Sharpness Indicator

The Sharpness Indicator feature helps you to focus your lens correctly. A visual display will show you when you have reached the optimum focus.

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How It Works

The Sharpness Indicator measures the sharpness in a section of the current image. This section is called the Sharpness ROI. You can adjust its size and position as desired.

To measure the sharpness, the Sharpness Indicator evaluates the edges in the image. An edge is perceived as sharp if there is a strong contrast in color or brightness or both. As a rule of thumb, a well-focused image has more sharp edges.

For best results when you're using the Sharpness Indicator to focus your camera lens, use a test chart rich in contrast, e.g., the ISO 12233 test chart.

Using the Sharpness Indicator to Focus a Lens

To open or close the Sharpness Indicator pane, click the Sharpness Indicator Icon icon in the toolbar.

Sharpness Indicator Pane

To focus your lens:

  1. Set up the camera in your environment.
    Ideally, use a test chart with high contrast and clearly-defined edges. The distance to the camera should be about the same as your intended target object/scene. Lighting conditions should also be similar as during actual working conditions.
  2. Open the Sharpness Indicator pane.
  3. Open the camera and start continuous image acquisition.
    An image pane opens with the sharpness ROI displayed in the center of the image.
  4. (Optional) Adjust the sharpness ROI if required.
    If you're not using a test chart but your actual target object/scene, you may want to focus on a particular area of the image or you may need a larger or smaller sharpness ROI.
    To return to the sharpness ROI to its original settings, right-click the image and choose Reset Sharpness ROI to Default.
  5. Turn the focus ring of your lens to its minimum and maximum positions once.
    You will notice how the display in the Sharpness Indicator pane changes.
  6. Slowly turn the focus ring until the Sharpness Indicator shows 100 %.

Tips

To achieve better results, try the following: