Chapter 1 NI 1450 Overview
NI 1450 Series Compact Vision System User Manual 1-4 ni.com
Software Overview
Programming the NI 1450 Series Compact Vision System requires the
NI-IMAQ for IEEE 1394 Cameras driver software, version 1.5 or later,
to control the hardware and one of the following application software
packages to process images.
• NI Vision Builder for Automated Inspection (AI), version 2.0 or
later—To configure solutions to common inspection tasks
• LabVIEW Real-Time (RT), version 7.0 or later, with the Vision
Development Module, version 7.0 or later—For customizable
control over acquisition hardware and algorithms
The following sections provide an overview of the driver software and the
application software. For detailed information about individual software
packages, refer to the documentation specific to the package.
NI-IMAQ for IEEE 1394 Cameras Driver Software
The NI-IMAQ for IEEE 1394 Cameras driver software ships with the
NI 1450 Series Compact Vision System. NI-IMAQ for IEEE 1394
Cameras is the interface path between the application software and the
NI 1450.
NI-IMAQ for IEEE 1394 Cameras includes an extensive library of VIs
you can call from LabVIEW. These VIs include routines for video
configuration, image acquisition (continuous and single-shot), trigger
control, and register-level camera configuration.
The NI-IMAQ for IEEE 1394 Cameras driver software performs all
functions necessary for acquiring and saving images but does not perform
image analysis. For image analysis functionality, refer to the National
Instruments Application Software section.
For maximum flexibility and performance, NI-IMAQ for IEEE 1394
Cameras features both high-level and low-level functions. A function that
acquires images in multi-buffer, single-shot, or continuous mode is an
example of a high-level function. A function that requires advanced
understanding of the NI 1450 and image acquisition, such as configuring
an image sequence, is an example of a low-level function.
The NI-IMAQ for IEEE 1394 Cameras software handles many of the
complex issues between the NI 1450 and the camera, such as 1394 bus
communication and camera control.