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Understanding Format_7 region of interest and pixel binning modes

The IIDC IEEE-1394 Digital Camera (DCAM) Specification allows for the implementation of Format_7 custom image video modes. Format_7 modes are defined by the camera manufacturer, rather than the IEEE-1394 specification. For example, according to the IEEE-1394 specification, Format_0 Mode_5 must always be a 640x480 Y8 image. In contrast, the way we implement each Format_7 mode varies by camera model.

Most of our imaging products implement one or more Format_7 custom image modes. These modes offer two main techniques for customizing image size: region of interest (ROI) and pixel binning. In most cases, Format_7 modes can implement a combination of both ROI and binning. For model-specific implementation, consult your camera's technical reference manual, or contact support.

Region of Interest (ROI)

This technique, also known as "sub-windowing," allows the user to select a specific portion of an image for the camera to transmit (see the figure below). ROI usually enables the camera to send images at faster frame rates; the camera simply skips CCD rows until it reaches the area of interest. Note that the camera cannot skip columns. Therefore, any increase in frame rate is due to a reduction in rows and not in columns. ROI has no effect on color processing, since the Bayer tiling in the region of interest is left intact.

Pixel Binning

Pixel binning involves taking groups of pixels and combining them into a single pixel in some way. We implement the following types of  binning:

    • Standard binning: This technique takes place directly on the sensor, before analog-to-digital conversion. Standard binning adds the analog charges from two or more pixels, then averages them, before formulating a single pixel value. 
    • Subsampling: This technique is similar to standard binning, except the process takes place after analog-to-digital conversion, on the FPGA chip of the camera. In this case, the digital values of two or more pixels are added, then averaged, to formulate a single pixel value.
    • Decimation: This technique is less commonly used on our cameras. It involves combining pixels simply by discarding a subset of pixel values.

The figure below shows pixel binning implemented in groups of two (2x), either horizontally or vertically:

                                       

Most of our binning modes implement some combination of 2x horizontal and 2x vertical (2x2) binning and/or subsampling, resulting in a resolution that is both half the original number of pixels in height, and half the number in width. This decreased resolution usually results in a frame rate increase. However, because of the averaging of values that is performed after combining pixels, binning does not usually result in a significant increase in image intensity.  

Depending on model, some color sensors support color binning, which means the Bayer tile pixel pattern is maintained during the binning process, and images can still be color-processed. On other models, color data is lost during binning, and the resulting images are black and white only.

The figure below shows an example of 2x2 binning on a color sensor that does not support color binning:

Sample Code

For an example of how to implement Format_7 ROI and pixel binning in your application, refer to the CustomImageEx sample program, included with the FlyCapture SDK.