This document describes the Sony FCB-EX12E/EX12EP, FCB-EX15E/EX15EP, FCB-CX12E/CX12EP, and FCB-CX15E/CX15EP Color Camera Modules.
Function Description
These color camera modules are equipped with a 1/4-type EXview HAD™ CCD, offering a minimum illumination of 0.9 lx (1/60 s NTSC, 1/50 s PAL) for the FCB-EX12E/P and 0.4 lx (1/60 s NTSC, 1/50 s PAL) for the FCB-EX15E/P. They are designed for various applications requiring high-sensitivity imaging. The FCB-EX12E/P and FCB-CX12E/P models feature 380,000 (NTSC) or 440,000 (PAL) effective picture elements, while the FCB-EX15E/P and FCB-CX15E/P models also feature 380,000 (NTSC) or 440,000 (PAL) effective picture elements but with higher sensitivity.
The cameras incorporate a Wide Dynamic Range (WD) function, which processes images by dividing them into several blocks to correct blocked-up shadows and blown-out highlights. This allows for clear images even with subjects having large intensity differences, such as backlit scenes or those with extremely bright portions. A newly developed image signal processor combines long-exposure signals (normal shutter) and high-intensity portion signals (short exposure) to achieve this wide dynamic range. The WD Auto ON/OFF mode automatically switches the function based on image intensity differences. The Exposure Ratio Mode fixes the short exposure shutter speed and allows configuration of the long exposure shutter speed ratio. The Histogram Mode uses a histogram for shadow and highlight correction.
Noise Reduction (NR) is a key feature, removing both random and non-random noise to produce clearer images. It combines 2D filtering (based on brightness and color) and 3D filtering (based on motion and time difference) to achieve lower-noise images, especially for moving subjects. There are six NR levels (1 to 5, plus off), with level 1 using 2D filter effects for motion and level 5 maximizing 2D and 3D effects for lowest noise, potentially showing trails on moving subjects.
Color Enhancement converts a captured color image to 256 grayscale levels, binarizes it based on a threshold, and allows assigning any color to the negative and positive regions. The camera also includes an Infrared (IR) Cut-Removable (ICR) Filter, which can be disengaged in low-light conditions to enhance sensitivity, allowing the camera to capture images in near-dark environments. When ICR mode is ON, the image becomes black and white.
Important Technical Specifications
- Picture Elements:
- FCB-EX12EP/CX12EP: Approx. 380K pixels (NTSC), 440K pixels (PAL)
- FCB-EX15EP/CX15EP: Approx. 380K pixels (NTSC), 440K pixels (PAL)
- Minimum Illumination:
- FCB-EX12E/P, CX12E/P: 0.9 lx (1/60 sec NTSC, 1/50 sec PAL)
- FCB-EX15E/P, CX15E/P: 0.4 lx (1/60 sec NTSC, 1/50 sec PAL)
- Typical value (F1.4, 50IRE): 0.05 lx (1/4 sec NTSC), 0.03 lx (1/3 sec PAL)
- Horizontal Resolution: 550 TV lines (WIDE end)
- Lens: 12x zoom, F=3.7 mm (WIDE) to 44.4 mm (TELE), F1.6 to F2.5
- Digital Zoom: 12x (144x with optical zoom)
- S/N Ratio: 50 dB (Weight ON)
- White Balance: AUTO, ATW, Indoor, Outdoor, One Push WB, Manual WB, Outdoor Auto, Sodium Vapor Lamp (Fix/Auto)
- Gain: Auto/Manual (-3 dB to +28 dB, 16 steps), Max. Gain Limit (6 dB to 28 dB, 12 steps)
- Electronic Shutter Speed:
- FCB-EX15E/CX15E: 1/4 sec to 1/10000 sec (20 steps)
- FCB-EX15EP/CX15EP: 1/3 sec to 1/10000 sec (20 steps)
- FCB-EX12E/CX12E: 1/4 sec to 1/10000 sec (20 steps)
- FCB-EX12EP/CX12EP: 1/3 sec to 1/10000 sec (20 steps)
- Serial Interface: VISCA protocol (CMOS 5V), 9.6 Kbps, 19.2 Kbps, 38.4 Kbps, Stop bit, 1 bit
- Video Output: VBS: 1.0 Vp-p (Sync negative), Digital (ITU-R BT656 equiv.), Conforms to LVDS output, Progressive/Interlace
- Dimensions: 44.8 x 46.9 x 76.8 mm (1 13/16 × 1 7/8 × 3 1/8 in.) (w/h/d)
- Weight: Approx. 146 g (5.2 oz.)
- Operating Temperature/Humidity: -5 °C to +60 °C (23 °F to +140 °F) / 20% to 80%
- Storage Temperature/Humidity: -20 °C to +60 °C (-4 °F to +140 °F) / 20% to 95%
Usage Features
- VISCA Control: The cameras are controlled via the VISCA protocol over an RS-232C interface, allowing connection of up to seven peripheral devices. Communication speeds include 9.6 kbps, 19.2 kbps, and 38.4 kbps.
- Zoom Control: Features include standard and variable speed zoom (Tele/Wide), direct zoom position setting, and digital zoom with combine/separate modes. The maximum digital zoom limit can be specified (default is x12).
- Focus Control: Offers Auto Focus (AF), Manual Focus, One Push AF, Infinity, and Near Limit settings. Focus Trace prioritizes zoom speed, reducing transition time from Wide to Tele. Focus Offset can compensate for focal distance changes caused by dome covers.
- Automatic Exposure (AE) Modes: Includes Full Auto (Auto Iris and Gain, Fixed Shutter Speed), Shutter Priority (Variable Shutter Speed, Auto Iris and Gain), Iris Priority (Variable Iris, Auto Gain and Shutter speed), Manual (Variable Shutter, Iris and Gain), and Bright (Variable Iris and Gain).
- Slow Shutter: Allows setting shutter speeds down to 1/1s, but AF capability is reduced in this mode.
- Gain Limit Setting: Configurable in AE mode to optimize image signal-to-noise ratio.
- Spot Exposure Mode: Divides the screen into 16 blocks, allowing the user to select a block for priority exposure calculation.
- Privacy Zone Masking: Protects private objects and areas by masking up to 24 zones. Masks can be displayed in 8 places per screen simultaneously, with individual on/off settings and 29 color choices. Masks can interlock with Pan/Tilt.
- Motion Detection: Detects movement within a user-defined frame (12x8 blocks, up to four frames) and sends an alarm signal via VISCA. Threshold level and alarm detection interval (up to 256 seconds) are configurable.
- E-FLIP and Mirror Image: E-FLIP inverts the video output vertically, while Mirror Image reverses it horizontally.
- Freeze Function: Captures and continuously outputs a still image from the field memory.
- Memory (Position Preset): Stores and recalls up to 6 sets of camera shooting conditions, including zoom, focus, AE mode, white balance, and other parameters.
- Custom Preset: Stores and recalls camera shooting conditions, with settings recalled upon power-on.
- Register Setting: Allows changing default settings such as baud rate, OSD language, CCD scanning mode, and digital output mode.
- Temperature Reading Function: Provides a conversion value (hex) from an internal temperature sensor as a reference.
Maintenance Features
- Software Usage: Sony advises caution when using demonstration software or customer-developed application software, as it may damage hardware or the camera.
- Environmental Considerations: Avoid shooting extremely bright objects for long periods. Do not use or store the camera in extreme temperatures (-5 °C to +60 °C operating, -20 °C to +60 °C storage), near strong electromagnetic radiation sources, or in places with strong vibration or laser beams.
- Cleaning: Remove dust or dirt from the lens surface using a blower.
- Power Supply: Use only the specified voltage to prevent electric shock or fire.
- Troubleshooting: In case of abnormal operation, contact an authorized Sony dealer.
- Memory Rewriting Limit: The memory area for custom presets and register settings has a limited number of write cycles. Avoid unnecessary rewrites.
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