Request for Assistance with Reading Cine Files from Phantom v2012 Camera

I'm writing this query because we recently changed the camera. We now capture using Phantom v2012 camera. We are now facing a difficulty in reading the cine files. The cine files are perfectly exported and visualized from the PCC software. Previously, we have used the CineReader(data.read) function to read cine files from other Phantom cameras, but this function does not seem to be working for the Phantom v2012 camera. Not wotking in the sense that, we can imshow the image, but it only displays a white image with grey spots here and there (image attached: problem.jpg). I have tried to troubleshoot the issue with codes in github but have not been successful so far.

Does anyone have any recommendations for how we can read cine files from the Phantom v2012 camera using the CineReader function or any other methods that might work? Or is there any exclusive reading methods as camera differs !

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing back.

Many Thanks

Answer 1

[Sivapriya Srinivasan]

Hello Awadesh,

If the CineReader function is not working for reading cine files from the Phantom v2012 camera, it is possible that the file format or compression used by the camera is not compatible with the function.

It is also possible that the issue is not with the file format or library, but with the specific cine file or camera settings used for the capture. In this case, you may need to consult the camera manufacturer's documentation or support resources

You can try implementing the following methods to read the cine files for the phantom v2012 camera

1)MATLAB's VideoReader: You can use MATLAB's built-in VideoReader function to read cine files captured by the Phantom v2012 camera. The VideoReader function supports a wide range of video formats, including AVI and MOV files, which are commonly used with Phantom cameras.

2)FFmpeg: FFmpeg is a popular open-source software for recording, converting, and streaming audio and video files. You can use FFmpeg's command-line interface to extract individual frames from the cine file and save them as image files in a variety of formats

3)Phantom Camera SDK: As mentioned before, the Phantom Camera SDK is a set of libraries and tools provided by the camera manufacturer to work with Phantom cameras. The SDK includes MATLAB functions for reading and processing cine files captured by the camera. You can download the SDK from the camera manufacturer's website and use its functions in your MATLAB code to read the cine file.

Yes, the method for reading cine files may vary depending on the camera model and the file format used by the camera. While some libraries and tools may support multiple camera models and file formats, others may have more limited compatibility.

In the case of the Phantom v2012 camera, the cine file format used by the camera is specific to Phantom cameras, and may require a specialized library or tool to read the files. The CineReader function, for example, is a function provided by Vision Research, the manufacturer of Phantom cameras, and is designed specifically for reading cine files from Phantom cameras.

Other libraries and tools, such as OpenCV, FFmpeg, or the Phantom Camera SDK, may also support reading cine files from Phantom cameras, but may require specific settings or configurations to ensure compatibility. It's important to consult the documentation or support resources for these tools to ensure that they are compatible with the specific camera model and file format you are working with.

In general, when working with a new camera or file format, it's important to research the available tools and libraries, and test different methods to ensure compatibility and accuracy.

You can also refer to this for further assistance :https://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/fileexchange/62219-reader-class-for-photron-mraw-files?s_tid=srchtitle

Hope this helps!

[Awadhesh]

Thank you so much for reply @Sivapriya Srinivasan.

Yes, you are right ! The file format and compression used by the camera was not compatible with the CineReader function as the files from Phantom Cameras were by default in 'log packed'. After reconverting to bpp (bits per pixel) format it worked.

Thanks again.

[Nick]

@Awadhesh I would love to see how you fixed this problem - I'm currently having the same problem as you did. I've tried bitshifting the image but it does not work. Please let me know!