Videoinputs

Videoinputs refer to interfaces that provide access to video capture hardware. In image acquisition contexts, such as MATLAB’s Image Acquisition Toolbox, videoinput (singular) is the primary object used to acquire frames from a device. The plural form videoinputs can denote multiple input devices or, informally, the collection of video input objects.

A video input object is created by selecting a software adaptor (driver), a device identifier, and a video format. Adaptor names correspond to hardware interfaces or drivers (for example, USB webcams or frame-grabbers), while formats specify resolution and color encoding. Once created, the object can be customized with properties such as the region of interest, frame rate, color space, and bits per pixel.

Acquisition can be driven in different modes. Frames may be captured continuously or in response to triggers. Exposure, gain, and other camera settings may be adjustable through the object's source properties. Data can be retrieved from the object using functions to obtain snapshots or stored frames, and the acquisition can be logged to memory or disk for later processing.

Advanced usage often involves event callbacks, enabling actions when frames are acquired, when a trigger fires, or when the acquisition ends. A live preview or GUI integration is common to monitor the feed. The object supports both synchronous and asynchronous operation, balancing latency and throughput to suit real-time vision tasks.

Hardware and software compatibility are important considerations. Support depends on the installed drivers, the sensing device, and the software toolbox used. Users must handle initialization, cleanup, and error conditions to ensure reliable operation across sessions.

See also: image acquisition, video capture, and the specific toolbox or library that provides video input support for the target platform.