MAX cannot find two usb cameras at same time

[JYang]

Hi,

I want to use two usb cameras (Thorlabs DCC 1545M) in NI-IMAQdx in Labview, but it can only find one camera (the one plugged in earlier), and also only one camera is shown in MAX. Both cameras works in the software from the manufacturer, and if I unplug the 1st camera, the 2nd will show up in MAX after a refresh. 

I found online that up to one camera is supported for each USB hub in Labview, and all USB ports in this computer are corresponding to a same hub. I don't know if this is causing the problem.

Actually I don't need to take picture in both cameras at the same time, a programmed switch between the two cameras will work for me. 

Any suggestion and comment will be appreciated.

[PatJamSim · Accepted solution]

Hello JYang,

According to this link, you can acquire from multiple USB cameras simultaneously.  The limitation is on the manufacturer and how they interface with the DirectShow bus.  When you are using two cameras of the same make and model, it is sometimes the case that not enough information is present for IMAQdx to distinguish between the two cameras.  When you switch the cameras in MAX, do they come in as different cameras, or do they show up virtually the same?

Since you said switching between them would work, I found an example that does just that.  Just make sure to give each camera a unique camera name.  Hopefully this will be useful for you.

Also, there is quite a bit of discussion on this topic available on the discussion forum already.  Check out these related threads, or use the Search box to search for more.  There is quite a lot of information available!

http://forums.ni.com/t5/LabVIEW/multiple-USB-cameras-in-Labview/m-p/833517

http://forums.ni.com/t5/Machine-Vision/two-USB-camera-identification/m-p/2193960

http://forums.ni.com/t5/Machine-Vision/Synchronized-capture-for-multiple-USB-cameras/td-p/1879647

http://forums.ni.com/t5/LabVIEW/Multiple-USB-Camera-Image-Acquisition-using-Vision-Acquisition/td-p/...

[JYang]

Hi PatJamSim,

Thank you for the response. I just figured out the problem. As you said it is due to the two camera is so similar that MAX treat them the same. I solved it by rename the camera in uc480 camera manager (the camera manager from manufacturer) and reinstall the driver after both cameras are plugged in.

Jie