Description

With so many functions, the DXC-990/990P is the perfect choice for a variety of applications

The DXC-990P is a 1/2" type DSP 3-CCD colour video camera which incorporates Exwave™HAD technology - a new Sony technology that greatly improves camera sensitivity (F11 at 2000 lx) while reducing smear compared to previous CCD technologies. Using a C Mount lens and providing resolution of 850 TVL and a high S/N ratio of 63 dB, the DXC-990P is ideal for machine vision, industrial microscopy, digital photography, portrait proofing, webcasting, amusement rides, point of view (i.e., sports shooting,) and scientific image capture applications. The DXC-990P features DynaLatitude, Digital Detail, Partial Enhance and Color Shading Compensation functions which are useful for microscopy applications.

Features

Superior picture quality -1/2 type Exwave™HAD Technology-

The DXC-990/P/MD incorporate newly developed three 1/2 type IT CCD sensors using Exwave™HAD technology with 380,000/ 440,000 effective picture elements. Thanks to the adoption of Exwave™HAD technology, high sensitivity of F11 at 2,000 lux can be achieved while the smear level drastically reduces. This permits pictures of the highest quality to be captured in difficult lighting conditions. In addition to this sensor, a new processing circuit gives excellent S/N ratio of 63dB/ 62dB (NTSC/ PAL) and high horizontal resolution of 850TV lines.

New DSP functions: DynaLatitude TM, DCC+, Black Stretch, Partial Enhance

a) DynaLatitude function
The DynaLatitude manages the contrast of each pixel according to a histogram of video signal level distribution in order to utilise the limited dynamic range of the video signal standard.
b) DCC+ or Dynamic Contrast Control Plus
In conventional RGB processing, some non-linear signal processing such as white clip and knee correction can result in hue factor distortion – a phenomenon that is particularly obvious in extreme highlight conditions. This problem is virtually eliminated by this function, which manages video signal data at three levels - brightness, hue, and saturation.
c) Knee
Three modes for conventional knee function are provided such as High, Normal and Low. The Low mode is a lower knee point and gentle knee slope are available so that an area of highlight in the picture can be reproduced more clearly.
d) Black Stretch
Contrast in the black area of the image can be variably adjusted using the Black Stretch/Compress Control function. Black Stretch emphasises contrast in the dark area, while Black Compress enhances or deepens darkness.
e) Linear matrix
The linear matrix function provides sophisticated electronic adjustments for accurate colour reproduction without changing the white balance of the whole image. This is ideal particularly in the medical applications, which require good colour reproduction.
f) Digital Detail
The detail function of the DXC-990/P/MD adjusts sharpness of object outlines with minimal noise using digital technology. The DXC-990/P/MD has a unique detail function that the horizontal Detail Frequency can be controlled such as High, Mid and Low modes according to the user’s preference.
g) Partial Enhance
Partial Enhance function allows a particular colour to be selected, and its hue, saturation and detail altered. This function gives the subject a pleasing complexion with a softer image, while maintaining the sharpness of other areas, and vice versa.

Versatile white balance

The DXC-990/P/MD has six types of white balance control modes – AWB (one-push), ATW Normal, ATW Wide, MANU, 3200K and 5600K to meet a wide range of operational conditions.
a) AWB
AWB memorised by pushing WHITE button is available on the DXC-990/P/MD. Besides, the DXC-D990/P/MD has new functions that the area is adjustable like AE function.
b) ATW
ATW means adjustment the white balance automatically in response to varying light conditions.
c) MANU
White balance can be adjusted using the red and blue gain level controls in accordance with user requirement manually.
d) Preset 3200K/5600K
There are two preset modes, colour temperature 3200K/ 5600K as white balance

New AE functions: User defined light metering area, Selectable AE speed, Wide range

a) AE functions for a wide range of incoming light level
The AGC circuit is equivalent to an increase of a four F-stop in sensitivity. By operating these functions and the AUTO IRIS function together, an even wider range of incoming light levels can be automatically accommodated.
b) Limit value of AGC and CCD-IRIS
The AE functions of this camera have a wider range of incoming light conditions. However, sometimes AGC or CCD-IRIS cause noisy picture or flicker.
c) Light metering system
Users can see the object under appropriate light condition if setting the light metering area according to the area to be observed defined by users the users manually.
d) Selectable AE speed
The action speed of AE function can be selected so that users need suitable speed for their application under any varying lighting condition.
f) AE level
Users can adjust finely the focusing point of Auto-iris, CCD IRIS and AGC functions with this AE level function. Therefore, the DXC-990/P/MD assures high picture quality under any lighting condition.

Genlock capability (VBS, HD/VD)

The DXC-990/P/MD can be synchronised with a VBS or a BS signal from other equipment and includes an SC and H phase adjustment control. HD/VD sync signals also accepted, therefore Genlock is very useful in multiple camera operation and connection with Frame Grabber Board.

On-screen menu

The on-screen menu makes adjustment operations simple and efficient while looking at the object image. It can be set various camera control functions by the buttons on the camera rear panel or the optional RM-C950 Remote Control Unit. The function menu can be displayed on a monitor using RGB, Y/C, and component or composite video signal outputs.
As a result, we improved the menu-controlled method: the sub menu screens are divided into seven groups for easy setup; Exposure, Contrast, White Balance, Enhance, General, System and Scene File.

Medical Safety Standard

To secure safety required in medical field, such as use with a surgery microscope, the DXC-990/P satisfies three medical safety standards as follows by the only combination with CMA-D2MD/CE.
UC model: UL544, CSA125
CE model: EN60601-1-1

Remote control unit of ease to use

The RM-C950, remote control unit can remotely control all functions of the DXC-990/P/MD, along with zoom, focus and iris functions. Frequently used camera functions such as gain, detail, master pedestal and red and blue gain, are easily controlled by just turning a knob or pressing a button without displaying a menu-screen on a monitor. Thanks to this function, users can adjust the image while concentrating on pictures.
The DXC-990/P/MD communicates with the RM-C950 through an 8-pin MINI DIN of CMA-D3/CE or direct connection.

Compact and lightweight

Newly developed ICs and extensive use of high packing density technology make the DXC-990/P/MD remarkably compact and lightweight. The dimensions are 70(W) x72 (H) x123.5 (D) mm and weight is less than 630g. The size and weight are almost same as DXC-950/P/970MD. It is smaller than other competitors’ 1/2 type bayonet mount camera. Thanks to its compactness, it can be easily installed even where space is at a premium and in elevated or other awkward environments.

Microscope Adapter

The MVA-41A, microscope adapter, which was designed for video camera incorporated 1/2 type CCD, is available for the DXC-990/P/MD. The MVA-41A was designed for 3CCD camera as well as for 1CCD camera with excellent optical performance.

Motorised remote control lens*
*not supplied, adaptable lenses

The VCL-714BXEA and VCL-717BXEA, which are motorised remote control lenses with original cable, are prepared for the DXC-990/P/MD. The VCL-714BXEA is a 14 times zoom lens manufactured by Fujinon and the VCL-717BXEA is a 17x zoom lens manufactured by Canon. User are able to select a lens to meet the their application. Both lenses have high quality for 3CCD camera, and these are suitable for the remote camera system. The control functions such as zoom, focus and iris are controlled by RM-C950 or PC.

Benefits

Superior picture quality -1/2 type Exwave™HAD TM Technology-

The DXC-990/P/MD incorporate newly developed three 1/2 type IT CCD sensors using Exwave™HAD technology with 380,000/ 440,000 effective picture elements. Exwave means Extended Wavelength response, but other features of this sensor are more sensitivity and dramatic low smear inheriting the conventional CCD technology.

K - Bayonet Mount and Flange Back Adjustment:

Offers choice of many available lenses and allows synchronisation of eye piece focus to camera image

Digital Signal Processor

The DXC-990/P/MD includes a 10bit Digital Signal Processor LSI technology that delivers one of the best picture performances in the industry. The new DSP technology brings high stability and reliability, plus a lot of following new advanced functions such as DynaLatitude and Partial Enhance.

RPN compensation

A CCD image sensor consists of an array of individual picture elements (pixels). A malfunctioning sensor element will show up as a RPN(Residual Point Noise) in the image. The phenomena may appear on the monitor screen while using the DXC-990/P/MD colour video camera. This phenomenon stems from the high sensitivity of the CCD image sensors, and do not indicate a fault within the camera. However, some RPN level may not be accepted by particular application such as high gain mode. So the DXC-990/P/MD camera has a RPN compensation circuit, which use a new IC for compensating RPN electrically. However, this function dose not means perfect compensation.

Abundant electronic shutter function

The DXC-990/ P/MD employs several unique functions using the electronic shutter.

a) Electronic shutter speed up to 1/100,000sec
The DXC-990/ P/MD feature a variable speed electronic shutter built into the CCD imager, making it possible to capture blur-free, clear pictures of high speed moving objects.
b) Long term exposure
In addition to the high-speed shutter, the shutter speed can be manually selected from 1 to 14 frames (field mode) or 2 to 15 frames (frame mode) in 1-frame steps or from 0.1 to 0.5sec. as long term exposure mode.
c) Clear Scan
Clear Scan function eliminates the horizontal bands across the display screen appearing when shooting the computer display. This is caused by the different scanning frequency between videos and computers.
d) CCD IRIS
The CCD IRIS will automatically reduce the sensitivity of the camera by using the CCD electronic shutter function for a range of equivalent to 10 F stops (1/1024 times) when the level of incident light exceeds the auto iris adjustment range.

Colour shading compensation

The colour shading compensation function is very useful, when combined with microscopy adapters, especially.
Colour shading might occur on the TV monitor due to performance of TV lenses or optical adapters. By adjusting the volume on the screen menu, the colour shading is electronically compensated.

Enhanced functions: Strobe, Hyper gain, WEN, HD/VD output, RGB sync

a) Strobe function
The DXC-990/P/MD has strobe function like “Slave” mode of DXC-950 series, the camera synchronises with the timing of external trigger and they can output full frame image. When the video equipment is used in printing inspection or photo proof application, this function is useful for system integrators because build-up their system easily.
b) Hyper Gain
Hyper Gain means the electrical video gain, +30dB. This function is a convenient for shooting under extremely low-light situations.
c) WEN, HD/VD output
The DXC-990/P/MD can output WEN pulse and HD/VD signals.
The WEN pulse is available to connect a frame grabber board or the UP-50/P, colour video printer for Strobe function and Long Term Exposure function. Use of the WEN pulse allows you to capture full-frame still images easily.
And HD/VD signals are useful, when using a frame grabber board.
d) RGB sync
The DXC-990/P/MD have a mode that a sync signal is added not only for Green but also for each RGB output. This new function is convenient for inspection by each colour.

Full control of functions

The optional Camera adapter CMA-D3 / CE allows to remote control the functions of the camera up to 100 meters.
The DXC-990/P/MD is equipped with an RS-232C interface, which allows the camera to be remotely controlled from external equipment such as personal computer. We open the protocol for the DXC-990/P/MD to the public.

AE function (User defined light metering area, Selectable AE speed, Wide range)

The Auto Exposure is a very useful function, which controls the brightness automatically. The DXC-990/P/MD offers proper picture exposure even if incoming light exceeds the range of automatic iris control, by using exposure control in combination with Auto Iris, Automatic Gain Control (AGC) and CCD-IRIS (the application of variable shutter speeds).

Specifications