Knowledge Base

EthoVision XT Multi-Camera Configuration

Aim

To have EthoVision XT mix the images from multiple cameras in a picture-by-picture fashion.

Procedure

1. Connect your cameras.

   Connect each camera to the port of its Ethernet board. Each camera has its unique link with one of the Ethernet boards. This link is the IP address. If you swap cameras, EthoVision XT won't get the camera image. See Connect the GigE Camera to the PC and Assign IP Addresses.

2. In EthoVision XT, choose Setup > Experiment Settings and select the number of cameras from the list next to Number of sources.
3. Select the cameras under Source. The camera names will show their own IP address in brackets at the end, which makes it possible to distinguish between the cameras.
4. Select the resolution and frame rate of the first camera. The resolution and frame rate of the other cameras is set automatically to the same values as for the first camera.
5. Next to Merged camera view, select whether the picture-by-picture mixed image should have the same resolution as the images from the individual cameras, or whether the resolution should be the sum of that of each camera image.

   NOTE: The maximum total resolution depends on which cameras you have. For Basler monochrome cameras, the maximum resolution is 2560 x 2048 when mixing four camera images. However, each camera model has its own set of available resolutions, which also determine the maximum resolution when merging the camera images. See tested configurations for GigE cameras (including PhenoTyper 2).

6. Click the preview icon to get a preview of the merged camera images.

Recommended Video Resolutions

• 4-camera configuration: Single camera view 1280 x 1024, merged camera view 2560 x 2048. See Using Multiple GigE Cameras.
• 8-camera configuration: Single camera view 640 x 480, merged camera view 2560 x 960. See Using Multiple GigE Cameras.
• 16-camera configuration: Single camera view 640 x 480, merged camera view 2560 x 1920. See 16-Camera Configuration.
• See also Resolution, Frame Rate, and Maximum Trial Duration.

Notes

• Noldus does not support video tracking from multiple GigE cameras connected to a laptop computer. Always connect multiple cameras to a desktop computer.
• When using multiple cameras, pay attention to the lens settings. These should be in such a way that the apparent size of the arenas is the same since you calibrate the distance for all the cameras (Shared calibration). If that is not possible, make one calibration for each arena (Unshared calibration). See Calibrate Multiple Arenas.
• The cameras should have the same firmware version. Check this in the pylon Viewer software. In the Features panel, under Device Information, check Firmware Version. If two or more cameras do not have the same firmware, an upgrade or downgrade must be done.

See Also

• Cameras Supported by EthoVision XT
• For examples of frame rate and resolution when using multiple cameras: GigE Cameras
• Connect the GigE Camera to the PC
• Assign IP Addresses
• To View the Camera Image: Select Multiple Cameras
• PhenoTyper - EthoVision XT 19 - Reference Manual. See Manuals.

Install USB 3.0 Cameras

To work with a USB 3.0 camera, if your PC does not have a USB 3.0 port, then you need to install a USB 3.0 interface board (for desktop computers).

What Do You Want to Do?

• Install the USB 3.0 interface board
• Install the USB 3.0 camera driver
• Connect the USB 3.0 camera to the PC
• Configure the digital camera

See Also

• Cameras Supported by EthoVision XT

Install the USB 3.0 Interface Board

Aim

To install an interface board that receives video from one or more USB 3.0 cameras. The following USB 3.0 interface boards have been tested:

• U3-PCIE1XG205-1S Ren 1HC, x1, 2 ports
• U3X4-PCIE4XE111 Fresco FL1100, 4HC, x4, 4 ports

IMPORTANT: Although these boards have multiple USB ports, always connect one camera only.

Procedure

1. Turn off your computer and all connected peripherals, such as the monitor and printer. Make sure that the computer is unplugged.
2. Remove the PC's case according to the instructions provided in the PC's user manual.
3. Select a free PCIe expansion slot, and remove the corresponding extension cover. For details about PCIe slots, see Install an Ethernet Board for GigE Cameras.
4. Unpack the USB 3.0 interface board, place it into the slot, and press it carefully into position. If the board does not fit into place easily, remove it and repeat the operation.
5. Fix the board to the chassis and re-fit the computer's cover.

   If you have a 4-port Fresco Logic U3X4-PCIE4XE111 board, make sure that the board receives power from the PC. Connect the power connector on the board (Molex/IDE male 4-pin DC) to one of the power supplies inside the PC. Connector types vary between computers. Many computers have a SATA 15-pin power connector. Use an adapter cable with a 4-pin female Molex connector at one end and a SATA 15-pin connector at the other end.

6. Proceed with Install the USB 3.0 Camera Driver.

Notes

• For the best performance, the USB 3.0 interface board should be installed in a PCIe Gen 2 compliant slot in the host computer. Most computers have PCIe Gen 2 (5.0 Gbps) throughput on x8, x16, or x32 slots. A PCIe Gen 1 compliant slot reaches up to 2.5 Gbps throughput.
• IMPORTANT: Turn off Fast Startup in the Windows Power options. See Power Options When Using Cameras.

Install the USB 3.0 Camera Driver

Aim

To install the software that enables you to configure the camera — for example, to set the video frame rate or the exposure time.

Prerequisite

• You have installed the USB 3.0 interface board. See Install the USB 3.0 Interface Board.

Procedure

1. Follow the procedure in the topic Install the Driver Software for the Digital Cameras:
   • If you have already installed EthoVision XT, on the installation screen choose Modify and under Drivers and tools choose Basler USB camera driver.
   • If you still have to install EthoVision XT, choose Install, then under Drivers and tools choose Basler USB camera driver.
2. Next: Connect the USB 3.0 Camera to the PC.

Source: EthoVision XT 19 Help, Noldus Information Technology