Unable to Change a Camera Attribute in NI MAX and LabVIEW

Issue Details

I am connecting a camera to my development/deployment PC, and can see it in MAX/LabVIEW, however I do not see an option (attribute) for a certain parameter (such as frame rate). The camera's native software allows me to change the parameter.

How can I set or increase the parameter, such as frame rate on my camera in NI MAX or LabVIEW?

Solution

When a Vision camera connects to a host computer, the NI-IMAQdx driver retrieves the GenICam XML configuration file embedded in the camera's firmware and translates it into an Interface Control Document (.icd) file. This .icd file stores properties, available camera attributes, and default values such as frame rate and exposure.

If the camera was previously connected over a USB 2.0 port, or if default firmware parameters were loaded during the initial session, NI-IMAQdx generates and caches an .icd file that may restrict the maximum frame rate or hide certain camera attributes. 

To solve the issue, please follow the steps mentioned below:

1. Configure Camera Parameters: Open the camera's manufacturer software (e.g. IDS Peak, Basler Pylon) and adjust the parameters, such as frame rate, pixel format, and exposure parameters to your target values. Save these settings to the camera's internal user setup if supported by the hardware.
2. Close NI Sessions: Close NI MAX, LabVIEW, and any active applications that use the NI-IMAQdx driver.
   Disconnect Hardware: Disconnect the USB3 camera from the computer.
3. Locate and Remove Cached Files: Open File Explorer and navigate to: C:\Users\Public\Documents\National Instruments\NI-IMAQdx\Data. Delete the .icd file and .iid file associated with your camera model or serial number.
4. Reconnect Over USB 3.0: Ensure the camera is plugged directly into a USB 3.0 (SuperSpeed) port without passing through an unpowered USB hub.
5. Re-initialize Connection: Open NI MAX or your LabVIEW application. Upon connecting, NI-IMAQdx queries the camera, reads the updated configuration, and generates a fresh .icd file reflecting the updated default frame rate and attribute ranges.