Information and update page
Semi-Technical
Overview
Video Capture
Tutorial
Videoconference
Tutorial
Videoconference
Phone Book
Olympus
Digital Camera
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Topics Covered in This Section
- I'm not getting an image in the ComputerEyes window!
- It's asking me about an overlay mode, what's that?
- What's this about a frame buffer?
- Black and white boxes?
- How can I make the images look better?
- How can I make the image files smaller?
- My Eudora doesn't look like that!
- Where can I get more information?
- Okay, none of that stuff worked, what do I do now?
I'm not getting an image in the ComputerEyes window!
Some things to check:- Make sure that the camera is on and connected properly, as described in the setup section.
- Check to make sure that the ComputerEyes software is configured to receive data from
the S-Video port. To do this, select Setup from the Options menu, and if it is not already
selected, choose S-Video from the Video Source pop-up menu, as shown below.
It's asking me about an overlay mode, what's that?
The ComputerEyes software prefers to use something called an overlay mode to increase performance, but not all video cards can handle this. If it gives you this message, it means you need to turn the overlay mode off.To do this, go to the Control Panel, found under the Settings item in the Start menu. In the Control Panel, double-click on the item titled Multimedia. This will bring up a dialog box with tabs at the top. Click on the Advanced tab to get to the advanced settings, and click on the plus sign next to the Video Capture Devices item in the list. This should reveal an item for ComputerEyes/PCI Capture Driver, which you can double-click on. In the dialog that comes up there will be a button labeled Settings - click on it. Finally, you will get a dialog with the controls for overlay mode, which you should change to Disabled. You can then close all the windows you opened, making sure to select OK when it is an option; using Cancel or the close box will undo the changes you just made. You may need to restart for this to take effect.
If you're a bit confused by all this, there is a screenshot that might clarify things.
What's this about a frame buffer?
If the software asks you about scanning a frame buffer each time you start it, you can answer No and use the softeare normally. This won't hurt anything, but is a sign that you might need to get a newer version of the software and/or drivers (see below).Black and white boxes?
If the software asks you if you see black and white boxes (and if you in fact do), just click on Yes, and Yes again if it asks you about their shape. This should only happen the first time you run the software, or possibly after a version upgrade, but it should only happen once, and is nothing to be concerned about.
How can I make the images look better?
First, make sure that you are capturing the images at a sufficient resolution to see the specimen(s) clearly. You should also check the tips given in the capture section. Beyond that, experiment with the position and angle of the camera to the subject and lighting, using different light sources and backdrops, and so on. Experimentation and experience will lead to the best images.You can also try lowering the compression ratio that that JPEG algorithm uses on your image. JPEG compression uses what is known as "lossy" compression, which means that some information, usually details too small to be seen, is lost to allow the image to be made smaller. When you are saving the file and have selected JPEG compression, click on the Compression button and adjust the slider slightly towards Higher Quality. You shouldn't adjust this parameter very much, however, as the file size will start increasing quickly when the quality goes above a certain level.
How can I make the image files smaller?
It is best not to change the color settings on the ComputerEyes softeare, as this will interfere with the JPEG compression and result in unacceptable image quality. Overall, use the smallest capture size (in pixels) that will allow for important details to be seen. For more information, see the capture section.You can also try raising the compression ratio that that JPEG algorithm uses on your image. JPEG compression uses what is known as "lossy" compression, which means that some information, usually details too small to be seen, is lost to allow the image to be made smaller. When you are saving the file and have selected JPEG compression, click on the Compression button and adjust the slider towards Smaller File. How much you can adjust this parameter without the image quality becoming unacceptable is highly dependent on the image, so it is advisable to make small adjustments until you find the appropriate compression level.
My Eudora doesn't look like that!
You may have a different version of Eudora than the one used in this tutorial (Eudora Pro 3.0). Unfortunately, the different versions have substantial differences in their interfaces, so items may be called slightly different things or be located in different places. All of the recent versions of Eudora can attach images to messages, but the exact process may be a bit different. Consult with your user's manuals or check with the publisher, Qualcomm, about upgrading your version.
Where can I get more information?
Both Digital Vision and Qualcomm (who publishes Eudora) have web sites that may have useful information on them. It is not recommended that you upgrade drivers or software, however, unless you have some experience with such matters, as there are numerous intereactions between various hardware and software configurations that can cause problems which are very difficult to diagnose.
Okay, none of that stuff worked, what do I do now?
If none of the items above have helped, or if your problem isn't covered in this tutorial, you can send mail to jvandyk@iastate.edu for questions regarding the video capture system and softeare, or contact Extension tech support for general problems with your system.
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