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PGI Feature Set (imaFlex CXP-12 Quad)#

The PGI feature set allows you to optimize the quality of your images.

The main purpose of the PGI feature set is to optimize images to meet the needs of human vision. It combines up to four image optimization processes.

Using the Feature#

How It Works#

Depending on your applet, a selection of the following image optimizations will be performed:

Noise Reduction#

The noise reduction (also called "denoising") reduces random variations in brightness or color information in your images.

Improved Sharpness#

This optimization increases the sharpness of the images. The higher the sharpness, the more distinct the contours of the image objects will be. This is especially useful in applications where cameras must correctly identify numbers or letters.

5×5 Debayering#

5×5 debayering (also called "demosaicing") carries out color interpolation on regions of 5×5 pixels on the sensor and is therefore more elaborate than the "simple" 2×2 debayering used otherwise by the camera.

Color Anti-Aliasing#

Color errors, especially on sharp edges and in sections of the image with high spatial frequencies, are a common side effect of debayering algorithms. Even colorless structures can suddenly appear to have color. The color anti-aliasing optimization analyzes and corrects the discolorations.

For more information about the PGI image optimizations, see the Better Image Quality with Basler PGI white paper.

Enabling the PGI Feature Set#

The implementation of this feature may varies depending on the applet and frame grabber / interface card:

Enhanced Applets on the CXP-12 Frame Grabber/ Interface cards#

To enable the PGI image optimizations on Basler a frame grabber:

  • Make sure your camera is in Bayer mode and debayering is done on the frame grabber as described in Performing Debayering on the Interface Card/Frame Grabber

  • PGI image optimizations are enabled automatically when any of the following parameters isn't set to its default value and your frame grabber is used to debayer the image:

    • NoiseReduction
    • SharpnessEnhancement

Setting the PGI Image Optimizations#

Once you have enabled the PGI feature set, you can configure the individual image optimization processes.

Which image optimizations are available and can be configured depends on your applet and frame grabber / interface card.

Configuring Noise Reduction#

If this optimization is configurable for your camera, set the NoiseReduction parameter to specify the desired noise reduction. The higher the parameter value, the more noise reduction is applied.

If this optimization isn't configurable, noise reduction is applied automatically.

Noise reduction is best used together with improved sharpness. If the parameter value is set too high, fine structure in the image can become indistinct or even disappear.

Configuring Improved Sharpness#

If this optimization is configurable for your camera, set the SharpnessEnhancement parameter to specify the desired level of sharpness. The higher the parameter value, the more sharpening is applied.

If this optimization is not configurable, sharpness is improved automatically.

In most cases, best results are obtained at low parameter value settings and when using noise reduction at the same time.

Configuring 5×5 Debayering#

5×5 debayering is performed automatically whenever the PGI feature set is enabled. You can't configure this optimization.

Configuring Color Anti-Aliasing#

Color anti-aliasing is performed automatically whenever the PGI feature set is enabled. You can't configure this optimization.