User programmable region of interest (ROI). If defined, the camera does only record and transmit the selected area. Due to the reduced image size a higher frame rate can be achieved.

High dynamic range mode (HDR). The camera includes additional logic to increase its dynamic range. This is particularly useful when the illumination in the same scene varies from dark to bright or when the illumination changes over time. This is typically the case in surveillance and monitoring applications where the camera delivers an excellent low-light performance. The output format in HDR mode is 20 bit per pixel.

Horizontal and vertical mirroring modes. The camera is able to flip its image in horizontal and/or vertical direction. This gives the user more freedom for mounting the camera conveniently.

Digital binning mode. In binning mode, the output resolution is reduced by a factor of two in horizontal or in horizontal and vertical mode. Binning reduces noise and leads to a higher SNR. This particularly improves low-light performance.

Pulse width modulation (PWM) outputs. The camera provides two independent PWM outputs which can be used to control an external light source. Alternatively, the two pins can either be used as digital inputs or digital outputs. Note that the corresponding connector is only accessible on the board-level cameras. For further information please contact Stettbacher Signal Processing.

Flash synchronization. A flash synchronization signal can be used to gate a flash light. Note that the corresponding connector is only accessible on the board-level cameras. For further information please contact Stettbacher Signal Processing.

Synchronized operation of multiple cameras. The camera provides an additional connector for synchronization inputs and outputs. This feature can be used for example to implement a stereo camera or for 3d measurements. Please contact Stettbacher Signal Processing if you plan to use this feature.

Open API Specification. The complete application programming interface (API) of the camera is freely available. This allows the user to access the camera from any hardware supporting USB 2.0. Please see the website for more information.

By using the open API specification the user is able to write his own efficient camera interface for every hardware with and without operating system. The user does not depend on a closed-source driver which would limit the application to some selected hardware platforms. Hence the choice of possible platforms is virtually unlimited.

The open API specification is a key for using the camera in embedded or deeply embedded applications. This is a considerable advantage particularly for price-sensitive applications and for embedded systems with limited performance.

Open Source Driver. For using the camera on PCs or embedded PC platforms, Stettbacher Signal Processing has published the source code of a driver and a demo application. The driver and demo application are available for Linux, MaxOS X and Windows (XP and above). Please see the website for more information.

The open source driver is written in C. It can be re-used for end applications. The driver is available under
the LGPL license. There is no charge for using the driver.

The open source demo application is written in Java. It is available under the GPL license.