GenICam standard now covers transport layer

OCTOBER 11, 2007--GenICam provides a standardized programming interface to machine-vision cameras independent of the interface technology (GigE Vision, 1394, Camera Link) and the camera's features. GenICam lowers cost, speeds time to market, and increases flexibility for customers and manufacturers of cameras, frame grabbers, and software libraries.

The current version of GenICam is already used in the machine-vision industry. It provides a unified programming access to camera features (GenApi module) and provides a list of standard names, types, and behavior definitions for more than 180 commonly used camera features (StdFeatureList module).

Most recently, another module (GenTL) was defined that allows standardized access to drivers (= transport layer) and their grab interface. With this module not only cameras but also drivers can be used out of the box in applications that are GenICam ready. Prototypes for existing drivers are available. The final acceptence of the GenTL standard module is expected at the next GenICam meeting in late spring 2008.

The GenICam standard currently has 51 members covering most major players in the machine-vision market. For example all GigE Vision-compliant cameras support GenICam, but 1394 and Camera Link support is becoming available. To find out more go to www.genicam.org.