Acquiring Images in LabVIEW Using a USB Camera

Primary Software: LabVIEW Development Systems>>Professional Development System
Primary Software Version: 7.1
Primary Software Fixed Version: N/A
Secondary Software: N/A

Problem:
Can I acquire images in LabVIEW using a USB camera?

Solution:
Historically, National Instruments has provided a driver suitable for DCAM compliant FireWire cameras. Now, NI-IMAQ for USB Camera driver is available through National Instruments' Developer Exchange. It has greatly simplified the acquisition of images from USB cameras and other devices (see link below).

NI-IMAQ for USB Cameras is a free software driver for acquiring images from any DirectShow imaging device into LabVIEW. These devices include USB cameras, webcams, microscopes, scanners, and many consumer-grade imaging products. With the driver, users can configure their device, and acquire images into LabVIEW.

Listed below is information on the methods and software available to acquire images from either USB or FireWire cameras:

1. Using USB
   
   
   
   1. Download and install NI-IMAQ for USB Cameras (preferred method)
      
   2. Use a third party driver. Below are several popular sites from the discussion forums:
      
      1. http://www.cs.unc.edu/~parente/labview/index.shtml
         
      2. http://www.warwicktech.freeserve.co.uk/lvdownloads.html
         
      3. http://www.geocities.com/irene_he/IVision.html
         
      4. http://www.hytekautomation.com/Products/IVision.html
   3. Control and acquire data from the camera by calling the camera's .dll files.
      
   4. Write your own drivers for the camera using VISA. There are several helpful resources. Some of which are:
      
      1. The Programmers Guide to your USB device
         
      2. Using NI-VISA 3.0 to Control Your USB Device
         
      3. http://www.beyondlogic.org/usbnutshell/usb3.htm
   
   
2. Using Firewire
   
   
   
   1. National Instruments has a FireWire driver, NI-IMAQ for IEEE 1394 called Vision Acquisition Software, available for purchase for FireWire cameras. In order to work, the vision system must meet the following specifications:
      
      1. Camera
         
         1. Outputs 8-bit monochrome uncompressed, 16-bit monochrome uncompressed, YUV, or RGB video data
            
         2. Adheres to the IEEE-1394 standards for industrial digital cameras (IIDC v1.xx, also known as DCAM)
            
      2. Computer
         
         1. Windows 2000/XP and 98 (XP requires version 1.1 or later)
            
         2. IEEE-1394 board must have an OHCI chipset (Virtually all current 1394 boards do, but some older boards do not have this chipset).

Note: Many of the above links go to third party websites, which are not controlled in any way by National Instruments. The date this KB was written, all the sites were working and had relevant information.

Note: While NI-IMAQ for USB Cameras comes with complete documentation, it is not supported by National Instruments' Applications Engineers. Any support questions should be directed to other users through the NI Discussion Forums.

Related Links:
Developer Zone Example: NI-IMAQ for USB Cameras
Products & Services: Vision Acquisition Software
KnowledgeBase 1V9EHSU9: How Can I Tell If My IEEE 1394 (FireWire) Camera Is Supported by the NI-IMAQ for IEEE 1394 Driver?