In November 2014, at the VISION 2014 conference in Stuttgart, early test applications featuring GenICam 3.0 were showcased. Since then, our third-party software partners have integrated our SVCams with GenICam and shared their findings.

Increased Functionality, Decreased Size

GenICam 3.0 is leaner than its predecessors by trimming redundant overhead, simplifying communication with or within embedded processors (like ARM architectures). The Transport Layer (GenTL) for virtual interfaces has been entirely revamped. New features include specialized pixel formatting for 3D applications.

GenICam: The Virtual Camera Interface

The GenICam standard provides essential functionality between camera interface drivers (e.g., Ethernet, USB) and application software. It enables seamless communication with SDKs from manufacturers like NI or MVTec by harmonizing control commands and data stream interpretations across different platforms.

What’s New in GenICam 3.0?

Despite being established back in 2004, the industrial vision market has evolved significantly since then. Originally focused on PC-based applications and not influenced by 3D imaging until version 2.4 (released early 2014), GenICam now addresses modern requirements.

Breakdown of GenICam Components and Changes

SFNC and GenApi

These core elements define specifications (GenApi) and standard camera feature names (SFNC). Version 3.0 expands supported features from nearly 8,000 in 2006 to over 18,000.

PFNC

This extension covers various pixel format conventions beyond RGB, including definitions for pixel location and positioning.

GenTL

GenICam 3.0’s Transport Layer overhaul responds to feedback from embedded developers who prioritize efficiency on ARM/Linux platforms. Data transfer sizes have been reduced by more than half.

SVCam GigE XML File Validation Challenges

SVS-VISTEK encountered issues with GenICam parser corruption when connecting to GigE Vision SVCams, despite the standard’s backward compatibility claims. The problem stemmed from filler bytes in XML files allowed but now causing problems—this was not an issue before.

Collaborating closely with NI helped identify solutions:

  • XML Files: All cameras ship with compliant GenICam 3.0 XML files.
  • Firmware Tool: A new tool automates removal of redundant filler bytes from XML.
  • Validation Tool: The SVCam GigE-Validation-Tool allows XML adaptation without firmware upload, eliminating risks to stored settings.

Find the SVCam GigE-Validation-Tool in the download section on the GigE Vision website. Contact us for any questions or concerns related to this topic.

Last Updated: 2025-09-05 03:59:33