Image Engineering iQ-Chart Box User Manual
- June 3, 2024
- Image Engineering
Table of Contents
iQ-Chart Box
iQ-Chart Box
User Manual 8. April 2022
Image Engineering GmbH & Co. KG · Im Gleisdreieck 5 · 50169 Kerpen · Germany T
+49 2273 99991-0 · F +49 2273 99991-10 · www.image-engineering.com
CONTENT
1 INTRODUCTION …………………………………………………………………………………………… 3
1.1 Conformity ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 3 1.2 Intended use
…………………………………………………………………………………………… 3
1.2.1 Departing from described setup………………………………………………………………3 1.2.2 USB
connection…………………………………………………………………………………..3
1.3 General safety information …………………………………………………………………………. 4
2 GETTING STARTED ……………………………………………………………………………………… 4
2.1 Scope of delivery……………………………………………………………………………………… 4
3 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS HARDWARE ……………………………………………………… 5
3.1 Overview display and ports ………………………………………………………………………… 5 3.2 Connecting
the hardware…………………………………………………………………………… 6 3.3
Illumination……………………………………………………………………………………………… 7
3.3.1 Calibration………………………………………………………………………………………….8
3.4 Charts……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 8
4 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS SOFTWARE ………………………………………………………. 8
4.1 Requirements………………………………………………………………………………………….. 9 4.2 Software
installation …………………………………………………………………………………. 9 4.3 Starting the
system…………………………………………………………………………………… 9
4.3.1 Spectrometer settings …………………………………………………………………………..9 4.3.2 Spectrometer
calibration ……………………………………………………………………….9 4.3.3 iQ-LED
calibration………………………………………………………………………………10
4.4 Low-intensity use……………………………………………………………………………………..10
5 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION …………………………………………………………………………11
5.1 Maintenance …………………………………………………………………………………………..11 5.2 Spectrometer
removal for calibration ……………………………………………………………11 5.3 Care instructions
……………………………………………………………………………………..12 5.4 Disposal
instructions…………………………………………………………………………………12
6 TECHNICAL DATA SHEET…………………………………………………………………………….12
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1 INTRODUCTION
Important information: Read the manual carefully before using the device.
Inappropriate utilization may cause damage to the device, to the DUT (device
under test), and/or other components of your setup. Keep these instructions in
a safe place and pass them on to any future user.
1.1 Conformity
We, Image Engineering GmbH & Co. KG, hereby declare that the iQ-Chart Box
corresponds to the essential requirements of the following EC directive in its
current version:
· Electromagnetic Compatibility – 2014/30/EU · RoHS 2 – 2011/65/EU · Low
Voltage – 2014/35/EU
1.2 Intended use
The iQ-Chart Box is the ultimate compact chart-based camera testing solution
with a flexible illumination source. The test charts (A460) can easily be
exchanged using a mechanical rail system, and due to the iQ-LED technology,
the light spectrum can be custom generated. It includes a micro spectrometer
and is controlled with the iQ-LED control software or via dip switches when
not connected to a PC.
· Only suitable for indoor use. · Place your system in a dry, constant
tempered environment without light interference. · The optimal ambient
temperature range is 22 to 26 degrees Celsius. The maximum
ambient temperature range is 18 to 28 degree Celsius. · The optimal system
temperature range, displayed in the software user interface, is
between 35 and 50 degrees Celsius. The system has internal temperature
management, if there is any error regarding the internal temperature, you will
get a warning message, and the system will automatically shut off to avoid any
damage.
1.2.1 Departing from described setup
The following steps must be performed in the correct chronology to allow
smooth commissioning. Departing from the chronology may lead to an incorrect
working device.
1. Install the iQ-LED software 2. Connect iQ-Chart Box to power and via USB
to the PC 3. Switch iQ-Chart Box on; the system drivers will now be installed
4. After drivers are installed completely, start the software
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1.2.2 USB connection
Only an appropriate USB connection allows error-free operation of the iQ-Chart
Box. Use delivered USB cables. If you need to extend the USB connection to
longer distances, please check if powered hubs/repeaters are necessary.
1.3 General safety information
WARNING!
Some LEDs emit invisible light in the IR and UV near area.
· Do not look directly into the emitted light or the optical LED system. · Do
not look directly in the open sphere or light source when using high
intensities or
sequences with low response time. · Do not open the device without
instructions from the Image Engineering support team
or when connected to the power supply.
2 GETTING STARTED
2.1 Scope of delivery
· iQ-Chart Box · Calibration device with spectrometer · Power cord USB cable ·
Control software · Calibration protocol
Optional equipment: · Rolling Cart · iQ-Trigger: The iQ-Trigger is a
mechanical finger that can press the release button within 100 ms. When
working with touchscreens, exchange the solid fingertip for a touch pen tip
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3 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS HARDWARE
3.1 Overview display and ports
· 1 x USB port for software control · 1 x port for power adapter · 1 x trigger
output
M3-SenkBohrung (A)
Ausbruch Front
M3-SenkBohrung (A)
M3-SenkBohrung (A)
Use the control panel to set different light settings for the iQ-LEDs and the
fluorescent tubes:
iQ-LED: · Use the “+” and “-” buttons to switch between 44 saved illuminants ·
The numerical display shows the storage of the illuminants · With the play and
stop button, you can start and stop a saved light sequence with different
illuminants (it is possible to save one sequence on the device) · Use the
power button to turn on and off the light
There are three pre-stored illuminants on your device (the intensity of each
illuminant is shown in the acceptance protocol of your device)
· 1: illuminant A (default illuminant) · 2: illuminant D50 · 3: illuminant D75
Note: To store your generated illuminants or sequences on your device, please
follow the iQ-LED SW user manual instructions.
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Wiring examples for the trigger output:
Trigger OUT wiring examples
The default duration value for the trigger output is 500 ms. This value can be
modified with the iQ-LED API. A signal is sent out to the trigger output while
changing the illuminates or the intensity of LED channels. It can be used to
synchronize your test setup. For example, with an iQ-Trigger (see 2.1 optional
equipment).
3.2 Connecting the hardware
1. Connect the power cord to the power supply on the back of the iQ-Chart
Box. 2. Connect the USB cable to the iQ-Chart Box and your PC. 3. Turn on the
iQ-Chart Box; the power switch is next to the power supply. 4. Connect the
spectrometer to the PC using the USB cable. The system will install the
spectrometer and iQ-LED drivers on your PC; this will take a few seconds. 5.
You can check the installation in your hardware manager.
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3.3 Illumination
Illumination devices
The iQ-Chart Box is equipped with the iQ-LED technology to illuminate test
charts. It can be controlled via software or small switches directly on the
device. Use the iQ-LED software to control the iQ-LED elements. For in-depth
information on how to use the iQ-LED software, please see the iQ-LED software
manual.
ND filter
The iQ-LED elements are on the right and left sides of the front part of the
iQ-Chart Box.
Both can be dimmed by a neutral density flap which will snap to magnetic parts
either in its opening position (ND filter not used) or if it’s closed (ND
filter covers light source).
The iQ-LED software allows you to set a compensation factor for the neutral
density filters. When using the ND filter flaps, read chapter 3.1.3,
“Compensation factors,” and set the factor as stated in the manual. The
neutral density filter covers the spectral range up to 680 nm.
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3.3.1 Calibration
Calibration device
Use the provided calibration device for iQ-LED calibration. Place the device
inside the iQ-Chart Box, as shown in the image above. Please note that the
test chart needs to be removed while calibrating the iQ-LEDs. The calibration
process is described in the iQ-LED user manual.
3.4 Charts
Chart exchange mechanism
The iQ-Chart Box is equipped with a chart holder which can be used for all
Image Engineering test charts in size A460. To exchange the test chart, use
the knob on the right side of the iQ-Chart Box and pull it slightly towards
the front. You can now easily exchange the test chart by lifting it slightly
to release it from the chart holder guide rail. Remove the current test chart
and put the new test chart in the chart holder. The ideal way to insert the
test chart is to hold it upright above the chart holder guide rail inside the
iQ-Chart Box. Lower it carefully into the chart holder and ensure it is fixed.
Use the knob again to move the chart to the back of the box and fix its
position.
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4 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS SOFTWARE
4.1 Requirements
· PC with Windows 7 (or higher) operating system · One free USB port
4.2 Software installation
Install the iQ-LED control software before connecting the hardware. Follow the
setup instructions from the iQ-LED control software manual.
4.3 Starting the system
Start the iQ-LED software by clicking the `iQ-LED.exe’ or the iQ-LED icon on
your desktop. Follow the iQ-LED software manual to control the iQ-Chart Box.
NOTE The iQ-LED devices can operate with high precision only when the set up
and calibration are performed correctly. Consult the iQ-LED software manual
for a comprehensive description, and read it carefully.
4.3.1 Spectrometer settings
The iQ-LED software (see iQ-LED software manual) automatically generates the
best spectrometer settings for your lighting conditions after pressing the
“auto-detect” button. For special applications, it is also possible to set the
spectrometer settings manually. If you have further questions, please contact
the Image Engineering support team.
4.3.2 Spectrometer calibration
Your spectrometer comes fully NIST traceable calibrated. We recommend
recalibrating the spectrometer yearly, regardless of the operating hours. If a
spectrometer calibration is required, please contact Image Engineering. Note:
Before removing the spectrometer, measure and note the lux value of a
predefined standard illuminant. After calibrating and reinstalling the
spectrometer to your system, perform a spectral calibration (iQLED
calibration) and check if this intensity value is still correct. If it is not
correct, you must perform a lux calibration.
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4.3.3 iQ-LED calibration
The individual LED lights inside the iQ-Chart Box depend on many different
types and wavelengths. Some LEDs will change their intensity level and peak
wavelength slightly in the first 500-600 working hours because of a burn-in
effect.
The LEDs will also degrade in intensity during their lifetime. To ensure that
all measurements including the auto-generated and standard illuminants are
correct, you must perform a spectral calibration regularly.
You must also consider the degradation of the LED when saving self-defined
presets. Suppose you save a preset with LED channels that uses its maximum
intensity. In that event, the possibility exists that this intensity cannot be
reached after the burn-in time or the long-time degradation of the LED. In
this case, you will get a warning message from the iQ-LED control software.
During the first 500-600 working hours, we recommend performing a spectral
calibration every 50 operating hours.
After the first 500-600 operating hours, a calibration of every 150 working
hours suffices.
Other factors that indicate the need for a spectral calibration are
unsatisfactory illuminant generation or the aberration of the intensity
values. In addition, a spectral curve does not fit with the predefined
standard illuminants of the corresponding preset.
· The spectrometer works correctly · The spectrometer settings are correct ·
All LED channels work correctly · The dark measurement is correct · Your
measurement environment is correct · Your ambient temperature is correct
How to perform the spectral calibration is described in the iQ-LED control
software manual.
4.4 Low-intensity use
When using your system with very low intensity, the spectral measurement
values will start to fluctuate. The lower the intensity, the higher the
fluctuation. The generated light is still stable up to a certain point. The
fluctuation of the values is caused by the noise of the spectral measurement
of the internal spectrometer. The light intensity will continue to get lower
when the influence of the noise continues to get higher. When using standard
illuminants with an intensity lower than 25 lx, obtaining a correct value will
no longer be possible.
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5 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
5.1 Maintenance
The spectrometer requires a recalibration yearly, regardless of the operating
hours. If a spectrometer calibration is necessary, please contact Image
Engineering. We can provide a temporary replacement spectrometer to bridge the
time gap while your spectrometer is recalibrated. Please contact us for more
information.
5.2 Spectrometer removal for calibration
Do NOT remove the fiber from the spectrometer. The spectrometer must be
calibrated with the fiber. A spectrometer without the fiber or cap may be
permanently damaged by dust.
· Please ship the spectrometer complete with the calibration device. · Remove
the spherical reflector by unscrewing the two holding screws. · Package the
whole calibration device in bubble wrap. · Put the device in a box and use
cushioning.
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5.3 Care instructions
· Do not touch, scratch, or pollute the diffuser. · If there is any dust on
the diffuser, clean it with an air blower. · Do not remove the fiber from the
spectrometer. Otherwise, the calibration is invalid, and
the spectrometer has to be recalibrated!
5.4 Disposal instructions
After the service life of iQ-Chart Box, it must be disposed of properly.
Electrical and electromechanical components are included in iQ-Chart Box.
Observe your national regulations and ensure that third parties cannot use iQ-
Chart Box after disposing of it. Contact Image Engineering if assistance for
disposal is required.
6 TECHNICAL DATA SHEET
See annex for the technical data sheet. It can also be downloaded from the
website of Image Engineering https://image-engineering.de/support/downloads.
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