Operator CreateBlankImage

Operator Library: Synchronization

This operator generates a blank binary image of the specified width and height. The operator does not require any input links. The output image width and height is specified using parameters ImageWidth and ImageHeight.

The operator will output the blank images at the maximum possible speed. Thus the output speed is only limited by the output link parallelism and the following operators. The VisualApplets flow control will limit the bandwidth if further operators cannot process the data rates produces by CreateBlankImage.

Often, this operator is used to test the functionality of an implementation without the need to connect a camera. Using operators such as Coordinate_x, Coordinate_y and ImageNumber, the operator can be used to generate test patterns. In conjunction with operator ImageValve the frame, line or pixel rate can be controlled.

The image dimensions of the generated images can only be changed when the acquisition is not running i.e. stopped.

In case of 1D application the ImageHeight parameter is ignored. In case of 0D application both ImageWidth and ImageHeight are ignored.

The operator can easily be used with the VisualApplets simulation. The operator generates simulation images itself. It is working as a simulation source. Therefore, it is not required to add a simulation source probe to the output link of the operator.

[Note] Behavior during simulation

The operator outputs at least one data set per simulation step. Depending on the current link configuration at the output port this data set is

  • a series of pixels in 0D mode. The amount of pixels is controlled via parameter PixelsToSimulate
  • a series of lines in 1D mode. The amount of lines is controlled via parameter LinesToSimulate
  • a series of frames in 2D mode. The amount of frames is controlled via parameter FramesToSimulate

The default value of those parameters is 1. Depending on the current link configuration at the output port only the relevant parameter is editable and the others are inactive. I.e., for 0D only PixelsToSimulate is editable while for 1D the parameters LinesToSimulate and ImageWidth are editable.

The operator guarantees image integrity while parameters ImageHeight or ImageWidth are changed during acquisition. After the completion of the current frame output the operator will start using the new parameter values.

I/O Properties

Property Value
Operator Type M
Output Link O, data output

Supported Link Format

Link Parameter Output Link O
Bit Width 1
Arithmetic unsigned
Parallelism any
Kernel Columns 1
Kernel Rows 1
Img Protocol {VALT_IMAGE2D, VALT_LINE1D, VALT_PIXEL0D}
Color Format VAF_GRAY
Color Flavor FL_NONE
Max. Img Width any
Max. Img Height any

Parameters

ImageWidth
Type dynamic/static read/write parameter
Default 1024
Range [0, Maximum Output Image Width], step size = output parallelism

Specifies the width of the generated images. This parameter is enabled only if the operator's output image protocol is set to VALT_IMAGE2D or VALT_LINE1D.

ImageHeight
Type dynamic/static read/write parameter
Default 1024
Range [1, Maximum Output Image Height]

Specifies the height of the generated images. This parameter is enabled only if the operator's output image protocol is set to VALT_IMAGE2D.

FramesToSimulate
Type static write parameter
Default 1
Range [1, 2^32 - 1]

If the output link image protocol is set to VALT_IMAGE2D, this parameter specifies the number of frames which are generated for a single simulation step. See 'Simulation' for more information on 2D simulations. This parameter can only be changed, if the output image protocol is set to VALT_IMAGE2D.

LinesToSimulate
Type static write parameter
Default 1
Range [1, 2^32 - 1]

If the output link image protocol is set to VALT_LINE1D, it is required to specify the number of lines for simulation. This parameter is used to specify the simulation image height. See 'Simulation' for more information on 1D simulations. This parameter can only be changed if the output image protocol is set to VALT_LINE1D.

PixelsToSimulate
Type static write parameter
Default 1
Range [1, 2^32 - 1], step size = output parallelism

If the output link image protocol is set to VALT_PIXEL0D, it is required to specify the size of the pixel stream for simulation. This parameter is used to specify the simulation pixel stream width. See 'Simulation' for more information on 0D simulations. This parameter can only be changed if the output image protocol is set to VALT_LINE0D.

Examples of Use

The use of operator CreateBlankImage is shown in the following examples: