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Generate First Image#

Prerequisite

To generate a first image with RadarImager, you need to configure the measurement parameters according to your mounting situation and find the correct layer of interest.

Strategy to generate a first image:

Step 1: Configure measurement parameters#

To configure the measurement parameters open the taskMeasurement.measurement.radarSystem node in the property grid.

taskMeasurement grid

Step 1.1: objectSpeedX#

The object speed must be measured with external tools and configured with the objectSpeedX parameter. For a first image with a visible object, it should be as precise as ±10mm/s.

Tip after generating first image

For a perfect resolution image, optimize the objectSpeedX parameter to a precision of ±1mm/s.

Step 1.2: objectLengthX and offsetDistanceX#

For a first image configure the parameter objectLengthX to the maximum possible value, in order to capture the object within the image.

Configure the offsetDistanceX parameter to 0mm to make sure the object is visible in the image.

Because of the high objectLengthX value, the image might be bigger than required:

Image title

Tip after generating first image

Optimize the objectLengthX and offsetDistanceX parameters to capture the object centered in the most suitable image length.

Step 1.3: distanceZToDeepestLayerOfInterest#

For a first image configure the parameter distanceZToDeepestLayerOfInterest to the maximum possible value, in order to capture the object within the image stack.

Tip after generating first image

Reduce the distanceZToDeepestLayerOfInterest parameter as much as possible to ensure maximum performance.

Step 1.4: reverseObjectMovementDirectionX#

If the object is not moving in the default movement direction, enable the reverseObjectMovementDirectionX parameter to be able to capture the object.

Image title

Step 1.5: useExternalTrigger#

Enable the useExternalTrigger parameter to trigger the RadarImager with an external trigger signal.

Tip

Disable the useExternalTrigger parameter at any time to ensure the currently captured image is not overwritten. Re-enable it to capture a new image.

Step 2: Generate the first image#

After the measurement parameters for the first image are correctly set, you can generate the first image. It is recommended to use a reference object.

Allow the object to pass completely under the RadarImager. The object should trigger an event, and subsequently, the first (blurry) image should be displayed.

taskMeasurement grid

Step 3: Find the correct layer of interest#

The RadarImager generates an image stack within the acquisition range, starting from a distance of 10cm. By default, the top layer of the image stack is displayed.

This step describes a strategy for selecting the best layer of the image stack using the imaging parameters in the taskImaging node.

taskImaging grid

Step 3.1: globalScale#

By default, each layer is normalized individually by the normalAbs.kind LAYER parameter. Set the normalAbs.kind parameter to GLOBAL to normalize all layers uniformly and find the layer of interest more easily.

Tip

The GLOBAL normalization kind is only recommended to find the layer of interest. Switch back to LAYER after finding the layer of interest to see the details of the other layers. For more details refer to the normalAbs.kind parameter description.

Tip after generating first image

For image processing and in productive environments, the normalization kind should be configured to PREDEFINED to ensure stable image quality. Refer to the Image Data Normalization guide for detailed information.

Step 3.2: layerSelection#

Navigate through the layers step by step by adjusting the layer index with layerSelection.indexedPositions parameter until the layer with the highest reflections is found.

taskMeasurement grid

Tip

For more information on how to navigate through the layers, refer to the 3D Image Layer Navigation guide.

Congratulations! You have generated the first image with the RadarImager.

Step 4: Optimize the configuration and image quality#

After generating the first image, familiarize yourself with the full parameter guides to achieve the best configuration for your requirements. Additionally, refer to the Optimize Image Quality chapter to improve image quality.