Overview

Bought in 2023.

The $200 CV camera is a global shutter camera with an advertized 40° diagonal field of view (FOV) 8mm rectilinear lens (smallest FOV available).

Product webpage: 1080P 2MP Global Shutter Color USB Camera Module YUY2 USB2.0 100fps MJPEG

• UCB543-GS-L8N

Specifications:

• Resolution: WUXGA (1920px x 1200px)

• Maximum frame rate: 100FPS (5FPS typical)

• Exposure: Automatic or manual

  • Default is automatic and is very aggressive in reducing exposure (images appear dark)

• Lens: 8mm rectilinear

• Connector: USB-A, USB 2.0 plug and play

Additional specifications found on manufacturer webpage.

Decision for purchase: 2022-2023 Camera Decision Matrix

Software

Usage

Plug the camera into a USB port of a computer.

The camera shows up as a camera device.

• Windows: Shows up as a camera in Device Manager

• Linux: Run the following command to see camera devices

  • v4l2-ctl --list-devices

Test the camera with Python (e.g. OpenCV: Getting Started with Videos ), an application on the computer, or a webcam testing website.

The focus distance can be changed by rotating the lens along the threads of the lens holder.

Hardware

Lens FOV

For 8mm lens ordered with sensor:

• Horizontal FOV: ~37.178° = ~0.64889rad

• Vertical FOV: ~23.742° = ~0.41438rad

Exact measurements below.

Note: There is some distortion in the lens (i.e. straight lines in the world appear slightly curved outwards).

Open

Example of observed distortion effect.

Measurement

Print and place square grid paper on flat surface.

• A grid on an electronic screen works as well.

Measure ratio of square side length to SI unit.

• 23squares : 13cm

Plug the camera into computer and display the video.

Point the camera perpendicularly to the grid and ensure that grid is aligned with the edges of the video frame.

Change the distance of the camera from the grid so that there is a whole number of squares from left edge to right edge of video frame. Record the count.

• 18squares width

Without moving the camera, measure the perpendicular distance from the grid to the closest end of the camera lens.

• 15cm to end of lens

Estimate the focal point of the lens.

• 2.5mm lens end length, focal point estimated halfway

Calculate the horizontal field of view:

1. Convert the horizontal distance to SI units:

   1. Horizontal distance in SI = Square count * (Square side length in SI units / Square side length in squares)

2. Convert perpendicular distance to the same units as the horizontal distance

3. Triangle ratio:

   1. Opposite over adjacent = Horizontal distance / 2 / Perpendicular distance

4. Get the angle:

   1. Angle = arctan(Opposite over adjacent)

5. Final answer:

   1. Horizontal field of view = Angle * 2

Calculate the vertical field of view:

1. Follow steps 1-3 of horizontal field of view

2. Multiply by ratio correction:

   1. Correction = Vertical resolution / Horizontal resolution

3. Follow steps 4-5 of horizontal field of view

Open

Pictorial diagram of measurement relationships.

Combined:

Electrical

Input voltage: 5VDC

Power: 160mA (800 mW )

Mechanical

Weight

• Default cable: 48 grams

• Camera and lens: 8 grams

Physical Dimensions

Translation:

• Through hole diameter 2.3mm (measured 2.5mm )

• Pad diameter 3.5mm

There is ~8.2mm from board to top of wire connector when the camera is plugged in (does not include wire attached to the connector). This can be reduced by removing the connector and soldering the wires directly to the board.

Ports and Wires

1 port on board opposite of lens direction. Wire continues in port direction (no bends or turns).

Operating Constraints

No operating constraints. Does not require active cooling.

Other

The lens holder is fixed focus adjustable S-mount (M12).

Reference Images