First pass at making pymba a pip installable module.

1) Moved all the source-code under a new folder "pyvimba".  Yes I changed the name.  Feel free to change it back
2) Added initial CHANGES.txt, MANIFEST.in, LICENSE, README.txt
3) Move opencv_example.py to "tests" directory

12 files changed, 1674 insertions, 0 deletions

diff --git a/pyvimba/__init__.py b/pyvimba/__init__.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..96a931e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/pyvimba/__init__.py
@@ -0,0 +1,4 @@
+# -*- coding: utf-8 -*-
+from vimba import Vimba
+from vimbaexception import VimbaException
+
diff --git a/pyvimba/tests/opencv_example.py b/pyvimba/tests/opencv_example.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..36b5108
--- /dev/null
+++ b/pyvimba/tests/opencv_example.py
@@ -0,0 +1,80 @@
+from vimba import *
+import numpy as np
+import cv2
+import time
+
+#very crude example, assumes your camera is PixelMode = BAYERRG8
+
+# start Vimba
+vimba = Vimba()
+vimba.startup()
+
+# get system object
+system = vimba.getSystem()
+
+# list available cameras (after enabling discovery for GigE cameras)
+if system.GeVTLIsPresent:
+    system.runFeatureCommand("GeVDiscoveryAllOnce")
+    time.sleep(0.2)
+cameraIds = vimba.getCameraIds()
+for cameraId in cameraIds:
+    print 'Camera ID:', cameraId
+
+# get and open a camera
+camera0 = vimba.getCamera(cameraIds[0])
+camera0.openCamera()
+
+# list camera features
+cameraFeatureNames = camera0.getFeatureNames()
+for name in cameraFeatureNames:
+    print 'Camera feature:', name
+
+# read info of a camera feature
+#featureInfo = camera0.getFeatureInfo('AcquisitionMode')
+#for field in featInfo.getFieldNames():
+#    print field, '--', getattr(featInfo, field)
+
+# get the value of a feature
+print camera0.AcquisitionMode
+
+# set the value of a feature
+camera0.AcquisitionMode = 'SingleFrame'
+
+# create new frames for the camera
+frame0 = camera0.getFrame()    # creates a frame
+frame1 = camera0.getFrame()    # creates a second frame
+
+# announce frame
+frame0.announceFrame()
+
+# capture a camera image
+count = 0
+while count < 10:
+    camera0.startCapture()
+    frame0.queueFrameCapture()
+    camera0.runFeatureCommand('AcquisitionStart')
+    camera0.runFeatureCommand('AcquisitionStop')
+    frame0.waitFrameCapture()
+    
+    # get image data...
+    imgData = frame0.getBufferByteData()
+    
+    moreUsefulImgData = np.ndarray(buffer = frame0.getBufferByteData(),
+                                   dtype = np.uint8,
+                                   shape = (frame0.height,
+                                            frame0.width,
+                                            1))
+    rgb = cv2.cvtColor(moreUsefulImgData, cv2.COLOR_BAYER_RG2RGB)
+    cv2.imwrite('foo{}.png'.format(count), rgb)
+    print "image {} saved".format(count)
+    count += 1
+    camera0.endCapture()
+# clean up after capture
+camera0.revokeAllFrames()
+
+# close camera
+camera0.closeCamera()
+
+# shutdown Vimba
+vimba.shutdown()
+
diff --git a/pyvimba/vimba.py b/pyvimba/vimba.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0add297
--- /dev/null
+++ b/pyvimba/vimba.py
@@ -0,0 +1,231 @@
+# -*- coding: utf-8 -*-
+import vimbastructure as structs
+from vimbadll import VimbaDLL
+from vimbaexception import VimbaException
+from vimbasystem import VimbaSystem
+from vimbacamera import VimbaCamera
+from vimbainterface import VimbaInterface
+from ctypes import *
+
+class Vimba(object):
+	"""
+	An Allied Vision Technology Vimba API.
+	This API provides access to AVT cameras.
+	"""
+	
+	# todo - assign camera info and feature info as own object proeprties
+	
+	def __init__(self):
+
+		# create own system singleton object
+		self._system = VimbaSystem()
+			
+		# lists of VimbaCameraInfo and VimbaInterfaceInfo objects
+		# can't be called before startup() so populate later
+		self._cameraInfos = None
+		self._interfaceInfos = None	
+		
+		# dict of {camera ID : VimbaCamera object} as we don't want to forget them
+		self._cameras = {}
+		
+		# dict of {interface ID : VimbaInterface object} as we don't want to forget them
+		self._interfaces = {}
+		
+	def _getInterfaceInfos(self):
+		"""
+		Gets interface info of all available interfaces.
+		
+		:returns: list -- interface info for available interfaces.
+		"""
+		if self._interfaceInfos is None:
+			# args
+			dummyInterfaceInfo = structs.VimbaInterfaceInfo()	 
+			numFound = c_uint32(-1)
+			
+			# call once just to get the number of interfaces
+			# Vimba DLL will return an error code
+			errorCode = VimbaDLL.interfacesList(byref(dummyInterfaceInfo),
+												0,
+												byref(numFound),
+												sizeof(dummyInterfaceInfo))
+			if errorCode != 0:
+				print errorCode
+				raise VimbaException(errorCode)
+			
+			numInterfaces = numFound.value
+			
+			# args
+			interfaceInfoArray = (structs.VimbaInterfaceInfo * numInterfaces)()
+		
+			# call again to get the features
+			# Vimba DLL will return an error code
+			errorCode = VimbaDLL.interfacesList(interfaceInfoArray,
+												numInterfaces,
+												byref(numFound),
+												sizeof(dummyInterfaceInfo))
+			if errorCode != 0:
+				raise VimbaException(errorCode)
+			self._interfaceInfos = list(interfaceInfo for interfaceInfo in interfaceInfoArray)
+		return self._interfaceInfos
+	
+	def _getCameraInfos(self):
+		"""
+		Gets camera info of all attached cameras.
+		
+		:returns: list -- camera info for available cameras.
+		"""
+		if self._cameraInfos is None:
+			# args
+			dummyCameraInfo = structs.VimbaCameraInfo()	 
+			numFound = c_uint32(-1)
+			
+			# call once just to get the number of cameras
+			# Vimba DLL will return an error code
+			errorCode = VimbaDLL.camerasList(byref(dummyCameraInfo),
+											 0,
+											 byref(numFound),
+											 sizeof(dummyCameraInfo))
+			if errorCode != 0:
+				print errorCode
+				raise VimbaException(errorCode)
+			
+			numCameras = numFound.value
+			
+			# args
+			cameraInfoArray = (structs.VimbaCameraInfo * numCameras)()
+		
+			# call again to get the features
+			# Vimba DLL will return an error code
+			errorCode = VimbaDLL.camerasList(cameraInfoArray,
+											 numCameras,
+											 byref(numFound),
+											 sizeof(dummyCameraInfo))
+			if errorCode != 0:
+				raise VimbaException(errorCode)
+			self._cameraInfos = list(camInfo for camInfo in cameraInfoArray)
+		return self._cameraInfos
+	
+	def getSystem(self):
+		"""
+		Gets system singleton object.
+				
+		:returns: VimbaSystem object -- the system singleton object.
+		"""
+		return self._system
+
+	def getInterfaceIds(self):
+		"""
+		Gets IDs of all available interfaces.
+		
+		:returns: list -- interface IDs for available interfaces.
+		"""
+		return list(interfaceInfo.interfaceIdString for interfaceInfo in self._getInterfaceInfos())
+
+	def getCameraIds(self):
+		"""
+		Gets IDs of all available cameras.
+		
+		:returns: list -- camera IDs for available cameras.
+		"""
+		return list(camInfo.cameraIdString for camInfo in self._getCameraInfos())
+
+	def getInterfaceInfo(self, interfaceId):
+		"""
+		Gets interface info object of specified interface.
+		
+		:param interfaceId: the ID of the interface object to get.
+		
+		:returns: VimbaInterfaceInfo object -- the interface info object specified.
+		"""
+		# don't do this live as we already have this info
+		# return info object if it exists
+		for interfaceInfo in self._getInterfaceInfos():
+			if interfaceInfo.interfaceIdString == interfaceId:
+				return interfaceInfo
+		# otherwise raise error
+		raise VimbaException(-54)
+
+	def getCameraInfo(self, cameraId):
+		"""
+		Gets camera info object of specified camera.
+		
+		:param cameraId: the ID of the camera object to get.
+		
+		:returns: VimbaCameraInfo object -- the camera info object specified.
+		"""
+		# don't do this live as we already have this info
+		# return info object if it exists
+		for camInfo in self._getCameraInfos():
+			if camInfo.cameraIdString == cameraId:
+				return camInfo
+		# otherwise raise error
+		raise VimbaException(-50)
+	
+	def getInterface(self, interfaceId):
+		"""
+		Gets interface object based on interface ID string. Will not recreate
+		interface object if it already exists.
+		
+		:param interfaceId: the ID of the interface.
+		
+		:returns: VimbaInterface object -- the interface object specified.		
+		"""
+		# check ID is valid
+		if interfaceId in self.getInterfaceIds():
+			# create it if it doesn't exist
+			if interfaceId not in self._interfaces:
+				self._interfaces[interfaceId] = VimbaInterface(interfaceId)
+			return self._interfaces[interfaceId]
+		raise VimbaException(-54)
+
+	def getCamera(self, cameraId):
+		"""
+		Gets camera object based on camera ID string. Will not recreate
+		camera object if it already exists.
+		
+		:param cameraId: the ID of the camera.
+		
+		:returns: VimbaCamera object -- the camera object specified.		
+		"""
+		# check ID is valid
+		if cameraId in self.getCameraIds():
+			# create it if it doesn't exist
+			if cameraId not in self._cameras:
+				self._cameras[cameraId] = VimbaCamera(cameraId)
+			return self._cameras[cameraId]
+		raise VimbaException(-50)
+
+	def getVersion(self):
+		"""
+		Retrieve the version number of VimbaC.
+		
+		:returns: string - Vimba API version info.
+		"""
+		# args
+		versionInfo = structs.VimbaVersion()
+		
+		# Vimba DLL will return an error code
+		errorCode = VimbaDLL.versionQuery(versionInfo,
+										  sizeof(versionInfo))
+		if errorCode != 0:
+			raise VimbaException(errorCode)
+		
+		versionStr = '.'.join([str(versionInfo.major),
+							   str(versionInfo.minor),
+							   str(versionInfo.patch)])
+		return versionStr
+		
+	def startup(self):
+		"""
+		Initialize the VimbaC API.
+		"""
+		# Vimba DLL will return an error code
+		errorCode = VimbaDLL.startup()
+		if errorCode != 0:
+			raise VimbaException(errorCode)
+		
+	def shutdown(self):
+		"""
+		Perform a shutdown on the API.
+		"""
+		VimbaDLL.shutdown()
diff --git a/pyvimba/vimbacamera.py b/pyvimba/vimbacamera.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..747eb4c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/pyvimba/vimbacamera.py
@@ -0,0 +1,124 @@
+# -*- coding: utf-8 -*-
+import vimbastructure as structs
+from vimbaobject import VimbaObject
+from vimbaexception import VimbaException
+from vimbaframe import VimbaFrame
+from vimbadll import VimbaDLL
+from ctypes import *
+
+# camera features are automatically readable as object attributes.
+class VimbaCamera(VimbaObject):
+	"""
+	A Vimba camera object. This class provides the minimal access
+	to Vimba functions required to control the camera.
+	"""
+	
+	@property
+	def cameraIdString(self):
+		return self._cameraIdString
+	
+	# own handle is inherited as self._handle
+	def __init__(self, cameraIdString):
+		
+		# call super constructor
+		super(VimbaCamera, self).__init__()
+		
+		# set ID
+		self._cameraIdString = cameraIdString
+		
+		# set own info
+		self._info = self._getInfo()
+		
+	def getInfo(self):
+		"""
+		Get info of the camera. Does not require
+		the camera to be opened.
+		
+		:returns: VimbaCameraInfo object -- camera information.
+		"""
+		return self._info
+	
+	def _getInfo(self):
+		"""
+		Get info of the camera. Does not require
+		the camera to be opened.
+		
+		:returns: VimbaCameraInfo object -- camera information.
+		"""
+		# args for Vimba call
+		cameraInfo = structs.VimbaCameraInfo()
+		
+		# Vimba DLL will return an error code
+		errorCode = VimbaDLL.cameraInfoQuery(self._cameraIdString,
+											 byref(cameraInfo),
+											 sizeof(cameraInfo))
+		if errorCode != 0:
+			raise VimbaException(errorCode)
+		
+		return cameraInfo
+	
+	def openCamera(self):
+		"""
+		Open the camera.
+		"""
+		# args for Vimba call
+		cameraAccessMode = 1	# full access (see VmbAccessModeType)
+
+		errorCode = VimbaDLL.cameraOpen(self._cameraIdString,
+										cameraAccessMode,
+										byref(self._handle))
+		if errorCode != 0:
+			raise VimbaException(errorCode)
+		
+	def closeCamera(self):
+		"""
+		Close the camera.
+		"""
+		errorCode = VimbaDLL.cameraClose(self._handle)
+		if errorCode != 0:
+			raise VimbaException(errorCode)
+		
+	def revokeAllFrames(self):
+		"""
+		Revoke all frames assigned to the camera.
+		"""
+		errorCode = VimbaDLL.frameRevokeAll(self._handle)
+		if errorCode != 0:
+			raise VimbaException(errorCode)
+
+	def startCapture(self):
+		"""
+		Prepare the API for incoming frames.
+		"""
+		errorCode = VimbaDLL.captureStart(self._handle)
+		if errorCode != 0:
+			raise VimbaException(errorCode)
+	
+	def endCapture(self):
+		"""
+		Stop the API from being able to receive frames.
+		"""
+		errorCode = VimbaDLL.captureEnd(self._handle)
+		if errorCode != 0:
+			raise VimbaException(errorCode)
+
+	def flushCaptureQueue(self):
+		"""
+		Flush the capture queue.
+		"""
+		errorCode = VimbaDLL.captureQueueFlush(self._handle)
+		if errorCode != 0:
+			raise VimbaException(errorCode)
+		
+	# method for easy frame creation
+	def getFrame(self):
+		"""
+		Creates and returns a new frame object. Multiple frames
+		per camera can therefore be returned.
+		
+		:returns: VimbaFrame object -- the new frame.
+		"""
+		return VimbaFrame(self)
+
+
+
diff --git a/pyvimba/vimbadll.py b/pyvimba/vimbadll.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f21f7f6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/pyvimba/vimbadll.py
@@ -0,0 +1,387 @@
+# -*- coding: utf-8 -*-
+import vimbastructure as structs
+from vimbaexception import VimbaException
+from sys import platform
+import os
+from ctypes import *
+
+if platform == "win32":
+	from ctypes.util import find_msvcrt
+	_cruntime = cdll.LoadLibrary(find_msvcrt())
+	vimbaC_path = r'C:\Program Files\Allied Vision Technologies\AVTVimba_1.2\VimbaC\Bin\Win32\VimbaC.dll'
+	dll_loader = windll
+else:
+	_cruntime = CDLL("libc.so.6")
+	dll_loader = cdll
+	assert os.environ.get("GENICAM_GENTL64_PATH"), "you need your GENICAM_GENTL64_PATH environment set.  Make sure you have Vimba installed, and you have loaded the /etc/profile.d/ scripts"
+	vimba_dir = "/".join(os.environ.get("GENICAM_GENTL64_PATH").split("/")[1:-3])
+	vimbaC_path = "/" + vimba_dir + "/VimbaC/DynamicLib/x86_64bit/libVimbaC.so"
+
+with open(vimbaC_path) as thefile:
+	pass #NJO i think this is kind of like an os.exists ?
+
+
+class VimbaDLL(object):
+	"""
+	ctypes directives to make the wrapper class work cleanly, 
+	talks to VimbaC.dll
+	"""
+	# a full list of Vimba API methods
+	# (only double dashed methods have been implemented so far)
+	#
+	# -- VmbVersionQuery()
+	#
+	# -- VmbStartup()
+	# -- VmbShutdown()
+	#
+	# -- VmbCamerasList()
+	# -- VmbCameraInfoQuery()
+	# -- VmbCameraOpen()
+	# -- VmbCameraClose()
+	#
+	# -- VmbFeaturesList()
+	# -- VmbFeatureInfoQuery()
+	# VmbFeatureListAffected()
+	# VmbFeatureListSelected()
+	# VmbFeatureAccessQuery()
+	#
+	# -- VmbFeatureIntGet()
+	# -- VmbFeatureIntSet()
+	# -- VmbFeatureIntRangeQuery()
+	# VmbFeatureIntIncrementQuery()
+	#
+	# -- VmbFeatureFloatGet()
+	# -- VmbFeatureFloatSet()
+	# -- VmbFeatureFloatRangeQuery()
+	#
+	# -- VmbFeatureEnumGet()
+	# -- VmbFeatureEnumSet()
+	# VmbFeatureEnumRangeQuery()
+	# VmbFeatureEnumIsAvailable()
+	# VmbFeatureEnumAsInt()
+	# VmbFeatureEnumAsString()
+	# VmbFeatureEnumEntryGet()
+	#
+	# -- VmbFeatureStringGet()
+	# -- VmbFeatureStringSet()
+	# VmbFeatureStringMaxlengthQuery()
+	#
+	# -- VmbFeatureBoolGet()
+	# -- VmbFeatureBoolSet()
+	#
+	# -- VmbFeatureCommandRun()
+	# VmbFeatureCommandIsDone()
+	#
+	# VmbFeatureRawGet()
+	# VmbFeatureRawSet()
+	# VmbFeatureRawLengthQuery()
+	#
+	# VmbFeatureInvalidationRegister()
+	# VmbFeatureInvalidationUnregister()
+	#
+	# -- VmbFrameAnnounce()
+	# -- VmbFrameRevoke()
+	# -- VmbFrameRevokeAll()
+	# -- VmbCaptureStart()
+	# -- VmbCaptureEnd()
+	# -- VmbCaptureFrameQueue()
+	# -- VmbCaptureFrameWait()
+	# -- VmbCaptureQueueFlush()
+	#
+	# -- VmbInterfacesList()
+	# -- VmbInterfaceOpen()
+	# -- VmbInterfaceClose()
+	#
+	# VmbAncillaryDataOpen()
+	# VmbAncillaryDataClose()
+	#
+	# VmbMemoryRead()
+	# VmbMemoryWrite()
+	# -- VmbRegistersRead()
+	# -- VmbRegistersWrite()
+	
+	# Vimba C API DLL
+
+	_vimbaDLL = dll_loader.LoadLibrary(vimbaC_path)
+	
+	# version query
+	versionQuery = _vimbaDLL.VmbVersionQuery
+	versionQuery.restype = c_int32									# returned error code
+	versionQuery.argtypes = (POINTER(structs.VimbaVersion),			# pointer to version structure
+							c_uint32)								# version structure size
+	
+	# startup
+	startup = _vimbaDLL.VmbStartup
+	startup.restype = c_int32										# returned error code
+	
+	# shutdown
+	shutdown = _vimbaDLL.VmbShutdown
+		
+	# list cameras
+	camerasList = _vimbaDLL.VmbCamerasList
+	camerasList.restype = c_int32									# returned error code
+	camerasList.argtypes = (POINTER(structs.VimbaCameraInfo),		# pointer to camera info structure
+							c_uint32,								# length of list
+							POINTER(c_uint32),						# pointer to number of cameras
+							c_uint32)								# camera info structure size
+	
+	# camera info query
+	cameraInfoQuery = _vimbaDLL.VmbCameraInfoQuery
+	cameraInfoQuery.restype = c_int32
+	cameraInfoQuery.argtypes = (c_char_p,							# camera unique id
+								POINTER(structs.VimbaCameraInfo),	# pointer to camera info structure
+								c_uint32)							# size of structure
+	
+	# camera open
+	cameraOpen = _vimbaDLL.VmbCameraOpen
+	cameraOpen.restype = c_int32									# returned error code
+	cameraOpen.argtypes = (c_char_p,								# camera unique id
+						   c_uint32,								# access mode
+						   c_void_p)								# camera handle, pointer to a pointer
+	
+	# camera close
+	cameraClose = _vimbaDLL.VmbCameraClose
+	cameraClose.restype = c_int32									# returned error code
+	cameraClose.argtypes = (c_void_p,)								# camera handle
+	
+	# list features
+	featuresList = _vimbaDLL.VmbFeaturesList
+	featuresList.restype = c_int32
+	featuresList.argtypes = (c_void_p,								# handle, in this case camera handle
+							 POINTER(structs.VimbaFeatureInfo),		# pointer to feature info structure
+							 c_uint32,								# list length
+							 POINTER(c_uint32),						# pointer to num features found
+							 c_uint32)								# feature info size
+	
+	# feature info query
+	featureInfoQuery = _vimbaDLL.VmbFeatureInfoQuery
+	featureInfoQuery.restype = c_int32
+	featureInfoQuery.argtypes = (c_void_p,							# handle, in this case camera handle
+								 c_char_p,							# name of feature
+								 POINTER(structs.VimbaFeatureInfo),	# pointer to feature info structure
+								 c_uint32)							# size of structure
+	
+	# get the int value of a feature
+	featureIntGet = _vimbaDLL.VmbFeatureIntGet
+	featureIntGet.restype = c_int32
+	featureIntGet.argtypes = (c_void_p,								# handle, in this case camera handle
+							  c_char_p,								# name of the feature
+							  POINTER(c_int64))						# value to get
+
+	# set the int value of a feature
+	featureIntSet = _vimbaDLL.VmbFeatureIntSet
+	featureIntSet.restype = c_int32
+	featureIntSet.argtypes = (c_void_p,								# handle, in this case camera handle
+							  c_char_p,								# name of the feature
+							  c_int64)								# value to set	# get the value of an integer feature
+		
+	# query the range of values of the feature
+	featureIntRangeQuery = _vimbaDLL.VmbFeatureIntRangeQuery
+	featureIntRangeQuery.restype = c_int32
+	featureIntRangeQuery.argtypes = (c_void_p,						# handle
+									 c_char_p,						# name of the feature
+									 POINTER(c_int64),				# min range
+									 POINTER(c_int64))				# max range
+	
+	# get the float value of a feature
+	featureFloatGet = _vimbaDLL.VmbFeatureFloatGet
+	featureFloatGet.restype = c_int32
+	featureFloatGet.argtypes = (c_void_p,							# handle, in this case camera handle
+								c_char_p,							# name of the feature
+								POINTER(c_double))					# value to get
+
+	# set the float value of a feature
+	featureFloatSet = _vimbaDLL.VmbFeatureFloatSet
+	featureFloatSet.restype = c_int32
+	featureFloatSet.argtypes = (c_void_p,							# handle, in this case camera handle
+								c_char_p,							# name of the feature
+								c_double)							# value to set
+
+	# query the range of values of the feature
+	featureFloatRangeQuery = _vimbaDLL.VmbFeatureFloatRangeQuery
+	featureFloatRangeQuery.restype = c_int32
+	featureFloatRangeQuery.argtypes = (c_void_p,					# handle
+									   c_char_p,					# name of the feature
+									   POINTER(c_double),			# min range
+									   POINTER(c_double))			# max range
+
+	# get the enum value of a feature
+	featureEnumGet = _vimbaDLL.VmbFeatureEnumGet
+	featureEnumGet.restype = c_int32
+	featureEnumGet.argtypes = (c_void_p,							# handle, in this case camera handle
+							   c_char_p,							# name of the feature
+							   POINTER(c_char_p))					# value to get
+
+	# set the enum value of a feature
+	featureEnumSet = _vimbaDLL.VmbFeatureEnumSet
+	featureEnumSet.restype = c_int32
+	featureEnumSet.argtypes = (c_void_p,							# handle, in this case camera handle
+							   c_char_p,							# name of the feature
+							   c_char_p)							# value to set
+
+	# get the string value of a feature
+	featureStringGet = _vimbaDLL.VmbFeatureStringGet
+	featureStringGet.restype = c_int32
+	featureStringGet.argtypes = (c_void_p,							# handle, in this case camera handle
+								 c_char_p,							# name of the feature
+								 c_char_p,							# string buffer to fill
+								 c_uint32,							# size of the input buffer
+								 POINTER(c_uint32))					# string buffer to fill
+
+	# set the string value of a feature
+	featureStringSet = _vimbaDLL.VmbFeatureStringSet
+	featureStringSet.restype = c_int32
+	featureStringSet.argtypes = (c_void_p,							# handle, in this case camera handle
+								 c_char_p,							# name of the feature
+								 c_char_p)							# value to set
+
+	# get the boolean value of a feature
+	featureBoolGet = _vimbaDLL.VmbFeatureBoolGet
+	featureBoolGet.restype = c_int32
+	featureBoolGet.argtypes = (c_void_p,							# handle, in this case camera handle
+							   c_char_p,							# name of the feature
+							   POINTER(c_bool))						# value to get
+
+	# set the boolean value of a feature
+	featureBoolSet = _vimbaDLL.VmbFeatureBoolSet
+	featureBoolSet.restype = c_int32
+	featureBoolSet.argtypes = (c_void_p,							# handle, in this case camera handle
+							   c_char_p,							# name of the feature
+							   c_bool)								# value to set
+
+	# run a feature command
+	featureCommandRun = _vimbaDLL.VmbFeatureCommandRun
+	featureCommandRun.restype = c_int32
+	featureCommandRun.argtypes = (c_void_p,							# handle for a module that exposes features
+								  c_char_p)							# name of the command feature
+
+	# announce frames to the API that may be queued for frame capturing later
+	frameAnnounce = _vimbaDLL.VmbFrameAnnounce
+	frameAnnounce.restype = c_int32
+	frameAnnounce.argtypes = (c_void_p,								# camera handle
+							  POINTER(structs.VimbaFrame),			# pointer to frame
+							  c_uint32)								# size of frame
+	
+	# revoke a frame from the API
+	frameRevoke = _vimbaDLL.VmbFrameRevoke
+	frameRevoke.restype = c_int32
+	frameRevoke.argtypes = (c_void_p,								# camera handle
+							POINTER(structs.VimbaFrame))			# pointer to frame
+	
+	# revoke all frames assigned to a certain camera
+	frameRevokeAll = _vimbaDLL.VmbFrameRevokeAll
+	frameRevokeAll.restype = c_int32
+	frameRevokeAll.argtypes = (c_void_p,)							# camera handle
+	
+	# prepare the API for incoming frames
+	captureStart = _vimbaDLL.VmbCaptureStart
+	captureStart.restype = c_int32
+	captureStart.argtypes = (c_void_p,)								# camera handle
+	
+	# stop the API from being able to receive frames
+	captureEnd = _vimbaDLL.VmbCaptureEnd
+	captureEnd.restype = c_int32
+	captureEnd.argtypes = (c_void_p,)								# camera handle
+	
+	# queue frames that may be filled during frame capturing
+	captureFrameQueue = _vimbaDLL.VmbCaptureFrameQueue
+	captureFrameQueue.restype = c_int32
+	captureFrameQueue.argtypes = (c_void_p,
+								  POINTER(structs.VimbaFrame),
+								  c_void_p)							# callback
+	
+	# wait for a queued frame to be filled (or dequeued)
+	captureFrameWait = _vimbaDLL.VmbCaptureFrameWait
+	captureFrameWait.restype = c_int32
+	captureFrameWait.argtypes = (c_void_p,							# camera handle
+								 POINTER(structs.VimbaFrame),
+								 c_uint32)							# timeout
+		
+	# flush the capture queue
+	captureQueueFlush = _vimbaDLL.VmbCaptureQueueFlush
+	captureQueueFlush.restype = c_int32
+	captureQueueFlush.argtypes = (c_void_p,)						# camera handle
+	
+	# list interfaces
+	interfacesList = _vimbaDLL.VmbInterfacesList
+	interfacesList.restype = c_int32
+	interfacesList.argtypes = (POINTER(structs.VimbaInterfaceInfo),		# pointer to interface info structure
+							   c_uint32,								# length of list
+							   POINTER(c_uint32),						# pointer to number of interfaces
+							   c_uint32)	
+	
+	# open interface
+	interfaceOpen = _vimbaDLL.VmbInterfaceOpen
+	interfaceOpen.restype = c_int32
+	interfaceOpen.argtypes = (c_char_p,								# unique id
+							  c_void_p)								# handle
+	
+	# close interface
+	interfaceClose = _vimbaDLL.VmbInterfaceClose
+	interfaceClose.restype = c_int32
+	interfaceClose.argtypes = (c_void_p,)							# handle
+	
+	# read from register
+	registersRead = _vimbaDLL.VmbRegistersRead
+	registersRead.restype = c_int32
+	registersRead.argtypes = (c_void_p,								# handle
+							  c_uint32,								# read count
+							  POINTER(c_uint64),					# pointer to address array
+							  POINTER(c_uint64),					# pointer to data array
+							  POINTER(c_uint32))					# pointer to num complete reads
+	
+	# write to register
+	registersWrite = _vimbaDLL.VmbRegistersWrite
+	registersWrite.restype = c_int32
+	registersWrite.argtypes = (c_void_p,							# handle
+							   c_uint32,							# write count
+							   POINTER(c_uint64),					# pointer to address array
+							   POINTER(c_uint64),					# pointer to data array
+							   POINTER(c_uint32))					# pointer to num complete write
+	
+	
+class VimbaC_MemoryBlock(object):
+	"""
+	Just a memory block object for dealing
+	neatly with C memory allocations.
+	"""
+	
+	# C runtime DLL
+	_crtDLL = _cruntime
+	
+	@property
+	def block(self):
+		return self._block
+		
+	def __init__(self, blockSize):
+
+		# assign memory block		
+		malloc = self._crtDLL.malloc
+		malloc.argtypes = (c_size_t,)
+		malloc.restype = c_void_p
+		self._block = malloc(blockSize)		# todo check for NULL on failure
+		
+		# this seems to be None if too much memory is requested
+		if self._block is None:
+			raise VimbaException(-51)
+
+	def __del__(self):
+		
+		# free memory block
+		free = self._crtDLL.free
+		free.argtypes = (c_void_p,)
+		free.restype = None
+		free(self._block)
+
+	
+	
+	
+	
+	
+	
+	
+	
+	
+	
+	
+	
diff --git a/pyvimba/vimbaexception.py b/pyvimba/vimbaexception.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..034f194
--- /dev/null
+++ b/pyvimba/vimbaexception.py
@@ -0,0 +1,63 @@
+# -*- coding: utf-8 -*-
+import exceptions
+
+class VimbaException(Exception):
+	"""
+	An exception for the AVT Vimba API. It contains a message
+	property which is a string indicating what went wrong.
+	
+	:param errorCode: Error code to be used to look up error message.
+	"""
+
+	@property
+	def message(self):
+		return self._errorCodes[self.errorCode]
+			
+	@property
+	def errorCode(self):
+		return self._errorCode
+
+	_errorCodes = { # Vimba C API specific errors
+					 0: 	'No error.',
+					-1: 	'Unexpected fault in VimbaC or driver.',
+					-2: 	'VmbStartup() was not called before the current command.',
+					-3: 	'The designated instance (camera, feature etc.) cannot be found.',
+					-4: 	'The given handle is not valid, ensure device open.',
+					-5: 	'Device was not opened for usage.',
+					-6: 	'Operation is invalid with the current access mode.',
+					-7: 	'One of the parameters was invalid (usually an illegal pointer).',
+					-8: 	'The given struct size is not valid for this version of the API.',
+					-9: 	'More data was returned in a string/list than space was provided.',
+					-10:    'The feature type for this access function was wrong.',
+					-11:    'The value was not valid; either out of bounds or not an increment of the minimum.',
+					-12:    'Timeout during wait.',
+					-13:    'Other error.',
+					-14:    'Resources not available (e.g. memory).',
+					-15:    'Call is invalid in the current context (e.g. callback).',
+					-16:    'No transport layers were found.',
+					-17:    'API feature is not implemented.',
+					-18:   	'API feature is not supported.',
+					-19:    'A multiple registers read or write was partially completed.',
+					
+					# Custom errors
+					-50:	'Could not find the specified camera.',
+					-51:	'Not enough memory to assign frame buffer.',
+					-52:	'Invalid input.',
+					-53:	'Could not find the specified feature.',
+					-54:	'Could not find the specified interface.',
+					
+					# Miscellaneous errors					
+					-1000:	'Oops, unknown internal error code!',
+					-1001:	'Oops, this VimbaFeature function is not yet implemented in pymba!'}
+	
+	def __init__(self, errorCode):
+		# if error code does not match expected codes then assign invalid code
+		if errorCode in self._errorCodes:
+			self._errorCode = errorCode
+		else:
+			self._errorCode = -1000
+		
+	
+
+
+
diff --git a/pyvimba/vimbafeature.py b/pyvimba/vimbafeature.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c1d7e60
--- /dev/null
+++ b/pyvimba/vimbafeature.py
@@ -0,0 +1,321 @@
+# -*- coding: utf-8 -*-
+import vimbastructure as structs
+from vimbaexception import VimbaException
+from vimbadll import VimbaDLL
+from ctypes import *
+
+# class may extend a generic Vimba entity class one day...
+class VimbaFeature(object):
+	"""
+	A feature of a Vimba object.
+	"""
+	
+	@property
+	def name(self):
+		return self._name
+	
+	@property
+	def handle(self):
+		return self._handle
+	
+	# lookup relevant function for feature type and pass to that function
+	@property
+	def value(self):
+		return self._getSetTypeFuncs[self._info.featureDataType][0]()
+	@value.setter
+	def value(self, val):
+		self._getSetTypeFuncs[self._info.featureDataType][1](val)
+	
+	@property
+	def range(self):
+		return self._rangeQueryTypeFuncs[self._info.featureDataType]()
+	
+	def __init__(self, name, handle):
+		
+		# set name and handle		
+		self._name = name
+		self._handle = handle
+
+		# set own info
+		self._info = self._getInfo()
+
+		# type functions dict for looking up correct get/set function to use
+		self._getSetTypeFuncs = {0 : (self._notYetImplemented, self._notYetImplemented),		# todo
+								 1 : (self._getIntFeature, self._setIntFeature),
+								 2 : (self._getFloatFeature, self._setFloatFeature),
+								 3 : (self._getEnumFeature, self._setEnumFeature),
+								 4 : (self._getStringFeature, self._setStringFeature),
+								 5 : (self._getBoolFeature, self._setBoolFeature),
+								 6 : (self._notYetImplemented, self._notYetImplemented),		# todo
+								 7 : (self._notYetImplemented, self._notYetImplemented),		# todo
+								 8 : (self._notYetImplemented, self._notYetImplemented)}		# todo
+		
+		# type functions dict for looking up correct range function to use
+		self._rangeQueryTypeFuncs =  {0 : self._unknownRange,
+									  1 : self._rangeQueryIntFeature,
+									  2 : self._rangeQueryFloatFeature,
+									  3 : self._unknownRange,
+									  4 : self._unknownRange,
+									  5 : self._unknownRange,
+									  6 : self._unknownRange,
+									  7 : self._unknownRange,
+									  8 : self._unknownRange}
+	
+	def getInfo(self):
+		"""
+		Get info of the feature.
+		
+		:returns: VimbaFeatureInfo object -- feature information..
+		"""
+		return self._info
+		
+	def _getInfo(self):
+		"""
+		Get info of the feature.
+		
+		:returns: VimbaFeatureInfo object -- feature information..
+		"""
+		# args for Vimba call
+		featureInfo = structs.VimbaFeatureInfo()
+		
+		# Vimba DLL will return an error code
+		errorCode = VimbaDLL.featureInfoQuery(self._handle,
+											  self._name,
+											  byref(featureInfo),
+											  sizeof(featureInfo))
+		if errorCode != 0:
+			raise VimbaException(errorCode)
+		
+		return featureInfo
+				
+	def _notYetImplemented(self, val = None):
+		"""
+		Raises exception if feature value type is not yet defined.
+		"""
+		raise VimbaException(-1001)
+
+	def _getIntFeature(self):
+		"""
+		Get the value of an integer feature.
+		
+		:returns: int -- value of the specified feature.
+		"""
+		
+		# create args
+		valueToGet = c_int64()
+		
+		errorCode = VimbaDLL.featureIntGet(self._handle,
+										   self._name,
+										   byref(valueToGet))
+		if errorCode != 0:
+			raise VimbaException(errorCode)
+	
+		return valueToGet.value
+	
+	def _setIntFeature(self, valueToSet):
+		"""
+		Set the value of an integer feature.
+		
+		:param valueToSet: the int value to set for the feature.
+		"""
+			
+		errorCode = VimbaDLL.featureIntSet(self._handle,
+										   self._name,
+										   valueToSet)
+		if errorCode != 0:
+			raise VimbaException(errorCode)
+			
+	def _getFloatFeature(self):
+		"""
+		Get the value of a float feature.
+		
+		:returns: float -- value of the specified feature.
+		"""
+		
+		# create args
+		valueToGet = c_double()
+		
+		errorCode = VimbaDLL.featureFloatGet(self._handle,
+											 self._name,
+											 byref(valueToGet))
+		if errorCode != 0:
+			raise VimbaException(errorCode)
+	
+		return valueToGet.value
+	
+	def _setFloatFeature(self, valueToSet):
+		"""
+		Set the value of a float feature.
+		
+		:param valueToSet: the float value to set for the feature.
+		"""
+		
+		errorCode = VimbaDLL.featureFloatSet(self._handle,
+											 self._name,
+											 valueToSet)
+		if errorCode != 0:
+			raise VimbaException(errorCode)
+
+	def _getEnumFeature(self):
+		"""
+		Get the value of an enum feature.
+		
+		:returns: enum -- value of the specified feature.
+		"""
+		
+		# create args
+		valueToGet = c_char_p()
+		
+		errorCode = VimbaDLL.featureEnumGet(self._handle,
+											self._name,
+											byref(valueToGet))
+		if errorCode != 0:
+			raise VimbaException(errorCode)
+	
+		return valueToGet.value
+	
+	def _setEnumFeature(self, valueToSet):
+		"""
+		Set the value of an enum feature.
+		
+		:param valueToSet: the enum value to set for the feature.
+		"""
+		
+		errorCode = VimbaDLL.featureEnumSet(self._handle,
+											self._name,
+											valueToSet)
+		if errorCode != 0:
+			raise VimbaException(errorCode)
+		
+	def _getStringFeature(self):
+		"""
+		Get the value of a string feature.
+		
+		:returns: string -- value of the specified feature.
+		"""
+		
+		# create args
+		bufferSize = 256
+		valueToGet = create_string_buffer('\000' * bufferSize)
+		sizeFilled = c_uint32()
+		
+		errorCode = VimbaDLL.featureStringGet(self._handle,
+											  self._name,
+											  valueToGet,
+											  bufferSize,
+											  byref(sizeFilled))
+		if errorCode != 0:
+			raise VimbaException(errorCode)
+	
+		return valueToGet.value
+	
+	def _setStringFeature(self, valueToSet):
+		"""
+		Set the value of a string feature.
+		
+		:param valueToSet: the string value to set for the feature.
+		"""
+		
+		errorCode = VimbaDLL.featureStringSet(self._handle,
+											  self._name,
+											  valueToSet)
+		if errorCode != 0:
+			raise VimbaException(errorCode)
+
+	def _getBoolFeature(self):
+		"""
+		Get the value of a bool feature.
+		
+		:returns: bool -- value of the specified feature.
+		"""
+		
+		# create args
+		valueToGet = c_bool()
+		
+		errorCode = VimbaDLL.featureBoolGet(self._handle,
+											self._name,
+											byref(valueToGet))
+		if errorCode != 0:
+			raise VimbaException(errorCode)
+	
+		return valueToGet.value
+	
+	def _setBoolFeature(self, valueToSet):
+		"""
+		Set the value of a bool feature.
+		
+		:param valueToSet: the bool value to set for the feature.
+		"""
+		
+		errorCode = VimbaDLL.featureBoolSet(self._handle,
+											self._name,
+											valueToSet)
+		if errorCode != 0:
+			raise VimbaException(errorCode)
+	
+	def _unknownRange(self):
+		"""
+		Returns empty for ranges that have not been implemented.
+		"""
+		return ''
+
+	def _rangeQueryIntFeature(self):
+		"""
+		Get the range of an int feature.
+		
+		:returns: tuple -- min and max range.
+		"""
+		
+		# create args
+		minToGet = c_int64()
+		maxToGet = c_int64()
+		
+		errorCode = VimbaDLL.featureIntRangeQuery(self._handle,
+												  self._name,
+												  byref(minToGet),
+												  byref(maxToGet))
+		if errorCode != 0:
+			raise VimbaException(errorCode)
+		
+		return (int(str(minToGet.value)), int(str(maxToGet.value)))
+	
+	def _rangeQueryFloatFeature(self):
+		"""
+		Get the range of a float feature.
+		
+		:returns: tuple -- min and max range.
+		"""
+		
+		# create args
+		minToGet = c_double()
+		maxToGet = c_double()
+		
+		errorCode = VimbaDLL.featureFloatRangeQuery(self._handle,
+													self._name,
+													byref(minToGet),
+													byref(maxToGet))
+		if errorCode != 0:
+			raise VimbaException(errorCode)
+		
+		return (minToGet.value, maxToGet.value)
+	
+	#def _rangeQueryEnumFeature(self):
+	#	"""
+	#	Get the range of an enum feature.
+	#	
+	#	:returns: tuple -- min and max range.
+	#	"""
+	#	
+	#	# create args
+	#	minToGet = c_uint32()
+	#	maxToGet = c_uint32()
+	#	
+	#	errorCode = VimbaDLL.featureEnumRangeQuery(self._handle,
+	#											   self._name,
+	#											   byref(minToGet),
+	#											   byref(maxToGet))
+	#	if errorCode != 0:
+	#		raise VimbaException(errorCode)
+	#	
+	#	return (minToGet.value, maxToGet.value)
+	
diff --git a/pyvimba/vimbaframe.py b/pyvimba/vimbaframe.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e97360e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/pyvimba/vimbaframe.py
@@ -0,0 +1,89 @@
+# -*- coding: utf-8 -*-
+import vimbastructure as structs
+from vimbaexception import VimbaException
+from vimbadll import VimbaDLL
+from vimbadll import VimbaC_MemoryBlock
+from ctypes import *
+
+class VimbaFrame(object):
+	"""
+	A Vimba frame.
+	"""
+	def __init__(self, camera):
+		self._camera = camera
+		self._handle = camera.handle
+		
+		# get frame sizes
+		self.payloadSize = self._camera.PayloadSize
+		self.width = self._camera.Width
+		self.height = self._camera.Height
+
+		# frame structure
+		self._frame = structs.VimbaFrame()
+		
+	def announceFrame(self):
+		"""
+		Announce frames to the API that may be queued for frame capturing later.
+		"""
+		# size of expected frame
+		sizeOfFrame = self.payloadSize
+		
+		# keep this reference to keep block alive for life of frame
+		self._cMem = VimbaC_MemoryBlock(sizeOfFrame)
+		# set buffer to have length of expected payload size
+		self._frame.buffer = self._cMem.block
+		
+		# set buffer size to expected payload size
+		self._frame.bufferSize = sizeOfFrame
+		
+		errorCode = VimbaDLL.frameAnnounce(self._handle,
+										   byref(self._frame),
+										   sizeof(self._frame))
+		if errorCode != 0:
+			raise VimbaException(errorCode)
+
+	def revokeFrame(self):
+		"""
+		Revoke a frame from the API.
+		"""
+		errorCode = VimbaDLL.frameRevoke(self._handle,
+										 byref(self._frame))
+		if errorCode != 0:
+			raise VimbaException(errorCode)
+	
+	def queueFrameCapture(self):
+		"""
+		Queue frames that may be filled during frame capturing.
+		"""
+		errorCode = VimbaDLL.captureFrameQueue(self._handle,
+											   byref(self._frame),
+											   None)	# callback not implemented, callback example in pico?
+		if errorCode != 0:
+			raise VimbaException(errorCode)
+	
+	def waitFrameCapture(self, timeout = 2000):
+		"""
+		Wait for a queued frame to be filled (or dequeued).
+		"""
+		errorCode = VimbaDLL.captureFrameWait(self._handle,
+											  byref(self._frame),
+											  timeout)
+		if errorCode != 0:
+			raise VimbaException(errorCode)	
+
+	# custom method for simplified usage
+	def getBufferByteData(self):
+		"""
+		Retrieve buffer data in a useful format.
+		
+		:returns: array -- buffer data.
+		"""
+		
+		# cast frame buffer memory contents to a usable type
+		data = cast(self._frame.buffer,
+					POINTER(c_ubyte * self.payloadSize))
+		
+		# make array of c_ubytes from buffer
+		array = (c_ubyte * self.height * self.width).from_address(addressof(data.contents))
+		
+		return array
diff --git a/pyvimba/vimbainterface.py b/pyvimba/vimbainterface.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..03a5f80
--- /dev/null
+++ b/pyvimba/vimbainterface.py
@@ -0,0 +1,44 @@
+# -*- coding: utf-8 -*-
+import vimbastructure as structs
+from vimbaobject import VimbaObject
+from vimbaexception import VimbaException
+from vimbadll import VimbaDLL
+from ctypes import *
+
+# interface features are automatically readable as object attributes.
+class VimbaInterface(VimbaObject):
+	"""
+	A Vimba interface object. This class provides the minimal access
+	to Vimba functions required to control the interface.
+	"""
+	
+	@property
+	def interfaceIdString(self):
+		return self._interfaceIdString
+	
+	# own handle is inherited as self._handle
+	def __init__(self, interfaceIdString):
+		
+		# call super constructor
+		super(VimbaInterface, self).__init__()
+		
+		# set ID
+		self._interfaceIdString = interfaceIdString
+		
+	def openInterface(self):
+		"""
+		Open the interface.
+		"""
+		errorCode = VimbaDLL.interfaceOpen(self._interfaceIdString,
+										   byref(self._handle))
+		if errorCode != 0:
+			raise VimbaException(errorCode)
+		
+	def closeInterface(self):
+		"""
+		Close the interface.
+		"""
+		errorCode = VimbaDLL.interfaceClose(self._handle)
+		if errorCode != 0:
+			raise VimbaException(errorCode)
+		
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/pyvimba/vimbaobject.py b/pyvimba/vimbaobject.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8e2f812
--- /dev/null
+++ b/pyvimba/vimbaobject.py
@@ -0,0 +1,213 @@
+# -*- coding: utf-8 -*-
+import vimbastructure as structs
+from vimbaexception import VimbaException
+from vimbafeature import VimbaFeature
+from vimbadll import VimbaDLL
+from ctypes import *
+
+class VimbaObject(object):
+	"""
+	A Vimba object has a handle and features associated with it.
+	Objects include System,	Camera, Interface and AncillaryData.
+	"""
+	
+	@property
+	def handle(self):
+		return self._handle
+	
+	def __init__(self):
+		# create own handle
+		self._handle = c_void_p()
+	
+		# list of VimbaFeatureInfo objects
+		# can't set yet as the object (e.g. a camera) won't be
+		# opened yet, therefore no event for object opening
+		# so will have it populate by user interaction
+		# and blame them if the object is not opened then
+		self._featureInfos = None
+
+	# override getattr for undefined attributes
+	def __getattr__(self, attr):
+		
+		# if a feature value requested (requires object (camera) open)
+		if attr in self.getFeatureNames():
+			return VimbaFeature(attr, self._handle).value
+		
+		# otherwise don't know about it
+		raise AttributeError(''.join(["'VimbaObject' has no attribute '",
+									  attr,
+									  "'"]))
+		
+	# override setattr for undefined attributes		
+	def __setattr__(self, attr, val):
+
+		# set privates as normal
+		# check this first to allow all privates to set normally
+		# and avoid recursion errors
+		if attr.startswith('_'):
+			super(VimbaObject, self).__setattr__(attr, val)
+		
+		# if it's an actual camera feature (requires camera open)
+		elif attr in self.getFeatureNames():
+			VimbaFeature(attr, self._handle).value = val
+			
+		# otherwise just set the attribute value as normal
+		else:
+			super(VimbaObject, self).__setattr__(attr, val)
+
+	def _getFeatureInfos(self):
+		"""
+		Gets feature info of all available features. Will
+		cause error if object/camera is not opened.
+		
+		:returns: list -- feature info for available features.
+		"""
+		# check it's populated as can't populate it in __init__
+		if self._featureInfos is None:
+			# args
+			dummyFeatureInfo = structs.VimbaFeatureInfo()
+			numFound = c_uint32(-1)
+			
+			# call once to get number of available features
+			# Vimba DLL will return an error code
+			errorCode = VimbaDLL.featuresList(self._handle,
+											  byref(dummyFeatureInfo),
+											  0,
+											  byref(numFound),
+											  sizeof(dummyFeatureInfo))
+			if errorCode != 0:
+				raise VimbaException(errorCode)
+			
+			# number of features specified by Vimba
+			numFeatures = numFound.value
+			
+			# args
+			featureInfoArray = (structs.VimbaFeatureInfo * numFeatures)()
+			
+			# call again to get the features
+			# Vimba DLL will return an error code
+			errorCode = VimbaDLL.featuresList(self._handle,
+											  featureInfoArray,
+											  numFeatures,
+											  byref(numFound),
+											  sizeof(dummyFeatureInfo))
+			if errorCode != 0:
+				raise VimbaException(errorCode)
+			
+			self._featureInfos = list(featInfo for featInfo in featureInfoArray)
+		return self._featureInfos
+	
+	def getFeatureNames(self):
+		"""
+		Get names of all available features.
+		
+		:returns: list -- feature names for available features.
+		"""
+		return list(featInfo.name for featInfo in self._getFeatureInfos())
+			
+	def getFeatureInfo(self, featureName):
+		"""
+		Gets feature info object of specified feature.
+		
+		:param featureName: the name of the feature.
+		
+		:returns: VimbaFeatureInfo object -- the feature info object specified.
+		"""
+		# don't do this live as we already have this info
+		# return info object, if it exists
+		for featInfo in self._getFeatureInfos():
+			if featInfo.name == featureName:
+				return featInfo
+		# otherwise raise error
+		raise VimbaException(-53)
+
+	# don't think we ever need to return a feature object...
+	#def getFeature(self, featureName):
+	
+	def getFeatureRange(self, featureName):
+		"""
+		Get valid range of feature values.
+		
+		:param featureName: name of the feature to query.
+		
+		:returns: tuple -- range as (feature min value, feature max value).
+		"""
+		# can't cache this, need to look it up live
+		return VimbaFeature(featureName, self._handle).range
+	
+	def runFeatureCommand(self, featureName):
+		"""
+		Run a feature command.
+		
+		:param featureName: the name of the feature.
+		"""
+		# run a command
+		errorCode = VimbaDLL.featureCommandRun(self._handle,
+											   featureName)
+		if errorCode != 0:
+			raise VimbaException(errorCode)
+	
+	def readRegister(self, address):
+		# note that the underlying Vimba function allows reading of an array
+		# of registers, but only one address/value at a time is implemented here
+		"""
+		Read from a register of the module (camera).
+		
+		:param address: the address of the register to read.
+		
+		:returns: int -- value of register.
+		"""
+		readCount = 1
+		
+		# check address validity
+		try:
+			regAddress = c_uint64(int(address, 16))
+		except:
+			raise VimbaException(-52)
+		
+		regData = c_uint64()
+		numCompleteReads = c_uint32()
+		
+		errorCode = VimbaDLL.registersRead(self.handle,
+										   readCount,
+										   byref(regAddress),
+										   byref(regData),
+										   byref(numCompleteReads))
+		
+		if errorCode != 0:
+			raise VimbaException(errorCode)
+		
+		return regData.value
+				
+	def writeRegister(self, address, value):
+		# note that the underlying Vimba function allows writing of an array
+		# of registers, but only one address/value at a time is implemented here
+		"""
+		Read from a register of the module (camera).
+		
+		:param address: the address of the register to read.
+		:param value: the value to set in hex.
+		"""
+		writeCount = 1
+		
+		# check address validity
+		try:
+			regAddress = c_uint64(int(address, 16))
+		except:
+			raise VimbaException(-52)
+		
+		# check value validity
+		try:
+			regData = c_uint64(int(value, 16))
+		except:
+			raise VimbaException(-52)
+		
+		numCompleteWrites = c_uint32()
+		
+		errorCode = VimbaDLL.registersWrite(self.handle,
+											writeCount,
+											byref(regAddress),
+											byref(regData),
+											byref(numCompleteWrites))
+		if errorCode != 0:
+			raise VimbaException(errorCode)
diff --git a/pyvimba/vimbastructure.py b/pyvimba/vimbastructure.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7b1e65c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/pyvimba/vimbastructure.py
@@ -0,0 +1,99 @@
+# -*- coding: utf-8 -*-
+from ctypes import *
+
+	
+class VimbaVersion(Structure):
+	_fields_ = [('major', c_uint32),
+				('minor', c_uint32),
+				('patch', c_uint32)]
+
+
+class VimbaInterfaceInfo(Structure):
+	_fields_ = [('interfaceIdString', c_char_p),	# Unique identifier for each interface
+				('interfaceType', c_uint32),		# Interface type, see VmbInterfaceType
+				('interfaceName', c_char_p),		# Interface name, given by the transport layer
+				('serialString', c_char_p),			# Serial number
+				('permittedAccess', c_uint32)]		# Used access mode, see VmbAccessModeType
+	
+	def getFieldNames(self):
+		"""
+		Get field names.
+		"""
+		return [field[0] for field in self._fields_]
+
+
+class VimbaCameraInfo(Structure):
+	_fields_ = [('cameraIdString', c_char_p),		# Unique identifier for each camera
+				('cameraName', c_char_p),			# Name of the camera
+				('modelName', c_char_p),			# Model name
+				('serialString', c_char_p),			# Serial number
+				('permittedAccess', c_uint32),		# Used access mode, see VmbAccessModeType
+				('interfaceIdString', c_char_p)]	# Unique value for each interface or bus
+	
+	def getFieldNames(self):
+		"""
+		Get field names.
+		"""
+		return [field[0] for field in self._fields_]
+	
+
+class VimbaFeatureInfo(Structure):
+
+	_fields_ = [('name', c_char_p),
+				('featureDataType', c_uint32),
+				('featureFlags', c_uint32),
+				('category', c_char_p),
+				('displayName', c_char_p),
+				('pollingTime', c_uint32),
+				('unit', c_char_p),
+				('representation', c_char_p),
+				('visibility', c_uint32),
+				('tooltip', c_char_p),
+				('description', c_char_p),
+				('sfncNamespace', c_char_p),
+				('isStreamable', c_bool),
+				('hasAffectedFeatures', c_bool),
+				('hasSelectedFeatures', c_bool)]
+
+	def getFieldNames(self):
+		"""
+		Get field names.
+		"""
+		return [field[0] for field in self._fields_]
+
+
+class VimbaFrame(Structure):
+				
+				# IN
+	_fields_ = [('buffer', c_void_p),				# Comprises image and ancillary data
+				('bufferSize', c_uint32),			# Size of the data buffer
+				
+				('context', c_void_p * 4),			# User context filled during queuing
+				
+				# OUT
+				('receiveStatus', c_int32),  		# Resulting status of the receive operation
+				('receiveFlags', c_uint32),			# Resulting flags of the receive operation
+				
+				('imageSize', c_uint32),			# Size of the image data inside the data buffer
+				('ancillarySize', c_uint32),		# Size of the ancillary data inside the data buffer
+				
+				('pixelFormat', c_uint32),			# Pixel format of the image
+				
+				('width', c_uint32),				# Width of an image
+				('height', c_uint32),				# Height of an image
+				('offsetX', c_uint32),				# Horizontal offset of an image
+				('offsetY', c_uint32),				# Vertical offset of an image
+				
+				('frameID', c_uint64),				# Unique ID of this frame in this stream
+				('timestamp', c_uint64)]			# Timestamp of the data transfer
+	
+	def getFieldNames(self):
+		"""
+		Get field names.
+		"""
+		return [field[0] for field in self._fields_]
+
+
+
+	
+	
diff --git a/pyvimba/vimbasystem.py b/pyvimba/vimbasystem.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1e04755
--- /dev/null
+++ b/pyvimba/vimbasystem.py
@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+# -*- coding: utf-8 -*-
+from vimbaobject import VimbaObject
+from ctypes import *
+
+# system features are automatically readable as attributes.
+class VimbaSystem(VimbaObject):
+	"""
+	A Vimba system object. This class provides the minimal access
+	to Vimba functions required to control the system.
+	"""
+
+	# own handle is inherited as self._handle
+	def __init__(self):
+		
+		# call super constructor
+		super(VimbaSystem, self).__init__()
+		
+		# set own handle manually
+		self._handle = c_void_p(1)