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DCAM / IIDC 1394 video processing for the micro-line^® C6412Compact DSP / FPGA platform.

The DCAM Video Processing Development Kit
The DCAM Video Processing Development Kit is a complete platform for embedded image processing with industrial cameras. The DCAM Frame Capture API controls the connected camera and transfers incoming image data to memory. The DCAM Camera API then transfers the image processing results to a second, independent IEEE1394 subsystem and lets the kit act as a DCAM / IIDC 1394 compliant camera on this subsystem. Image processing is triggered whenever new data has been transferred to SDRAM. After image processing has finished, the next transfer of image data to the DCAM / IIDC 1394 output is triggered. Data transfers are done with the DSP's powerful EDMA controller. Multiple frame buffers allow interleaved operation of image input, image processing and image output. The image processing is triggered by DSP/BIOS mechanisms to implement event-based processing. Hardware baesd image processing can be added by using an optional FPGA development package. Software based image processing is supported by the TMS320C6412 DSP's features, such as 256KB internal memory, L1/L2 cache, 5760MIPS highly parallel CPU core with several ALUs, ... Image processing algorithms for the TMS320C6000 DSP family are available from Texas Instruments and other vendors.

DCAM Frame Capture API
The DCAM Frame Capture API allows to control one or more digital cameras. After initialization, available cameras are located on the IEEE1394 bus. A handle to the camera is assigned when opening a specific camera. Then, the camera is accessed using this handle. Typically, features and settings of the camera are queried and modified, then the camera is started. Data transfer of image data to SDRAM is done by using the DSP's EDMA controller and streaming IP cores with a 64-bit, FIFO-buffered interface for improved performance. Location and number of frame buffers can be configured according to the requirements of the application.

DCAM Camera API
The DCAM Camera API adds DCAM / IIDC 1394 camera functionality to the C6412Compact. The system is recognized as a camera by host computers, such as a PC running Windows. The DCAM Camera API handles all IEEE1394 communication and IIDC 1394 protocol handling. As for the frame capture side, the outgoing image data is transferred using EDMA and a streaming core in the FPGA. DSP/BIOS mechanisms provide trigger events for outgoing data transfers. Location and number of frame buffers can be specified according to the application's requirements.

The PC side of IIDC/DCAM
The application examples of the DCAM Video Processing Kit are configured so that the output can be viewed by a PC running Windows, without any further software required. When using other settings, a suitable class driver together with a viewer application or a software development kit is required. Such software packages are available from various commercial and non-commercial sources. For information on suitable software packages, please contact Orsys.

micro-line^® Busmaster Board Support Package Included
The micro-line^® busmaster BSP is the default board support package for the C6412Compact. It consists of an FPGA design with associated software. The BSP uses the FPGA to add a peripheral interface, a baud-rate programmable UART, programmable clock outputs and access to the IEEE1394 chipsets to the basic function of the C6412Compact. Based on the DSP's highly flexible external memory interface (EMIF), the peripheral interface provides seven individual chip select spaces with 8/16/32/64 bits data width and programmable timing for glueless connection of external devices. The UART provides FIFO-buffered, baud-rate programmable serial communication with hardware (RTS/CTS) handshake and baud rates up to 1Mbaud. Programmable clock outputs provide a clock source for external hardware, eliminating the need for a separate oscillator.

FPGA-based Image Processing
Development of FPGA-based image processing is supported by an optional FPGA development package. Besides other features, it includes the micro-line^® busmaster FPGA as a project, so that it can be modified and expanded by the customer. This allows the FPGA to autonomously retrieve image data from the IEEE1394 subsystem, to process it and to provide pre-processed image data to the DSP or even to store it directly to SDRAM.

Convenient Operation During Development
The micro-line PowerSupply board provides all necessary environment to operate the kit on the desk during development. The DC input power is supplied to the IEEE1394 cable for supplying connected cameras. A switching mode regulator allows to supply the kit from an unregulated input. The RS-232 interface is available on a 9-pin Sub-D connector for direct cable connection to the development PC when working with the Flash File System or the application examples. Resetting the system without a power-off cycle is supported by a reset button.

A Member of the micro-line^® Family
The C6412Compact is a member of the successful micro-line^® family. This means small size for an affordable price. Complete systems can be built by combining the micro-line^® C6412Compact with micro-line^® peripheral boards. The standard 0.1" connectors allow rapid and easy prototyping. The micro-line^® PowerSupply allows convenient operation on the desk during development. After development has finished, the micro-line^® C6412Compact can simply be plugged into a customized carrier board.

The DCAM Video
Processing
Development Kit
includes:

To view documentation:

micro-line^® C6412Compact DCAM Video Processing Development Kit User's Guide (Revision 1.1)
PDF 967 KB

micro-line^® C6412Compact Hardware Reference Guide (Revision 0.9)
PDF 1.8 Mbyte

micro-line^® C6412Compact micro-line Busmaster Board Support Package User's Guide (Revision 1.1)
PDF 912 KB

DCAM Frame Capture API User Guide

DCAM Camera API User Guide

Development tools

FPGA development

Software development options

Alternative software development kits

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