TG - Connecting a GigE Camera to AutoVISION

Purpose

This guide provides a concise step-by-step process to connect and configure Omron Sentech M Series GigE cameras with AutoVISION software for PC-based vision systems.

Problem Explanation/Objective

GigE cameras require proper setup to ensure compatibility and optimal performance with AutoVISION. This guide addresses the key steps to configure and integrate the camera for image acquisition and processing.

Supported devices

• STC-MBS43POE
• STC-MCS43POE
• STC-MBS52POE
• STC-MCS52POE
• STC-MBE132POE
• STC-MCE132POE
• STC-MBS163POE
• STC-MCS163POE
• STC-MBS202POE
• STC-MCS202POE
• STC-MBS231POE
• STC-MCS231POE
• STC-MBS312POE
• STC-MCS312POE
• STC-MBS500POE
• STC-MCS500POE
• STC-MBA503POE
• STC-MCA503POE
• STC-MBS642POE
• STC-MCS642POE
• STC-MBS881POE
• STC-MCS881POE
• STC-MBS122BPOE
• STC-MCS122BPOE
• STC-MBS1242POE
• STC-MCS1242POE
• STC-MBS2041POE
• STC-MBC2041POE

Requirements

1. GigE Camera
2. PoE switch/injector and CAT6 Ethernet cable
3. C-mount lens
4. PC with Windows 10 and a compatible NIC (Network Interface Card)
5. AutoVISION Software v5.2.1 or greater and runtime license (e.g., GMV-VGL0-1DD1)
6. Sentech SDK software

Procedure

1. Hardware Setup:

   • Connect the GigE camera to the PC using a PoE switch or injector and a CAT6 Ethernet cable.

   • Install a C-mount lens on the camera for image acquisition.

2. Configure the PC:

   • Install the Sentech SDK from Omron’s website.

   • Go to Network and Internet Settings > Change Adapter Options.

   • Right-click the Ethernet adapter > Properties > Configure > Advanced Tab.

   • Set Jumbo Packets to 9014 bytes, Receive Buffers to 2048, and enable Interrupt Moderation (set to Adaptive).

     
     

3. Configure the Camera:

   • Launch the Sentech SDK (StViewer_x64). 

   • Select the camera, click Set IP Address, and configure the camera IP to match the PC’s subnet (e.g., 192.168.X.X).
      

   • Test the camera functionality by clicking the green play button in the SDK to validate image acquisition. 

4. Install and Launch AutoVISION:

   • Install AutoVISION Version 5.2.1 or later.

   • Insert the appropriate license dongle (e.g., GMV-VGL0-1DD1) into the PC.

   • Open AutoVISION and ensure the camera is recognized by the AVP Backplane. When AutoVISION or Visionscape is started, the AVPBackplane (avpsvr.exe) is automatically launched. Right clicking on the icon gives the menu shown in the center image. To view what the AVPBackplane is doing, click on “Display Debug Window”, and then click on the Visionscape Backplane icon in the task bar to open it. 

5. Create and Configure a Vision Job:

   • In the Connect tab, the connected GigE camera should be visible.

   • Use AutoVISION tools (e.g., Locate, Decode, OCR) to build your vision job as needed.

Notes:

• Ensure the PC meets the hardware requirements for smooth performance.

• Use high-quality NICs and cables to avoid packet drops.

• Refer to the full Omron M Series GigE AutoVISION Setup Guide for detailed information.

Date/Revision History

First review 12/23/2024 V1.0

2nd Review 01/15/2025

Author:

Andrea Balderrama, Technical Support Engineer

References

Sentech M Series GigE AutoVISION Setup Guide

Omron Sentech SDK Software v1.2.2

AutoVISION 5.3.0 Software