  
1 to 100000.  
Number of frames to capture in block  
mode.  
1 to 100000.  
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Key  
Type Value Description  
CameraInput  
B
Which camera input is in use. Cannot be  
set. To select which camera is in use, set  
only one of the CameraInput# below.  
0, or 1 to 3 if you purchased the four-  
camera option.  
CameraInput2  
CameraInput3  
CameraInput4  
B
Which camera input(s) to use. Valid only  
if you purchased the four-camera option.  
CameraShutter  
L
Camera shutter setting for camera 1.  
0 to 7. Effect depends on camera.  
CameraShutter2  
CameraShutter3  
CameraShutter4  
B
Camera shutter setting for cameras 2 to 4.  
Valid only if you purchased the four-  
camera option.  
0 to 7. Effect depends on camera.  
Camera input gain for camera 1.  
CameraGainEffect  
F
F
1.0 to 5.0, equivalent gain multiplier effect  
CameraGainEffect2  
CameraGainEffect3  
CameraGainEffect4  
Camera input gain for cameras 2 to 4.  
Valid only if you purchased the four-  
camera option.  
1.0 to 5.0, equivalent gain multiplier effect  
Camera input black level for camera 1.  
0 to 511.  
CameraBlack  
I
I
CameraBlack2  
CameraBlack3  
CameraBlack4  
Camera input black level for cameras 2 to  
4. Valid only if you purchased the four-  
camera option.  
0 to 511.  
TriggerType  
L
Trigger type.  
0 = cw  
1 = out  
2 = video  
3 = in  
TriggerOutAlways  
TriggerOutDelay  
TriggerPolarity  
B
B
L
Trigger out always enable.  
Trigger out delay enable.  
Trigger out polarity.  
0 = negative  
1 = positive  
TriggerInterval  
I
Frames between triggers.  
1 to 100000.  
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Key  
Type Value Description  
VideoTriggerLevel  
L
Video trigger level for camera 1.  
0 = 1/16 maximum pixel value  
1 = 1/8 maximum pixel value  
2 = 1/4 maximum pixel value  
3 = 1/2 maximum pixel value  
VideoTriggerLevel2  
VideoTriggerLevel3  
VideoTriggerLevel4  
Video trigger level for cameras 2 to 4.  
Valid only if you purchased the four-  
camera option.  
0 = 1/16 maximum pixel value  
1 = 1/8 maximum pixel value  
2 = 1/4 maximum pixel value  
3 = 1/2 maximum pixel value  
Sum frames enable.  
Number of frames to sum.  
2 to 256  
Summing  
B
I
SummingFrames  
Average  
B
I
Average frames enable.  
Number of frames to average.  
2 to 256  
AverageFrames  
GainCorrect  
B
B
L
Gain correct enable.  
Reference subtract enable.  
Reference source.  
0 = frame  
ReferenceSubtract  
ReferenceSource  
1 = gauss  
2 = auto gauss  
Convolution  
L
Convolution enable.  
0 = none  
1 = LPF1 3x3  
2 = LPF1 5x5  
3 = LPF1 7x7  
4 = LPF2 3x3  
5 = LPF3 3x3  
MaxFrameSize4  
ZoomIndex4  
I,I  
L
X,Y maximum frame size based on camera  
and selected camera resolution  
Zoom level. Depends on camera and  
camera resolution (see ZOM? and ZMM?).  
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Key  
Type Value Description  
0 to NumZooms-1.  
NumZooms4  
I
Maximum zoom index value  
CaptureLocation4  
I,I  
X,Y upper left corner of capture area (see  
PAN)  
CaptureSize4  
I,I  
L
Width and height of frame  
These values are set via ZoomIndex  
CaptureResolution4  
Capture sample resolution.  
-1 = Full 1x  
0 = 1x  
1 = 2x  
2 = 4x  
3 = 8x  
4 = 16x  
5 = 32x  
This value is set via ZoomIndex.  
A.5.2.4 COM - set computations configuration  
:COM <configuration>1  
:COM? 2  
Key  
Type Value Description  
EnergyOfBeam  
F
F
L
Beam energy. Will calibrate the currently  
displayed frame to this value.  
EnergyOfFrame4  
EnergyUnits  
Raw frame total at time EnergyOfBeam is  
entered.  
Calibrated energy units.  
0 = j  
1 = mj  
2 = uj  
3 = nj  
u = pj  
5 = w  
6 = mw  
7 = uw  
8 = nw  
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Key  
Type Value Description  
9 = pw  
10 = fl  
Quant  
B
L
Quantitative results enable.  
BeamWidthMethod  
Beam width method.  
0 = 4 sigma  
1 = knife edge 90/10  
2 = knife edge  
3 = energy (uses ClipHigh)  
4 = peak  
ClipLow  
ClipHigh  
Multiplier  
F
F
F
1 to 99, < ClipHigh  
1 to 99, > ClipLow  
Knife edge multiplier  
1 to 10  
Ellip  
B
B
L
Elliptical results enable.  
Gauss fit enable.  
Gauss fit method.  
0 = whole  
Gauss  
GaussMethod  
1 = x/y or major/minor  
Tophat enable.  
Tophat method.  
0 = data  
Tophat  
B
L
TophatMethod  
1 = area  
2 = line  
Divergence  
B
L
Divergence enable.  
Divergence Method  
Divergence method.  
0 = focal length  
1 = far field  
FocalLength  
F
F
F
F
Lens focal length  
0 to 10000  
Separation  
Far field separation  
0 to 10000  
XreferenceDiameter  
YreferenceDiameter  
X reference diameter  
0 to 1.0e12  
Y reference diameter  
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Key  
Type Value Description  
0 to 1.0e12  
Histogram  
Buckets  
B
I
Histogram enable.  
Histogram bucket width, 1 to 256  
Statistics enable.  
Statistics method.  
0 = continuous  
Statistics  
B
L
StatisticsMethod  
1 = frames  
2 = time  
Frames  
Time  
I
Number of frames to collect, if statistics  
method is frames.  
1 to 100,000  
T
Amount of time to collect statistics, if statistics  
method is time.  
0:0:1 to 999:59:59  
A.5.2.5 DIS - set display configuration  
:DIS <configuration>1  
:DIS? 2  
Key  
Type Value Description  
BeamView2D  
B
L
Beam display type.  
false = 3D  
true = 2D  
Cursors  
Cursor display enable.  
0 = off  
1 = manual  
2 = centroid  
3 = peak  
CursorProfiles  
Origin  
B
L
Cursor profile display enable.  
Spatial coordinate origin.  
0 = manual  
1 = detector upper left  
2 = detector lower left  
3 = window upper left  
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Key  
Type Value Description  
4 = window lower left  
ManualOrigin  
BeamColors  
I
X,Y detector location of manual origin.  
Range depends on camera.  
Beam display color.  
0 = bands  
L
1 = continuous  
2 = gray scale  
3 = user specified palette  
4 = green  
5 = yellow  
PaletteFileName  
ScaleType  
Name of the color palette file.  
Maximum 256 characters.  
default = drive, path, name of lat palette file  
loaded.  
L
Beam display scale.  
0 = x1  
1 = x2  
2 = x4  
3 = x8  
4 = x16  
5 = auto  
BeamDisplay  
L
What beams to display.  
0 = current  
1 = current & reference  
2 = current & current - reference  
3 = current & current + reference  
4 = reference  
5 = current - reference  
6 = current + reference  
Reference source.  
0 = frame  
ReferenceSource  
LowerThreshold  
L
F
1 = gauss  
2 = auto gauss  
Lower color energy display threshold.  
If energy is uncalibrated (COM,  
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Key  
Type Value Description  
EnergyOfBeam=0) then the range is 0 to  
255.  
If energy is calibrated then the range  
depends on the energy calibration.  
UpperThreshold  
F
Upper color energy display threshold.  
If energy is uncalibrated (COM,  
EnergyOfBeam=0) then the range is 0 to  
255.  
If energy is calibrated then the range  
depends on the energy calibration.  
ColorBar  
B
L
Color bar display enable.  
Cursor axis orientation.  
0 = x/y  
CursorAxis  
1 = major/minor  
Crosshair display enable.  
0 = off  
Crosshair  
L
1 = manual  
2 = centroid  
3 = peak  
4 = origin  
Grid  
B
B
B
B
I
2D grid enable.  
3D crosshatch enable.  
3D contour enable.  
3D wire frame enable.  
3D display rotation.  
0 to 359.  
CrossHatch  
Contour  
WireFrame  
Rotate  
Tilt  
I
3D display tilt.  
0 to 90  
Slice  
L
3D wire density display.  
0 = frame size  
1 = ½ frame size  
2 = ¼ frame size  
3 = etc.  
Minimum display is 16 X 15.  
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A.5.2.6 PSW - enter password  
:PSW <configuration>  
Key  
Type Value Description  
Password  
S
See online help under Password Lockout for  
information about passwords.  
:PSW?  
Returns:  
PSW < configuration >  
Key  
Type Value Description  
Lockout  
B
true = local lockout active  
A.5.3 Pass/Fail Menu  
A.5.3.1 PFF - set pass/fail master configuration  
:PFF <configuration>1  
:PFF? 2  
Key  
Type Value Description  
PassFail  
TTL  
B
B
Master Pass/Fail enable.  
TTL output on ‘When’ condition  
enable.  
Beep  
Stop  
B
B
L
Beep on ‘When’ condition enable.  
Stop on ‘When’ condition enable.  
When  
Pass/Fail condition that invokes TTL,  
Beep, Stop.  
0 = fail  
1 = pass  
A.5.3.2 pass/fail quant configuration  
Key  
Type Value Description  
B,B Min,Max test enable.  
Total  
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Key  
Type Value Description  
TotalMin  
F
Total energy minimum.  
-1e12 to 1e12  
TotalMax  
F
Total energy maximum.  
-1e12 to 1e12  
Percent  
B,B  
F
Min,Max test enable.  
Percent of energy minimum.  
0 to 100  
PercentMin  
PercentMax  
F
Percent of energy maximum.  
0 to 100  
PeakFluence  
B,B  
F
Min,Max test enable.  
Peak fluence minimum.  
-1e12 to 1e12  
PeakFluenceMin  
PeakFluenceMax  
F
Peak fluence maximum.  
-1e12 to 1e12.  
ValleyFluence  
B,B  
F
Min,Max test enable.  
Min fluence minimum.  
-1e12 to 1e12.  
ValleyFluenceMin  
ValleyFluenceMax  
F
Min fluence maximum.  
-1e12 to 1e12.  
Centroid  
B
F
Centroid test enable.  
X location in world coordinates5.  
-1e12 to 1e12.  
CentroidXLoc  
CentroidYLoc  
F
F
Y location in world coordinates5.  
-1e12 to 1e12.  
CentroidRadius  
Maximum distance from  
(CentroidXLoc,CentroidYLoc) in world  
coordinates5  
0 to 1e12.  
Major  
B,B  
F
Min,Max test enable.  
MajorMin  
Major axis minimum in world  
coordinates5.  
0 to 1e12.  
MajorMax  
F
Major axis maximum in world  
coordinates5.  
0 to 1e12.  
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Key  
Type Value Description  
Minor  
B,B  
F
Min,Max test enable.  
MinorMin  
Minor axis minimum in world  
coordinates5.  
0 to 1e12.  
MinorMax  
F
Minor axis maximum in world  
coordinates5.  
0 to 1e12.  
Diameter  
B,B  
F
Min,Max test enable.  
DiameterMin  
Diameter minimum in world  
coordinates5.  
0 to 1e12.  
DiameterMax  
F
Diameter maximum in world  
coordinates5.  
0 to 1e12.  
A.5.3.3 pass/fail elliptical configuration  
Key  
Type Value Description  
Roundness  
RoundnessMin  
B,B  
F
Min,Max test enable.  
Roundness minimum.  
0 to 1  
RoundnessMax  
F
Roundness maximum.  
0 to 1  
Orientation  
B
I
Orientation test enable.  
Rotation base.  
-90 to 90  
RotateOrientation  
RotateRange  
I
Rotation maximum.  
0 to 90  
A.5.3.4 pass/fail gauss configuration  
Key  
Type Value Description  
GaussCentroid  
GaussCentroidXLoc  
B
F
Gauss centroid test enable.  
X location in world coordinates5.  
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Key  
Type Value Description  
-1e12 to 1e12.  
GaussCentroidYLoc  
GaussCentroidRadius  
F
F
Y location in world coordinates5.  
-1e12 to 1e12.  
Maximum distance from  
(CentroidXLoc, CentroidYLoc) in  
world coordinates5  
0 to 1e12.  
GaussCentroidMinor  
B
Minor or Y axis centroid test enable.  
GaussCentroidRadiusMinor F  
Maximum distance from  
GaussCentroidMinor in world  
coordinates5  
0 to 1e12.  
GaussMajor  
B,B  
Min,Max test enable.  
GaussMajorMin  
F
Major axis or Width X minimum in  
world coordinates5.  
0 to 1e12.  
GaussMajorMax  
F
Major axis or Width X maximum in  
world coordinates5.  
0 to1e12.  
GaussMinor  
B,B  
F
Min,Max test enable.  
GaussMinorMin  
Minor axis or Width Y minimum in  
world coordinates5.  
0 to 1e12.  
GaussMinorMax  
F
Minor axis or Width Y maximum in  
world coordinates5.  
0 to 1e12.  
GaussHeight  
B,B  
F
Min,Max test enable.  
Gauss Height,  
GaussHeightMin  
Gauss Height Major, or  
Gauss Height X; minimum.  
-1e12 to 1e12.  
GaussHeightMax  
GaussCorrelation  
F
Gauss Height,  
Gauss Height Major, or  
Gauss Height X; maximum.  
-1e12 to 1e12.  
B,B  
Min,Max test enable.  
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Key  
Type Value Description  
GaussCorrelationMin  
F
Gauss Correlation,  
Gauss Correlation Major, or  
Gauss Correlation X; minimum.  
0 to 1.  
GaussCorrelationMax  
F
Gauss Correlation,  
Gauss Correlation Major, or  
Gauss Correlation X; maximum.  
0 to 1.  
GaussDeviation  
B,B  
F
Min,Max test enable.  
Gauss Deviation,  
GaussDeviationMin  
Gauss Deviation. Major, or  
Gauss Deviation. X; minimum.  
0 to 1e12.  
GaussDeviationMax  
F
Gauss Deviation,  
Gauss Deviation Major, or  
Gauss Deviation X; maximum.  
0 to 1e12.  
GaussHeightMinor  
B,B  
F
Min,Max test enable.  
Gauss Height Minor, or  
Gauss Height Y; minimum.  
-1e12 to 1e12  
GaussHeightMinorMin  
GaussHeightMinorMax  
F
Gauss Height Minor, or  
Gauss Height Y; maximum.  
-1e12 to 1e12  
GaussCorrelationMinor  
B,B  
F
Min,Max test enable.  
Gauss Correlation. Minor, or  
Gauss Correlation X; minimum.  
0 to 1.  
GaussCorrelationMinorMin  
GaussCorrelationMinorMax F  
Gauss Correlation. Minor, or  
Gauss Correlation X; maximum.  
0 to 1.  
GaussDeviationMinor  
B,B  
Min,Max test enable.  
Gauss Deviation Minor, or  
Gauss Deviation Y; minimum.  
GaussDeviationMinorMin  
F
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Key  
Type Value Description  
0 to 1e12.  
GaussDeviationMinorMax  
F
Gauss Deviation Minor, or  
Gauss Deviation Y; maximum.  
0 to 1e12.  
A.5.3.5 pass/fail top hat configuration  
Key  
Type Value Description  
TophatFluence  
TophatFluenceMin  
B,B  
F
Min,Max test enable.  
Tophat Fluence, or  
Tophat Fluence X; minimum.  
-1e12 to 1e12.  
TophatFluenceMax  
F
Tophat Fluence, or  
Tophat Fluence X; maximum.  
-1e12 to 1e12.  
TophatMean  
B,B  
F
Min,Max test enable.  
Tophat Mean, or  
TophatMeanMin  
Tophat Mean X; minimum.  
-1e12 to 1e12.  
TophatMeanMax  
F
Tophat Mean, or  
Tophat Mean X; maximum.  
-1e12 to 1e12.  
TophatDeviation  
B,B  
F
Min,Max test enable.  
Tophat Deviation, or  
Tophat Deviation X; minimum.  
-1e12 to 1e12.  
TophatDeviationMin  
TophatDeviationMax  
F
Tophat Deviation, or  
Tophat Deviation X; maximum.  
-1e12 to 1e12.  
TophatSDM  
B,B  
F
Min,Max test enable.  
Tophat SD/M, or  
TophatSDMMin  
Tophat SD/M X; minimum.  
0 to 1e3.  
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Key  
Type Value Description  
TophatSDMMax  
F
Tophat SD/M, or  
Tophat SD/M X; maximum.  
0 to 1e3.  
EffectiveArea  
B,B  
F
Min,Max test enable.  
Effective area minimum.  
0 to 1e12.  
EffectiveAreaMin  
EffectiveAreaMax  
F
Effective area maximum.  
0 to 1e12.  
EffectiveDiameter  
B,B  
F
Min,Max test enable.  
Effective diameter minimum.  
0 to 1e12.  
EffectiveDiameterMin  
EffectiveDiameterMax  
F
Effective diameter maximum.  
0 to 1e12.  
TophatFactor  
B,B  
F
Min,Max test enable.  
Tophat factor minimum.  
0.0 to 1.0  
TophatFactorMin  
TophatFactorMax  
F
Tophat factor maximum.  
0.0 to 1.0  
TophatMeanMinor  
B,B  
F
Min,Max test enable.  
Tophat Mean Y minimum.  
-1e12 to 1e12.  
TophatMeanMinorMin  
TophatMeanMinorMax  
F
Tophat Mean Y maximum.  
-1e12 to 1e12.  
TophatFluenceMinor  
B,B  
F
Min,Max test enable.  
Tophat Fluence Y minimum.  
-1e12 to 1e12.  
TophatFluenceMinorMin  
TophatFluenceMinorMax  
F
Tophat Fluence Y maximum.  
-1e12 to 1e12.  
TophatDeviationMinor  
B,B  
F
Min,Max test enable.  
Tophat deviation Y minimum.  
-1e12 to 1e12.  
TophatDeviationMinorMin  
TophatDeviationMinorMax  
F
Tophat deviation Y maximum.  
-1e12 to 1e12.  
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Key  
Type Value Description  
TophatSDMMinor  
TophatSDMMinorMin  
B,B  
F
Min,Max test enable.  
Tophat SD/M Y minimum.  
0 to 1e3.  
TophatSDMMinorMax  
F
Tophat SD/M Y maximum.  
0 to 1e3.  
A.5.3.6 pass/fail divergence configuration  
Key  
Type Value Description  
DivergenceMajor  
DivergenceMajorMin  
B,B  
F
Min,Max test enable.  
Divergence X or Major min., in milli-  
radians.  
0.0 to 3142.0.  
DivergenceMajorMax  
F
Divergence X or Major max., in milli-  
radians.  
0.0 to 3142.0.  
DivergenceMinor  
B,B  
F
Min,Max test enable.  
DivergenceMinorMin  
Divergence Y or Minor min., in milli-  
radians.  
0.0 to 3142.0.  
DivergenceMinorMax  
F
Divergence Y or Minor max., in milli-  
radians.  
0.0 to 3142.0.  
A.5.4  
Remote Specific Commands  
If a key is not specified with the command then the default value is the last value set (restore config,  
previous command) unless otherwise specified in the description.  
Range checking is performed on all values in key=value for each transmitted command. If any value is  
invalid or out of range then the entire command is ignored and the range error bit is set (see :ELR?).  
A.5.4.1 CAL - ultra cal  
:CAL <configuration>3  
If you do not send a parameter then the LBA-PC begins an automatic camera calibration process.  
When the process is completed the LBA-PC sets the Operation Complete bit (bit 0) in the Event  
Status Register (see *ESR).  
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Key  
Type Value Description  
true = disable frame calibration  
default = false  
UltracalOff  
B
A.5.4.2 CHR - read/write cross hair location  
This command is valid only when cross hair is set to manual (see :DIS). The range of allowable  
values is returned by the WLD? command.  
:CHR <configuration>  
Key  
Type Value Description  
X
F
F
B
x location in world coordinates5  
y location in world coordinates5  
Y
Cursor  
true = snap the cross hair to the location of  
the cursor. Any X or Y values in the same  
command are ignored.  
default = false  
:CHR?  
Returns:  
CHR <configuration>2  
If cross hair is set to centroid, peak, or origin then returns centroid, peak, or origin location  
respectively. Otherwise returns manual cross hair location.  
A.5.4.3 CUR - read/write cursor location  
This command is valid only when cursor is set to manual (see :DIS). The range of allowable  
values is returned by the WLD? command.  
:CUR <configuration>  
Key  
X
Type Value Description  
F
F
x location in world coordinates5  
y location in world coordinates5  
Y
:CUR?  
Returns:  
CUR <configuration>2  
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Key  
X
Type Value Description  
F
F
F
F
x location in world coordinates5  
Y
y location in world coordinates5  
Value of pixel at cursor  
Z
Delta  
distance from cross hair to cursor  
A.5.4.4 DSF - display frame  
:DSF <configuration>3  
:DSF?  
Key  
Type Value Description  
FrameNumber  
I
frame number  
-1 = gain frame  
0 = reference frame  
1 to n. ‘n’ is the size of the frame buffer  
default = current frame  
A.5.4.5 ERR - error reporting  
:ERR <configuration>  
Key  
Type Value Description  
Verbose  
B
true = remote error messages  
if a communications error occurs then the  
EMAV bit is set in the status byte (STB) and  
a text message containing a brief  
explanation of the error is placed in the  
error message queue. To retrieve error  
messages use “:ERR?”. All error messages  
begin with the characters “!!!”.  
default = true  
:ERR?  
A separate output queue is maintained for error messages. Each time :ERR? is received the LBA-  
PC returns the next message in the error message queue. If the queue is empty the LBA-PC  
returns the current verbose setting, i.e. “ERR Verbose=b”. The status of the error message  
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queue can be monitored with the EMAV bit in the status byte register (STB). This bit is set when  
one or more messages is in the error message queue. This bit is cleared when the queue is  
empty.  
Note that you must set “:ERR Verbose=1” to receive error messages. If Verbose=0 then no messages will be put  
into the error message queue and EMAV will remain clear.  
Following is a list of possible remote error messages:  
Message  
Error Type  
Description  
Ibrd() time-out EXECUTION_ERROR LBA-PC was addressed to  
listen. A time-out occurred  
when the LBA-PC tried to read  
from the bus. Any data  
received will be discarded.  
ibwrt() time-out EXECUTION_ERROR LBA-PC was addressed to talk.  
A time-out occurred when the  
LBA-PC tried to write to the  
bus. The LBA-PC will attempt  
to resend the entire response.  
unrecognized  
command  
COMMAND_ERROR Command is unknown or not  
supported, or attempt to set a  
register that is read-only (ELR,  
ESR, STB, etc.)  
Bad int  
parameter  
COMMAND_ERROR Integer parameter missing or  
unsupported format (binary is  
not supported)  
query not  
allowed  
COMMAND_ERROR A command was sent with a  
question mark at the end, but  
a query is not allowed  
unrecognized  
key  
COMMAND_ERROR LBA-PC detected a key it does  
not recognize. The LBA-PC  
does not always detect such  
keys.  
cannot be set  
Bad file name  
Out of range  
COMMAND_ERROR A key was specified whose  
value cannot be set  
EXECUTION_ERROR The specified file or path does  
not exist  
RANGE_ERROR  
The indicated key=value is out  
of range  
contains no data EXECUTION_ERROR FRM,RDD - The requested  
frame contains no data  
different camera EXECUTION_ERROR FRM,LDD,SDD - The specified  
frame was captured using a  
different camera than the  
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Message  
Error Type  
Description  
current configuration and  
Replace=false  
different camera EXECUTION_ERROR FRM,LDD,SDD - The specified  
resolution  
frame was captured at a  
different camera resolution  
than the current configuration  
and Replace=false  
cannot set while EXECUTION_ERROR The specified value(s) cannot  
running  
be set while the LBA-PC is  
running  
CAM file error  
EXECUTION_ERROR CAM - There was an error  
reading a specified CAM file  
(check path, filename,  
contents)  
file name  
EXECUTION_ERROR LDD, SDD, DIS  
contains illegal  
characters  
directory path  
does not exist  
EXECUTION_ERROR LDD, SDD, DIS  
EXECUTION_ERROR LDD, SDD, DIS  
error in  
directory path or  
file name  
file error  
EXECUTION_ERROR LDD,SDD - An unknown error  
occurred while reading or  
writing respectively the file.  
file does not  
exist  
EXECUTION_ERROR LDD, DIS  
Not a valid LBA- EXECUTION_ERROR LDD, SDD  
PC data file  
cannot write to EXECUTION_ERROR SDD  
file created by  
previous version  
of LBA-PC  
This is not a  
Demo frame  
EXECUTION_ERROR LDD, SDD - The  
demonstration version of the  
LBA-PC cannot read or write  
files created by the  
commercial version.  
Invalid frame  
size  
EXECUTION_ERROR REF - The frame is not a  
normal LBA-PC frame size (i.e.  
120x120 .LBA) and cannot be  
used as the reference frame.  
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Message  
Error Type  
Description  
crosshair mode EXECUTION_ERROR CHR  
not set to  
manual  
not in remote  
EXECUTION_ERROR SYC - Cannot synchronize with  
remote if GPIB interface is in  
local mode. (see SYC, LOC,  
REM)  
Following is a list of error messages that normally appear on the display. These messages are  
automatically rerouted to the error message queue when LBA-PC is in remote control mode.  
Message  
Generated By  
Cannot run Ultracal because all frames are write  
protected.  
Ultracal!  
The Camera Gain is set too high.  
Camera Black Level range exceeded.  
Please block the beam.  
Ultracal!  
Ultracal!  
Ultracal!  
No Camera Video Input.  
capture  
Cannot start running because all frames are write  
protected.  
capture  
post process  
Post Process file does not exist. Processing  
Aborted.  
post process  
post process  
post process  
File record header does not match current  
configuration. Processing Aborted.  
This is not a valid LBA-PC data file. Processing  
Aborted.  
End of Post Process file. Processing Stopped.  
post process  
post process  
Attempt to read beyond end of file. Processing  
Aborted.  
This is not a Demo frame. Processing Aborted.  
Frame %d contains no data. Processing Aborted.  
post process  
post process  
Frame size of this record %ld is %d X %d. Frame post process  
size of first record is %d X %d. Processing  
Aborted.  
Data logging file and Post Process file are the same. post process  
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Message  
Generated By  
File name contains illegal characters  
Directory path does not exist  
Error in directory path or file name  
File error  
File | Export  
File | Export  
File | Export  
File | Export  
Error reading Gain file.  
File | Load Gain  
File | Load Gain  
some value in the Gain file is greater than  
maximum allowed value of 2. Load Gain Aborted.  
Some value in the Gain file is less than 0. Load  
Gain Aborted.  
File | Load Gain  
Error writing Gain file.  
File | Save Gain  
As  
Some value in the Gain frame is 0. Generate Gain  
Aborted.  
File | Generate  
Gain  
Some value in the Gain frame is greater than  
maximum allowed value of 2. Generate Gain  
Aborted.  
File | Generate  
Gain  
Check Data Logging Path.  
Check Results Logging Path.  
Check Export Logging Path.  
logging  
logging  
logging  
Resetting Statistics to zero.  
statistics  
results  
Insufficient memory to compute aperture.  
Error Writing Configuration.  
File | Save Config  
File | Save Config  
Error in configuration path or file name.  
File | Restore  
Config  
Frame %d contains no data. Save aborted  
File | Save As  
The following error messages will always appear on the display and may disrupt GPIB  
communications.  
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Message  
Generated By  
Cannot Load file because all frames are write  
protected.  
File | Load  
File camera does not match current camera.  
File | Load  
File | Load  
File record header does not match current  
configuration.  
This is not a valid LBA-PC data file.  
This is not a Demo file.  
File | Load  
File | Load  
Insufficient memory for dialog box.  
Out of memory  
dialog  
dialog  
dialog  
dialog  
TFileSaveDialog returned Error #%lx  
TFileOpenDialog returned Error #%lx  
You have changed the Camera. All frame data will camera dialog  
be lost. Press OK to continue.  
You have changed the Resolution. All frame data  
will be lost. Press OK to continue.  
camera dialog  
You have reduced the number of Frames. Frames camera dialog  
at the end of the buffer will be lost. Press OK to  
continue.  
X1 Camera Buffer Resolution is not allowed with  
this style camera and Trigger In/Out or Video  
Trigger.  
camera dialog  
Trigger In/Out and Video Trigger are not allowed  
with this style camera in X1 Camera Buffer  
Resolution.  
capture dialog  
capture toolbar  
You must stop running before exit.  
Hardware configuration is not a 256 color palette.  
Hardware configuration has less than 8 MBytes of  
memory available.  
File does not exist.  
File | Load  
File name contains illegal characters.  
File | Load  
File | Save As  
File | Load  
Directory path does not exist.  
File | Save As  
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Message  
Generated By  
File | Load  
Error in directory path or file name.  
File | Save As  
File | Load  
Start record (%ld) is beyond the end of the file  
(%ld).  
Start record plus number records (%ld) is beyond  
the end of the file (%ld).  
File | Load  
This is not a valid LBA-PC data file.  
File | Load  
File | Save As  
File's camera does not match configuration camera. File | Load  
Press OK to change the configuration camera.  
File's resolution (%d) does not match configuration File | Load  
resolution (%d). Press OK to change the resolution  
to '%d'.  
File's pixel scale (%.3le) does not match  
configuration pixel scale (%.3le). Do you want to  
change the pixel scale to %.3le?  
File | Load  
This is not a Demo frame.  
File | Load  
File | Save As  
File's camera does not match configuration camera. File | Save As  
File's resolution (%d) does not match configuration File | Save As  
resolution (%d).  
Cannot write to file created by previous version of  
LBA-PC.  
File | Save As  
Not enough memory for PassFail buffers. PassFail  
will be disabled.  
results  
results  
Not enough memory for Computations buffers.  
Computations will be disabled.  
Error Loading WING.DLL: %d  
LBA-PC device driver not found. LBA-PC set to Off- device driver  
Line mode.  
Frame Grabber not found. LBA-PC set to Off-Line  
mode.  
device driver  
Device Driver v%d.%d detected. LBA300-PC  
requires v%d.%d. 300-PC set to Off-Line mode.  
device driver  
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Message  
Generated By  
%s detected but cannot be initialized. LBA-PC set  
to Off-Line mode.  
device driver  
Unable to load LCA program file (%s).  
device driver  
ultracal  
Press OK to stop Auto Calibration.  
A.5.4.6 FRM - upload/download a data frame  
Only one frame at a time can be uploaded or downloaded. :FRM will upload a frame of data  
from the controller to the LBA-PC, while :FRM? will download a frame of data from the LBA-PC to  
the controller. Data is uploaded to or downloaded from the LBA-PC’s frame buffer.  
:FRM? <configuration> (LBA300PC → CONTROLLER)  
Key  
Type Value Description  
FrameNumber  
I
frame number  
-1 = gain frame  
0 = reference frame  
1 to n. ‘n’ is the size of the frame buffer.  
default = current frame  
Returns:  
Where:  
FRM FrameNumber=f;#dn..n(DAB)(DAB)…(DAB)(DAB)  
f
=
=
=
=
frame number  
#
pound symbol  
d
number of digits to follow in n..n  
number of data bytes  
data byte - 8-bit data byte  
n..n  
(DAB) =  
:FRM [FrameNumber=f;][Replace=B;]#dn..n(DAB)(DAB)…(DAB)(DAB)  
:FRM <configuration> (CONTROLLER → LBA300PC)  
(DAB)(DAB)…(DAB)(DAB) must be exactly what was returned by a previous :FRM? command.  
Where:  
f
=
=
=
frame number  
#
d
pound symbol  
number of digits to follow in n..n  
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n..n  
=
number of data bytes  
(DAB) =  
data byte - 8-bit data byte  
Key  
Type Value Description  
FrameNumber  
I
frame number  
-1 = gain frame  
0 = reference frame  
1 to n. ‘n’ is the size of the frame buffer.  
default = current frame  
default = false  
Replace  
B
true = replace  
If the camera or the camera resolution  
stored in the file do not match the current  
configuration then the LBA-PC must replace  
the current camera or change the  
resolution before the frame can be loaded.  
Either of these changes results in clearing  
the frame buffer (i.e. all current frames are  
discarded). If the pixel scale stored in the  
file does not match the current pixel scale  
then the pixel scale will be set to the value  
in the file. If the energy calibration stored  
in the file does not match the current  
energy calibration then the energy  
calibration will be set to the value in the  
file.  
false = do not replace  
If the camera or camera resolution do not  
match then the LBA-PC will issue an error  
and the frame is not loaded. The pixel  
scale and energy calibration values will not  
be changed.  
A.5.4.7 FST - frame status information  
:FST <configuration>1,3  
:FST? [FrameNumber=f]  
Returns:  
FST <configuration>2  
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Key  
Type Value Description  
FrameNumber  
I
frame number  
-1 = gain frame  
0 = reference frame  
1 to n. ‘n’ is the size of the frame buffer.  
default = current frame  
MM/DD/YY  
Date4  
Time4  
CameraInput4  
D
T
L
HH:MM:SS.DD  
0 = camera 1  
1 = camera 2  
2 = camera 3  
3 = camera 4  
PixelBits4  
I
number bits in raw pixel  
horizontal pixel scale  
vertical pixel scale  
0 = none  
PixelHScale4  
PixelVScale4  
PixelUnits4  
F
F
L
1 = µm  
2 = mm  
3 = cm  
4 = m  
5 = in  
6 = mils  
7 = mrad  
Gamma4  
F
gamma correction performed on frame  
Lens4  
PixelBitsFraction4  
CaptureLocation4  
B
I
number of bits in fraction  
I,I  
X,Y upper left corner of capture area (see  
also PAN)  
CaptureSize4  
CaptureResolution4  
I,I  
L
frame width and height  
-1 = Full 1x  
0 = 1x  
1 = 2x  
2 = 4x  
3 = 8x  
4 = 16x  
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Key  
Type Value Description  
5 = 32x  
EnergyOfBeam4  
EnergyOfFrame4  
EnergyUnits4  
F
F
L
calibrated energy of beam entered in  
Computations dialog  
raw frame total equivalent to  
EnergyOfBeam  
0 = j  
1 = mj  
2 = uj  
3 = nj  
u = pj  
5 = w  
6 = mw  
7 = uw  
8 = nw  
9 = pw  
10 = fl  
AC4  
RS4  
L
L
-1 = ultracal was on but capture location,  
frame size, or resolution did not match  
0 = ultracal off  
>0 = ultracal subtracted  
-1 = reference subtract was on but capture  
location, frame size, or resolution did not  
match  
0 = reference sub off  
1 = reference sub subtracted  
GC4  
L
-1 = gain correct was on but capture  
location, frame size, or resolution did not  
match  
0 = gain correct off  
1 = gain correct multiplied  
up to 256 characters  
CommentLine3  
WriteProtect3  
S
B
1 = cannot overwrite this frame  
A.5.4.8 LOC - go to local  
When the LOC message is sent or when the LBA-PC goes from remote to local via the REN line  
then local control is restored (equivalent to password lockout being disabled).  
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When in local control mode, any remote logging (:LOG) or synchronization (:SYC) is disabled, or  
cannot be enabled. The remote logging state is stored in the configuration. Remote logging is  
automatically re-enabled when the LBA-PC is returned to remote mode and the file name is FRM,  
RDD, or RDR.  
:LOC  
Returns:  
LOC  
A.5.4.9 ORG - set manual origin to cursor location  
This command is valid only when origin is set to manual (see :DIS).  
:ORG  
A.5.4.10 PAL? - read color palette  
This command retrieves the color palette currently used to display the beam on the LBA-PC. The  
LBA-PC uses a base palette of 128 colors to display pixels in the range of 0 to 255.  
:PAL?  
Returns:  
PAL #3384(RDAB)(GDAB)(BDAB)…(RDAB)(GDAB)(BDAB)  
Where:  
#
=
=
=
pound symbol  
3
number of digits to follow  
number of data bytes to follow  
384  
(RDAB)(GDAB)(BDAB) = 24 bit red, green, blue color value  
A.5.4.11 PAN - pan left/right/up/down  
:PAN <configuration>  
Key  
Type Value Description  
X
I
new upper left corner [+|-]x  
-x = move left by x  
x = new location - see :PNW? for limits  
+x = move right by x  
C = center horizontally  
Y
I
new upper left corner [+|-]y. Note that the  
top is 0 and y values always increase going  
down.  
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Key  
Type Value Description  
-y = move up by y  
y = new location - see :PNW? for limits  
+y = move down by y  
C = center vertically  
±x and ±y use units defined by the camera resolution in the current camera configuration. For  
example, if the camera resolution is x2 then ±x and ±y will move the capture window by ±2·x,  
±2·y pixels. If the camera resolution is x8 then ±x and ±y will move the capture window by  
±8·x, ±8·y pixels. Absolute locations will be snapped to integer multiples of the camera  
resolution.  
:PAN?  
Returns:  
PAN <configuration>2  
Key  
Type Value Description  
CaptureLocation  
CaptureSize  
CaptureResolution  
I,I  
I,I  
L
X,Y - upper left corner of capture area  
X,Y - width and height of frame size  
-1 = Full 1x  
0 = 1x  
1 = 2x  
2 = 4x  
3 = 8x  
4 = 16x  
5 = 32x  
A.5.4.12 PNW - pan window limits  
:PNW?  
This command returns pan window limits. These are the dimensions of the active area of the  
camera detector and the allowable limits of the manual origin. These limits are defined in the  
Special Camera Settings dialog.  
The current capture location and size must fit inside of the rectangle defined by the values  
returned from PNW?. The current capture location and size can be obtained with the :PAN? or  
:CAP? command. To determine the number of pixels actually covered by the capture area you  
must multiply the capture size by the capture resolution. For example, 128x120x4 actually  
covers 512x480 pixels, 64x60x2 actually covers 128x120 pixels, etc.  
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NOTE: The detector origin is always the upper left corner so that y values increase going down and decrease going  
up.  
Returns:  
PNW <configuration>2  
Key  
Type Value Description  
UpperLeft  
LowerRight  
I,I  
I,I  
X,Y - minimum allowable capture location  
X,Y - maximum allowable capture location.  
Note that the capture location plus the  
capture size times the capture resolution  
must be less than these values.  
A.5.4.13 PFS? - read pass/fail status  
:PFS?  
Returns:  
PFS <configuration>  
Note: Only results that are tested are returned.  
Key  
Type Value Description  
Label  
S
Label string as displayed in the Results  
window.  
Status  
B
0 = fail,  
1 = pass  
Example return:  
:PFS Total=1;Peak=0;Centroid X=0;Centroid Y=1;;  
Total, Peak, Centroid X, and Centroid Y are being tested. Total passed, Peak failed, Centroid X  
failed, Centroid Y passed.  
A.5.4.14 RCC? - read cursor column  
:RCC? <configuration>  
Key  
Type Value Description  
FrameNumber  
I
Frame number  
-1 = gain frame  
0 = reference frame  
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Key  
Type Value Description  
1 to n. ‘n’ is the size of the frame buffer.  
default = current frame  
Column  
I
1 to w. ‘w’ is the frame width  
default = current cursor location  
Returns:  
Where:  
RCC FrameNumber=f;Column=c;#dn..n(DAW)( DAW)…( DAW)( DAW)  
f
=
=
=
=
=
frame number  
c
which column is being returned  
pound symbol  
#
d
number of digits to follow in n..n  
number of data words (i.e. column height)  
data word is two 8-bit data bytes, low byte followed by high byte  
n..n  
(DAW) =  
Each data word is a two’s complement fixed point value in one of the following formats:  
siiiiiii ifffffff  
siiiiiii iiifffff  
siiiiiii iiiiifff  
siiiiiii ifffffff  
siiiiiii iiifffff  
siiiiiii iiiiifff  
siiiiiii iiiiiiif  
LBA-300PC  
LBA-400PC  
LBA-500PC  
LBA-708PC  
LBA-710PC  
LBA-712PC  
LBA-714PC  
-256 to 255.9921875  
-1024 to 1023.96875  
-4096 to 4095.875  
-256 to 255.9921875  
-1024 to 1023.96875  
-4096 to 4095.875  
-16384 to 16383.5  
Where:  
s
i
=
=
=
sign bit  
integer  
fraction  
f
Use the :FST? command to determine the specific fixed point format of pixels in a frame. The  
PixelBits parameter specifies the number of integer bits. The PixelBitsFraction parameter  
specifies the number of fraction bits.  
A.5.4.15 RCR? - read cursor row  
:RCR? <configuration>  
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Key  
Type Value Description  
FrameNumber  
I
Frame number  
-1 = gain frame  
0 = reference frame  
1 to n. ‘n’ is the size of the frame buffer.  
default = current frame  
1 to h. ‘h’ is the frame height.  
default = current cursor location  
Row  
I
Returns:  
Where:  
RCR FrameNumber=f;Row=r;#dn..n(DAW)( DAW)…(DAW)(DAW)  
f
=
=
=
=
=
frame number  
r
which row is being returned  
#
pound symbol  
d
number of digits to follow in n..n  
number of data words (i.e. row length)  
data word is two 8-bit data bytes, low byte followed by high byte  
n..n  
(DAW) =  
Each data word is a two’s complement fixed point value in one of the following formats:  
siiiiiii ifffffff  
siiiiiii iiifffff  
siiiiiii iiiiifff  
siiiiiii ifffffff  
siiiiiii iiifffff  
siiiiiii iiiiifff  
siiiiiii iiiiiiif  
LBA-300PC  
LBA-400PC  
LBA-500PC  
LBA-708PC  
LBA-710PC  
LBA-712PC  
LBA-714PC  
-256 to 255.9921875  
-1024 to 1023.96875  
-4096 to 4095.875  
-256 to 255.9921875  
-1024 to 1023.96875  
-4096 to 4095.875  
-16384 to 16383.5  
Where:  
s
I
f
=
=
=
sign bit  
integer  
fraction  
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Use the :FST? command to determine the specific fixed point format of pixels in a frame. The  
PixelBits parameter specifies the number of integer bits. The PixelBitsFraction parameter  
specifies the number of fraction bits.  
A.5.4.16 RDD? - read raw data  
Returns the binary frame data.  
:RDD? <configuration>  
Key  
Type Value Description  
FrameNumber  
I
frame number  
-1 = gain frame  
0 = reference frame  
1 to n. ‘n’ is the size of the frame buffer.  
default = current frame  
Returns:  
Where:  
RDD FrameNumber=f;Width=w;Height=h;#dn..n(DAW)(DAW)…(DAW)  
f
=
=
=
=
=
=
frame number  
w
number of columns  
h
number of rows  
#
pound symbol  
d
number of digits to follow in n..n  
number of data words  
n..n  
(DAW) =  
data word is two 8-bit data bytes, low byte followed by high byte  
Each data word is a two’s complement fixed point value in one of the following formats:  
siiiiiii ifffffff  
siiiiiii iiifffff  
siiiiiii iiiiifff  
siiiiiii ifffffff  
siiiiiii iiifffff  
siiiiiii iiiiifff  
siiiiiii iiiiiiif  
LBA-300PC  
LBA-400PC  
LBA-500PC  
LBA-708PC  
LBA-710PC  
LBA-712PC  
LBA-714PC  
-256 to 255.9921875  
-1024 to 1023.96875  
-4096 to 4095.875  
-256 to 255.9921875  
-1024 to 1023.96875  
-4096 to 4095.875  
-16384 to 16383.5  
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Where:  
s
i
=
=
=
sign bit  
integer  
fraction  
f
Use the :FST? command to determine the specific fixed point format of pixels in a frame. The  
PixelBits parameter specifies the number of integer bits. The PixelBitsFraction parameter  
specifies the number of fraction bits.  
A.5.4.17 RDR? - read results  
:RDR? <configuration>  
Key  
Type  
Value Description  
Labels  
B
Return labels displayed in left-hand column  
of results window.  
Default = false  
Values  
Units  
B
B
Return values displayed in center column of  
results window.  
Default = true  
Return units displayed in right-hand column  
of results window.  
Default = false  
Returns:  
each “set” is returned separately  
RDR label,…,label  
If statistics is enabled then returns:  
RDR label,Mean,Deviation,Minimum,Maximum,…,  
label,Mean,Deviation,Minimum, Maxmum  
RDR value,…,value  
If statistics is enabled then returns:  
RDR value,mean,dev,min,max,…,value,mean,dev,min,max  
RDR units,…,units  
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A.5.4.18 REM - go to remote  
When the REM message is sent or when the LBA-PC goes from local to remote via the REN line  
then local control is automatically locked out (equivalent to password lockout).  
Note that remote logging (:LOG) or synchronization (:SYC) are allowed only when remote is  
enabled. If remote logging was enabled in the configuration (i.e. file name was FRM, RDD, or  
RDR) and you set the LBA-PC to remote, then remote logging will be re-enabled. The  
synchronization state is not kept in the configuration so you must send a new SYC command  
after the LBA-PC is in remote.  
:REM  
Returns:  
REM  
A.5.4.19 RUN - start running  
This command has no effect if the LBA-PC is already running.  
:RUN  
A.5.4.20 STP - stop running  
This command has no effect if the LBA-PC is already stopped.  
:STP  
A.5.4.21 STT - start/stop toggle  
Toggle start/stop equivalent to Start/Stop on main LBA-PC menu.  
:STT  
A.5.4.22 SYC - synchronize with remote  
SYC forces the LBA-PC to wait until data, results, or both have been queried and sent before  
capturing another frame. This command is similar to :LOG with the file name set to FRM, RDD,  
or RDR, except the LBA-PC does not automatically send the response data.  
:SYC <configuration>3  
Key  
Type Value Description  
B true = synchronize remote data download  
Data  
Do not capture another frame until the  
controller sends a :FRM? or :RDD?  
Command and reads the response data.  
false = normal operation  
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Key  
Type Value Description  
default = false  
Results  
B
true = synchronize remote results  
download  
Do not capture another frame until the  
controller sends a :RDR? command and  
reads the response data.  
false = normal operation  
default = false  
A.5.4.23 WLD? - read current frame boundaries  
This command returns the boundaries of the current frame as viewed in the beam window (i.e.,  
this is the range of values that will be displayed in the status bar if you move the cursors in the  
beam window from the upper left corner to the lower right corner). The commands :APT, :CHR,  
:CUR require “world coordinates”. World coordinates are dependent on the frame size, capture  
resolution, origin location, and pixel scale. This command returns the upper left and lower right  
corners of world coordinates of the current frame.  
Note: If the origin is set to upper left window or upper left detector then y values increase going down and decrease  
going up.  
:WLD?  
Returns:  
WLD <configuration>2  
Key  
Type Value Description  
UpperLeft  
F,F  
X,Y - upper left corner as viewed in beam  
window  
LowerRight  
F,F  
X,Y - lower right corner as viewed in beam  
window  
A.5.4.24 ZOM - zoom in/out  
This command is identical to “:CAP ZoomIndex=z” and is provided for convenience. Allowable  
range is defined by “:CAP?” and “NumZooms=n”.  
:ZOM <configuration>2  
Key  
Type Value Description  
Zoom  
L
new zoom [+|-]z  
-z = zoom out  
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Key  
Type Value Description  
z = new zoom  
+z = zoom in  
:ZOM?  
Returns:  
ZOM Zoom=z  
A.5.4.25 ZMM - zoom information  
:ZMM?  
Returns:  
ZMM <index=zoom>;…;<index=zoom>;;  
Where:  
Index = zoom = list of zooms by index.  
The “index” is an integer index used or returned by the ZOM command.  
The “zoom” is of the form “W x H x R”, W=width, H=height, R=resolution.  
For example:  
ZMM 0=128x120x4;1=128x120x2;2=128x120x1;3=64x60x1;4=32x30x1;;  
A.6 Footnotes  
1Commands to set a configuration have the following format:  
:CCC key=value;key=value;…key=value;key=value;  
Where:  
:
=
ASCII colon character (0x3A)  
CCC =  
tab  
three character command code (case is ignored) followed by space or  
key  
=
=
code for which parameter to set (case ignored)  
ASCII equal sign (0x3D)  
=
value =  
value to be assigned to the parameter specified by key.  
The particular parameter type, format, and allowable range are dependent on which key is being set.  
;
=
=
ASCII semi-colon character (0x3B)  
value can occur in any order.  
key  
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2Configuration query commands return all of the keys for the specified configuration in the following  
format:  
:CCC key=value;key=value;…key=value;key=value;  
3Cannot be set while LBA-PC is running.  
4Cannot be set, information only.  
5World coordinates are based on the frame size, capture resolution, origin location, and pixel scale. Use  
the WLD? command to determine frame current boundaries. World coordinate values will always be  
snapped to the nearest resolution pixel.  
6The backslash character, “\”, has special meaning known as an escape sequence. To specify a single  
backslash you must send two (2). For example:  
“c:\\spiricon\\lba300pc\\lbapc.cfg” is interpreted by the LBA-PC as, “c:\spiricon\lba300pc\lbapc.cfg”.  
Although other escape sequences are recognized there is no reason to ever use them with the LBA-PC.  
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Appendix B LabVIEW Support  
B.1 Introduction  
LabVIEW is a product and registered trademark of National Instruments Corporation. LabVIEW  
is a general purpose programming system designed specifically for data acquisition and  
instrument control. LabVIEW programs are called Virtual Instruments (VI’s) because their  
appearance and operation can mimic other instruments such as the LBA-PC laser beam  
analyzer. Thus, your LBA-PC can be remotely controlled by Virtual Instruments created using  
National Instruments LabVIEW.  
The User Guide describes remote operation of the LBA-PC.  
B.1.1 Virtual Instrument (VI) Examples  
To assist you with the development of specialized VI’s for your application, Spiricon has  
supplied you with two libraries containing both basic and general VI examples. These  
examples are not provided as solutions to any specific requirement that the user might have  
in mind. Rather they are supplied to assist the VI designer in the development of their own  
specialized VI.  
B.1.2 LBA-PC Remote Control Capabilities  
Essentially all LBA-PC operations can be controlled remotely over a GPIB bus using National  
Instruments GPIB cards and LabVIEW developed VI’s. Other sections of this manual detail  
the GPIB commands supported by the LBA-PC. It is assumed that the user is familiar with  
LabVIEW, and the meanings of the information provided below regarding the sample  
LabVIEW VI’s. All of the following VI’s require that the user has obtained a copy of the  
LabVIEW development software and has it installed on their PC. Spiricon has developed these  
VI’s using LabVIEW for Windows version 6i, and makes no claims for their compatibility using  
earlier versions or other platforms. National Instruments GPIB interface hardware and their  
Windows drivers must be installed in both the remote (LBA-PC) computer and the local (or  
controlling) PC.  
B.1.3 VI Libraries  
If you checked the “Install Remote Capabilities” box during the installation of the LBA-PC  
application two VI library files, LBA-PC.LLB and SUBVI.LLB, will be installed in the following  
sub-directories:  
C:\ SPIRICON  
\ LBAPC  
\LABVIEW GPIB Examples  
LBAPC.LLB  
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SUBVI.LLB  
You can either copy these library files to your LabVIEW development computer, or read these  
files from the Spiricon supplied CD.  
B.2 The Basic SubVI Library Examples  
SUBVI.LLB contains 22 basic functions that can be called by other VI’s. The functions of these  
SubVI’s are analogous to subroutines in other types of programming environments, such as  
C++ . The following list contains the library SubVI’s name, a brief description of what it does,  
and the standard Inputs and Outputs of the VI.  
B.2.1 Auto Aperture ON/OFF .vi  
Description: Turn on/off auto aperturing.  
Input  
Output  
1.GPIB address  
2.On/Off Boolean  
3.Error in  
1.Error out  
B.2.2 Comma String to Array .vi  
Description: Translate a comma delimited string to an array.  
Input  
Output  
1. Input string  
1. The array  
2. The total # of rows in the  
array  
B.2.3 Display Beam Frame .vi  
Description: Get current frame from LBA-PC, and display it as intensity graph.  
Input  
Output  
1. GPIB address  
2. Error in  
1. Frame #  
2. Beam frame  
3. Width  
4. Height  
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5. Error out  
B.2.4 Do Ultracal .vi  
Description: Turn Ultra calibration on and wait to be completed.  
Input  
Output  
1. GPIB address  
2. Error in  
1. Error out  
B.2.5 Frame SRE .vi  
Description: Enable Service Requests for frame data.  
Input  
Output  
1. GPIB address  
2. Error in  
1. Error out  
B.2.6 Get Basic Results .vi  
Description: Get current results from LBA-PC .  
Input  
Output  
1. GPIB address  
2. Error in  
1. Results array  
2. Error out  
B.2.7 Get Frame Status Info .vi  
Description: Get current frame status information from LBA-PC .  
Input  
Output  
1. GPIB address  
2. Error in  
1. Frame #  
2. Horizontal Scale  
3. Vertical Scale  
4. Capture Resolution  
5. Error out  
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B.2.8 Get Palette .vi  
Description: Get color palette table from LBA-PC .  
Input  
Output  
1. GPIB address  
2. Error in  
1. Color table  
2. Error out  
B.2.9 Get Pan Location .vi  
Description: Get current pan location .  
Input  
Output  
1. GPIB address  
2. Error in  
1. Left  
2. Up  
3. Width  
4. Height  
5. Capture resolution  
6. Error out  
B.2.10 Get Tophat Results .vi  
Description: Get current tophat results from LBA-PC .  
Input  
Output  
1. GPIB address  
2. Error in  
1. Tophat results array  
2. Error out  
B.2.11 Get Version .vi  
Description: Get the version information of the LBA-PC.  
Input  
Output  
1. GPIB address  
2. Error in  
1.Version information string  
2. Error out  
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B.2.12 Move Cursor .vi  
Description: Move cursor based on a click of one of four buttons.  
Input  
Output  
1. GPIB address  
2. Up button  
3. Left button  
4. Right button  
5. Bottom button  
6. Error in  
1.Error out  
B.2.13 Move Pan .vi  
Description: Move pan based on a click of one of four buttons.  
Input  
Output  
1. GPIB address  
2. Up button  
3. Left button  
4. Right button  
5. Down button  
6. Error in  
1.Error out  
B.2.14 Read Basic Cursor info .vi  
Description: Read cursor current location and it’s value.  
Input  
Output  
1. GPIB address  
2. Error in  
1. X-Location  
2. Y-Location  
3. Pixel value on the cursor  
4. Delta from cross hair  
5. Error out  
B.2.15 Read Cursor Column/Row .vi  
Description: Read cursor row data and column data .  
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Input  
Output  
1. GPIB address  
2. Error in  
1. Row data array  
2. Row # of elements  
3. Column data array  
4. Column # of elements  
5. Error out  
B.2.16 Read Divergence Results .vi  
Description: Read peak and divergence x, y values in an array.  
Input  
Output  
1. GPIB address  
2. Error in  
1. Value array  
2. Error out  
B.2.17 Restore Configuration .vi  
Description: Restore a configuration file.  
Input  
Output  
1. Error out  
1. GPIB address  
2. CFG file name  
string  
3. Error in  
B.2.18 Results SRE .vi  
Description: Enable Service Requests for results.  
Input  
Output  
1. GPIB address  
2. Error in  
1. Error out  
B.2.19 Run Stop .vi  
Description: Make LBA-PC run / stop .  
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Input  
Output  
1. GPIB address  
2. Run/Stop boolean  
3. Error in  
1. Error out  
B.2.20 Save Configuration .vi  
Description: Save a configuration file to remote machine.  
Input  
Output  
1. GPIB address  
2. CFG file name string  
3. Error in  
1.Error out  
B.2.21 Semicolon String to Array .vi  
Description: Translate a string with semicolon delimiters to an array.  
Input  
Output  
1. Input string  
1. The array  
2. The total # of rows in the  
array  
B.2.22 Set Energy and Units .vi  
Description: Set the quantity of energy and energy unit (set zero to re-init).  
Input  
Output  
1. GPIB address  
2. Energy  
3. Unit  
1. Error out  
4. Error in  
B.3 General VI Examples for the LBA-PC  
The following examples demonstrate how to use the above SubVI’s to build laser beam  
diagnostic LabVIEW virtual instrument applications. Two of these examples are described  
below in detail. The remaining are covered with a brief description of their operation. All of  
these examples are contained in the LBA-PC.LLB library file.  
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B.3.1 Basic Results .vi  
This program shows the basic communication between LBA-PC and the local computer. It  
contains three buttons: “Run/Stop”, “Ultracal”, and “Auto Aper on/off” on the left side of the  
window. This VI shows all basic results on the right side.  
Basic Results Panel  
Figure 64  
LabVIEW is a graphical computer language. In LabVIEW, user interfaces and displays are  
called “Panels” and a program is represented by a “Diagram”. Programming is accomplished  
by drawing diagrams. A panel and its diagram are linked together.  
In the Panel of “Basic Results .vi”, there are five major groups of objects:  
•
•
•
•
•
Run/Stop button  
UltraCal button  
AutoCal button  
Energy spin control, Unit list, and Set button  
Results display array  
For each group, we have built a SubVI to manipulate the process:  
•
•
•
•
Run Stop .vi  
Do Ultracal .vi  
Auto Aperture On/Off .vi  
Set Energy And Units .vi  
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•
Get Basic Results .vi  
These VIs are easy to understand if one has some experience in LabVIEW programming. The  
processing sequence is controlled by the “Error In” and “Error Out” connection chain. That  
means a function unit is processed earlier if it is closer to the starting “Error In” connection.  
In other words, we use the “Error Out” to “Error In” connection sequence to link each  
operation in the process. Since the results interface should be always active unless users  
terminate the process, we have used a “while-loop” to keep it active.  
B.3.2  
Beam Viewer .vi  
This program allows you to control cursor and pan and zoom as well as basic operations. As  
in the previous example, Beam Viewer .vi utilizes some of the same SubVI’s already  
discussed, while introducing image data transfers and a local display VI. However the design  
method is the same. We use SubVIs to manipulate each function, then link them together.  
Beam Viewer Panel  
Figure 65  
In order to display intensity graphics, we used LabVIEW’s “Attribute Note” feature to handle  
the size and palette, etc. Another LabVIEW tool we used to share data is “Local Variables”.  
This allows you to use any variable value anywhere in a diagram.  
Let us go through each major process step in the Beam Viewer .vi diagram. Before the while-  
loop, we enable frame Service Request and get Palette (if you want to change the palette,  
you should include get palette inside of this while-loop). Then:  
1. Check if each of the Run/Stop, UltraCal, and AutoAperture buttons is on or off.  
2. Check if Set energy/unit button has been clicked.  
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3. Check if the status of the cursor display has changed.  
4. Check if any Cursor-Move button has been clicked.  
5. Check if the ZoomIn and ZoomOut button has been clicked. Check if any Pan-  
button has been clicked.  
Move  
6. Get current frame data and cursor location to display.  
B.3.3  
Basic Divergence .vi  
This program is similar to the Basic Results .vi, but contains only those items needed to make  
divergence measurements. Inputs include the lens Focal Length and results items are:  
“Peak”, “Div X” and “Div Y”.  
B.3.4  
Basic Logging .vi  
This program allows you to log data frames or results onto the remote (LBA-PC) computers  
hard disk. The operation of this VI is similar to the operation in the LBA-PC. The user inputs a  
filename and selects the logging method. Start/Stop and Closing of the logging process is  
also provided.  
B.3.5  
Basic Tophat .vi  
This program is similar to the Basic Results .vi, but is configured to enable the LBA’s Tophat  
results and display these results locally.  
B.3.6  
Load Data .vi  
This VI will emulate the Load Data operation found on the LBA-PC. One or more LBA data  
frames can be retrieved from the LBA’s local hard drive. The operator must enter a file name  
and path, the Start Record, the Number of Records, and the Start Frame values.  
B.3.7  
Save Data .vi  
This VI will emulate the Save Data operation found on the LBA-PC. One or more LBA data  
frames can be saved on the LBA’s local hard drive. The operator must enter the file name  
and path, and the Start Frame and Number of Frames values.  
B.3.8  
Put Data .vi  
This VI will upload a data frame from the local computer’s hard drive to the LBA-PC frame  
buffer. The operator must enter the file name and path, and the frame location number  
where the data is to be transferred.  
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B.3.9  
Get Data .vi  
This VI will download a data frame from the LBA-PC into a file on one of the local computer’s  
hard drives. The operator must enter the file name and path, and the Frame Number that is  
to be transferred.  
B.3.10 Hotkeys .vi  
This VI provides a basic set of push-button operations including: Print, Write Protect, Reset,  
and Camera Shutter control. The “Reset” button will cause the LBA-PC application to restore  
the last saved configuration file.  
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INDEX  
2D...........................................75, 82, 106  
ASCII ................................................... 35  
Attenuation.............................. 12, 21, 129  
Beam  
aperture.............................................50  
beam profiles .....................................81  
button ...............................................76  
colors ................................................78  
crosshair............................................82  
cursor.......................................... 76, 82  
lens orientation...................................57  
multiple plots .....................................79  
origin.................................................77  
palettes .............................................78  
performance.......................................76  
printing..............................................45  
toolbar...............................................85  
z-axis scale ........................................78  
3D...........................................75, 83, 106  
aperture.............................................49  
button ...............................................76  
colors ................................................78  
contour..............................................78  
crosshair............................................82  
crosshatch .........................................83  
cursor................................................76  
multiple plots .....................................79  
palettes .............................................78  
rotate & tilt ...................................... 114  
toolbar...............................................85  
wire density .......................................84  
wireframe ..........................................83  
z-axis scale ........................................78  
Analog Camera  
see camera, analog.............................19  
Aperture.......................................129, 133  
area ...........................................71, 138  
auto ............................... 49, 51, 69, 131  
dialog box........................................ 116  
display & define..................................49  
displayed ...........................................49  
drag and drop ....................................50  
drawn...................................49, 50, 131  
line.............................................71, 138  
location.....................................200, 205  
manipulation ......................................51  
manual ............................................ 129  
percent in ........................................ 131  
shapes...............................................49  
toolbar......................................... 49, 50  
top hat ............................................ 138  
ultracal issues................................... 129  
attenuation........................................ 21  
Beam Colors.......................................... 78  
manipulating...................................... 94  
threshold........................................... 81  
Beam Display ........................................ 75  
3D/2D button..................................... 76  
color bar............................................ 81  
color palettes..................................... 78  
contour ............................................. 83  
crosshair............................................ 82  
crosshatch......................................... 83  
current and reference......................... 79  
cursor ............................................... 82  
cursor orientation............................... 76  
dialog box.........................................109  
dialog box.........................................116  
exporting........................................... 35  
grid................................................... 83  
hardware zooming.............................111  
multiple plots..................................... 79  
origin location.................................... 77  
palette creation.................................. 94  
panning and zooming ........................111  
printing ............................................. 44  
rotate & tilt........................................ 84  
set reference source........................... 37  
soft zooming.....................................113  
thresholds ......................................... 81  
toolbar .............................................. 85  
window ............................................106  
wire density....................................... 84  
wire frame......................................... 83  
z-axis scale........................................ 78  
Beam Display Window...........................106  
Beam Presentation................................129  
Beam View............................................ 76  
Beam Width.........................................132  
4 sigma method................................. 69  
90/10 knife edge................................ 70  
aperture.......................................49, 51  
D4 sigma..........................................132  
display .............................................. 51  
elliptical......................................71, 134  
knife edge ........................................133  
knife-edge ......................................... 70  
method ............................................. 69  
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percent of energy ........................70, 134  
percent of peak ...........................70, 134  
top hat ..............................................71  
Beep.....................................................98  
Black Level......................61, 126, 129, 154  
camera ..............................................60  
Bucket Size............................. 73, 115, 142  
Camera  
integration........................................124  
interval.......................................60, 122  
methods............................................ 58  
rate..................................................122  
toolbar .........................................49, 66  
trigger........................................62, 119  
Caution.................................15, 21, 25, 67  
CCD Frame Transfer Camera .................120  
CCD Interline Camera ...........................120  
CD Contents  
advanced......................................... 152  
analog ............... 19, 53, 56, 61, 103, 112  
auto exposure .............................62, 103  
blacklevel...........................................61  
calibration........................................ 102  
capture.......................................58, 122  
configuration...........................21, 22, 37  
connections...................................... 148  
control cable ................................ 19, 26  
digital ..........................12, 124, 148, 154  
digital camera option...........................22  
digital option................................ 18, 19  
files...................................................22  
four camera option .12, 16, 19, 26, 60, 65  
gain........................................38, 60, 61  
gamma..............................................56  
hazards..............................................21  
installation .........................................15  
integration ....................................... 123  
interlaced......................................... 119  
lens...................................................57  
live video ...........................................59  
origin............................................... 111  
pixel bits............................................55  
pixel scale..........................................56  
power supply................................ 19, 25  
pyrocam I ...............................22, 27, 29  
pyrocam III........................................18  
resolution...........................................53  
selection ............................................52  
setup.................................................21  
shutter.............................. 19, 25, 26, 60  
special...............................................57  
sync ..................................................61  
sync source........................................55  
trigger .........................62, 118, 120, 122  
user defined.......................................52  
zooming........................................... 112  
Cameras  
configuration files............................... 22  
pdf.................................................... 20  
Centroid Location .....85, 130, 131, 200, 205  
pass/fail ...........................................100  
Chopped Mode...................................... 29  
Clip Level.............................................130  
centroid location ...............................131  
eff. area & diameter ..........................141  
top hat.............................................138  
width methods............................70, 133  
Clipboard................................82, 110, 116  
color bar............................................... 94  
Color Bar .............................................. 81  
Computations.......................................128  
90/10 knife edge................................ 70  
accuracy...........................................128  
beam width ......................................132  
centroid location ...............................131  
convolution.......................................146  
correlation of fit ................................137  
D4 Sigma ...................................69, 132  
deviation of fit...................................137  
dialog box.........................................109  
divergence........................................141  
effective area....................................141  
effective diameter .............................141  
elliptical......................................71, 134  
energy calibration..........................67, 68  
energy of beam.................................. 67  
far-field ......................................73, 142  
focal length method...........................141  
frame averaging..........................65, 144  
frame summing...........................65, 144  
gamma correction .......................56, 145  
gauss fit ...........................................135  
histogram................................. 115, 142  
knife edge ..................................70, 133  
numerical formats .............................128  
peak and min....................................131  
peak location ....................................131  
percent in aperture............................131  
percent of energy........................70, 134  
percent of peak...........................70, 134  
analog ...............................................55  
Capture  
block mode ........................................42  
convolution ........................................64  
dialog ................................................57  
hardware zooming............................ 111  
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shortcut........................................... 110  
statistics .....................................74, 143  
top hat ............................................ 138  
top hat factor ............................138, 139  
total energy...................................... 130  
whole beam fit ..........................135, 136  
x/y & major/minor fit ........................ 136  
Configuration  
camera ..............................................21  
restore...............................................37  
save ..................................................37  
Contour.................................................83  
line resolution.....................................84  
Contour Map..........................................83  
wire density .......................................84  
Convolution............................ 66, 128, 146  
Correlation Of Fit ................................. 137  
Crosshair...............................................82  
Crosshatch ............................................83  
Current and Reference ...........................79  
Cursor Files ...........................................35  
Cursor Orientation..................................76  
Cursor Profiles ............................78, 80, 82  
D4-Sigma............................................ 132  
Deviation of Fit .................................... 137  
Device Driver................................... 19, 22  
Digital Cameras  
number of frames............................... 36  
start frame ........................................ 36  
Export Image........................................ 35  
dialog box.......................................... 36  
logging.............................................. 39  
Export Logging...................................... 40  
Far-Field..............................................142  
Far-Field Divergence.............................. 73  
Focal Length ........................................141  
Four Camera Option..........................16, 26  
see camera, four................................ 19  
Frame Averaging ............................65, 144  
number of frames............................... 65  
Frame Buffer....................................53, 54  
frame numbers .................................. 34  
resolution and size ............................. 53  
Frame Buffer Size.................................. 54  
Frame Comment...................................107  
Frame Grabber...................................... 15  
analog............................................... 19  
device driver.................................19, 22  
digital option.................................18, 19  
four camera option............................. 17  
installation.............................. 15, 19, 22  
installation errors ............................... 23  
Frame Size............................................ 53  
Frame Summing...................................144  
F-Stop .................................................. 21  
Gain Correction ..................................... 65  
disable .............................................. 38  
enunciator ......................................... 38  
generate gain .................................... 38  
load .................................................. 39  
on/off...........................................38, 39  
save.................................................. 39  
what is.............................................. 38  
Gamma Correction................................. 56  
Gauss Fit .......................................71, 135  
correlation of fit ................................137  
deviation of fit...................................137  
major/minor......................................136  
whole beam......................................136  
Generate Gain....................................... 38  
GPIB ...................................................177  
Grid...................................................... 83  
Hardware Zooming ...............................111  
Histogram......................................73, 142  
bucket size .................................74, 115  
display depth ....................................115  
display window .................................115  
printing ............................................. 44  
scrolling............................................143  
stability, beam ................................... 89  
see camera, digital..............................19  
Display  
toolbar...............................................49  
Display Windows  
beam display.................................... 106  
histogram display.............................. 115  
main window.................................... 106  
pan/zoom display.............................. 111  
results display .................................. 109  
tilt & rotate ...................................... 114  
DISPLAY WINDOWS............................. 106  
Divergence.....................................72, 141  
far-field.......................................72, 141  
focal length.................................72, 141  
Effective Area ...................................... 141  
Effective Diameter................................ 141  
Elliptical Beam ..................................... 134  
Energy Nulling ..................................... 129  
Environmental  
humidity ............................................13  
operating temperature ........................13  
storage temperature ...........................13  
Error Messages......................................22  
Exit.......................................................45  
Export  
format types.......................................36  
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stability, inc bins.................................94  
stability, peak & centroid.....................91  
stability, zooming................................92  
Interlaced Camera................................ 119  
Knife Edge Method............................... 133  
LabVIEW......................................160, 265  
Lens ............................................... 21, 57  
Live Video .............................................59  
Load  
colors ................................................97  
configuration......................................37  
data ..................................................33  
data file .............................................32  
drag & drop frame..............................34  
frame ................................................33  
gain...................................................39  
Logging........................................... 39, 67  
method..............................................41  
pass/fail filter .....................................42  
Main Window....................................... 106  
Memory  
allocation ...........................................54  
consumption ......................................53  
errors ................................................24  
requirements......................................11  
virtual................................................55  
with pyrocam I...................................28  
National Instruments............................ 156  
Non-interlaced Cameras........................ 119  
Numerical Formats............................... 128  
Off-Line Mode........................................23  
Operator  
hazards..............................................14  
Optional Equipment.......................... 12, 24  
Pan/Zoom Display Window.................... 111  
Panning............................................... 113  
Pass/Fail................................................98  
dialog boxes................................. 98, 99  
divergence ....................................... 101  
elliptical ........................................... 100  
gauss............................................... 100  
quantitive...........................................99  
top hat ............................................ 100  
units..................................................99  
Pass/Fail Out .........................................26  
Password  
Percent of Peak....................................134  
Pixel Scale ............................................ 56  
Pixel Units............................................. 56  
Power Requirements  
line voltage........................................ 13  
power consumption............................ 13  
Power Supply  
camera.............................................. 25  
Print................................................44, 67  
number of frames............................... 45  
setup ................................................ 45  
Processing ............................................ 64  
convolution........................................ 66  
frame average ................................... 65  
frame summing.................................. 65  
gain correction................................... 65  
reference subtraction.......................... 65  
Pyrocam I  
digital option...................................... 29  
gain .................................................. 27  
operation........................................... 27  
restrictions......................................... 28  
synchronization.................................. 29  
Pyrocam III........................................... 18  
ReadMe.txt ........................................... 20  
Reference Subtraction............................ 65  
REMOTE ..............................................156  
Restore Configuration .....................37, 182  
Results Display Window ........................109  
Rotate & Tilt ......................................... 84  
display window .................................114  
scroll bars.......................................... 85  
Safety................................................... 14  
Save  
colors................................................ 96  
configuration.................................21, 37  
data.................................................. 34  
dialog box.......................................... 35  
exporting data ................................... 35  
FROG................................................ 45  
gain .................................................. 39  
new camera type................................ 52  
number of frames............................... 35  
palette .............................................. 96  
reference data ................................... 37  
Save As  
lockout ..............................................98  
PDF  
dialog box.......................................... 34  
Save Configuration ...............................182  
Set Reference........................................ 37  
Setup  
operators manual................................20  
Peak and Min....................................... 131  
Peak Location .................................92, 131  
Percent in Aperture .............................. 131  
Percent of Energy ................................ 134  
camera.............................................. 21  
configuration files............................... 22  
digital camera...................................152  
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equipment..........................................15  
password ...........................................98  
print setup ................................... 45, 67  
printer setup ......................................87  
pyrocam I ..........................................27  
remote GPIB .................................... 177  
restore configuration...........................37  
save configuration ..............................37  
setup printer button............................87  
setup.exe...........................................20  
Shortcuts.............................. 109, 110, 116  
Soft Zooming....................................... 113  
Start!/Stop! ....................................21, 102  
Statistics ........................................74, 143  
continuous .........................................74  
display............................................. 109  
frames...............................................74  
shortcut........................................... 110  
time...................................................74  
w/logging & capture............................42  
System Requirements....................... 11, 20  
Temperature  
affects on results .............................. 128  
operating ...........................................13  
storage..............................................13  
Tilt & Rotate........................................ 114  
Top Hat.................................................71  
effective diameter............................. 141  
factor............................................... 139  
fluence ............................................ 101  
mean & standard deviation................ 139  
min & max intensities........................ 139  
pass/fail........................................... 100  
Tot Hat  
types................................................118  
video................................................. 26  
video trigger level............................... 61  
Triggering............................................118  
Tube Camera .......................................120  
Ultracal  
accuracy...........................................128  
digital cameras..................................154  
disable .............................................103  
enunciator ........................................102  
four camera....................................... 62  
how to .............................................102  
menu action......................................102  
patent..............................................128  
what is.............................................129  
with auto exposure............................103  
Ultracal!  
restrictions......................................... 29  
Video  
in 26  
Virtual Memory...................................... 55  
Wallpaper ............................................. 82  
Weight  
net.................................................... 13  
shipping ............................................ 13  
Whole Beam fit.....................................136  
Window...............................................101  
start stop ultracal!.............................102  
Windows  
display settings .................................. 20  
Wire Density ......................................... 84  
Wire Frame........................................... 83  
performance issues ............................ 76  
Wireframe............................................. 83  
wire density....................................... 84  
Wizard  
effective area ................................... 141  
Total Energy........................................ 130  
Trigger..................................................62  
connections........................................24  
CW.................................................. 119  
delay .................................................63  
in 26  
found new hardware........................... 19  
Write Protect  
frames .............................................. 67  
Z Axis Scale .......................................... 78  
Zooming  
input..................................................13  
interval ..............................................60  
LBA-PC ............................................ 118  
out....................................................26  
output ...............................................13  
polarity..............................................63  
pyrocam I ..........................................29  
trigger out delay.................................63  
type............................................. 59, 62  
analog cameras.................................112  
digital cameras..................................113  
hard.................................................111  
histogram.......................................... 92  
orientation........................................200  
pan/zoom display..............................111  
soft..................................................113  
strip chart.......................................... 89  
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