JAI Progressive Scan Shutter Cameras Color Interpolation, Manufacturer Framegrabber Software

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TM-6760 Series Progressive Scan Shutter Cameras

3.11.6 Interpolation Software

Major framegrabber manufacturers with digital capability (Camera Link, RS-644) provide color interpolation software. Some independent image process software suppliers provide software as well. The following table lists a few examples.

TABLE 8. Framegrabber Interpolation Software List

Manufacturer	Framegrabber	Software
Matrox	Meteor II Digi, CL	MIL
Bitflow	Road Runner CL	Bay View
Coreco	T64	Application software
Data Cube	MaxRevolution	Visual Chip Studio
Epix	PIXCI	Application software
Euresys	GrabLink	Easygrab
		EasyColor
Matrix Vision	MV-Titan/CL	Impact

3.11.7 Color Interpolation

The Bayer pattern color filter array (CFA) consists of R, G, and B primary colors. Each pixel represents one of three colors. In order to display or print color images, the signal has to be converted to RGB output, which has three independent channels (outputs) and sync signals.

Color interpolation software or firmware performs the color by filling the missing color pixels with neighboring pixels. It then separates the single stream of data (8-bit or 10-bit) into three (RGB) data streams (8-bit x 3) and adds the color matrix to adjust and balance each of the R,G, and B channels (white balance or color balance).

The image quality depends on the camera’s own pixel data (including pixel data independency from neighboring pixels, noise and color filter), and interpolation of the software algorithm such as 3 x 3 interpolation, 2 x 2 interpolation, color matrix, white balance capability, etc.

Green	Red	Green
Blue	Green	Blue
Green	Red	Green

All AccuPiXEL color cameras are carefully designed for maximum color performance. JAI, Inc. strongly suggests that you use digital output for the best performance.

Some software is used on board (FPGA or DSP) to perform the interpolation. Other software simply uses the host computer’s memory and CPU. The process speed may vary depending on the architecture and speed of the computer.

Operation