1. Is there an SDK available for the BigCatch cameras?
BigCatch camera ToupView software comes with an SDK and code samples. You can find all of these in the install directory.
SDK: C:\Program Files\ToupTek\toupcam\inc
Samples: C:\Program Files\ToupTek\toupcam\sample
For normal application development, pure DirectShow programming is sufficient. For advanced application development (such as camera control GUI customization), interfaces in toupcam.h are available. A how-to-use C++ source code sample is shipped with the software as well. Microsoft also provides several directshow source code samples in its Windows SDK directories (%WindowsSDKDir%\Samples\Multimedia\DirectShow\Capture\AMCap, DVApp and PlayCap).
For more information about DirectShow, please see Microsoft's MSDN:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd375454%28v=VS.85%29.aspx»
For more information about BigCatch cameras please contact:
sales@bigcatchusa.com»
2. What are the system requirements for my computer?
CPU: Equal to Intel Core2 2.8GHz or Higher
Microsoft® Windows® XP / Vista / 7 (32 & 64 bit)
Memory: 2GB or More
Hi-speed USB 2.0Port
CD-ROM drive
16-bit color display monitor or higher
21″ display monitor or higher (Recommended)
3. How to improve the image color quality for best results?
One-push White Balance
Setup > Video Source Properties > One-push
To get the most precise and consistent white balance results, adjust the white balance rectangle to a background region (where the color temperature of the illumination is reflected) and then click the One Push button. The size of the rectangle does not matter, but the area contained within the rectangle must be white.
4. How do I adjust image brightness and other settings?
To adjust camera brightness within ToupView:
Select "Setup" > "Video Source Properties" > "Color"
5. Which image file format should I use?
JPEG: Results in a smaller file size. Ideal for email or web site use.
BMP/TIFF: Larger file size/better quality. Ideal for printing or publishing.
PSD/EPS: CMYK true color images. Necessary if CMYK true color is required for printing for photo editing.
6. How do I increase the frame rate (fps)? - Windows
Optimize Image Settings for Frame Rate
1. Setup > Video Source Property > Exposure > Un-check Auto Exposure
2. Setup > Video Source Property > Exposure > Set Exposure Time to the minimum value that still produces an image with sufficient light
3. Setup > Video Source Property > Misc > Set Frame Speed Level to High
Lower the Image Resolution
1. Setup > Video Stream Format > Select Lower Resolution
Increase the Frame Rate without Disabling Auto-Exposure
Sufficient illumination is needed to provide short exposure times. If the frame rate seems slow, trying increasing illumination, for example, by using a fiber optic illuminator.