Geodetic Systems, Inc (GSI), a leading provider of portable 3D coordinate measurement systems, is now shipping Inca3, the company’s third-generation metrology solution that implements the most advanced features ever found in a digital photogrammetric camera. The Inca3 Camera is distributed in Europe by the company NTI located in France (www.ntimeasure. com). Until now, the camera has been used by the following companies: NASA, Boeing, Airbus, Chrysler, Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, Renault, Ford and BMW.

What is Metrology? What is Photogrammetry?

One should first explain what metrology and photogrammetry is, in order to ensure a better understanding of the processes described in this article. The science of measurement is known as the field of metrology. Engineers, manufacturers, scientists, and quality control technicians utilise measurement technology in their own unique disciplines. Photogrammetry is a three-dimensional coordinate measuring technique that uses photographs as the fundamental medium for metrology. GSI offers the most comprehensive product line based on industrial photogrammetry in the marketplace.

Fitted for Various Industries

The high-precision camera combines a proven ultra-high-resolution CCD sensor with a powerful, compact, industrial PC-based computer to accurately capture field measurements in harsh conditions and unstable environments. The camera’s lightweight, rugged design is combined with unique features such as an integrated strobe, wireless (WIFI) operation and connectivity, and automatic exposure. Inca3 is particularly well-suited for in-place measurement and inspection of large objects, and is utilised in diverse industries such as aerospace, automotive, shipbuilding, nuclear, and more.

Major Advances in Key Areas

Once Inca3 captures photos (either via hand-held operation or remote control), GSI’s proprietary V-Stars software automatically inspects the collected digital images and extracts the required 3D data. After processing, the 3D data can be aligned into the object coordinate system, compared to previous measurements or analysed further. The robust V-Stars software has built-in analysis, visualisation, and statistical tools and can exchange data with many 3rd party CAD and analysis software packages, if needed. The program can also work with CAD models for surface inspection operations. V-Stars graphical interface allows the viewer to examine points, camera stations, intersection angles, surfaces, and more. The user can also view text showing point XYZ coordinate information and analysis results.

“Inca3 delivers major advances in three key areas: accuracy, portability and WIFI connectivity,” states John Brown, president of Geodetic Systems, Inc. “GSI’s manufacturing and calibration techniques are the most advanced in the marketplace, thus making Inca3 the most precise photogrammetric camera ever made with an accuracy of better than 0.001”@160”. Inca3 is less than half the size and weight of our market-leading Inca2 camera, and yet it provides even more features, foremost of which is our new wireless interface. Wireless provides unfettered operation with immediate, on-line connectivity.”

Picture Perfect Measurements with Ease

Inca3 was designed to work in very demanding industrial environments, where conditions like vibration, movement and extreme temperatures are often found and pose problems for other types of metrology instruments. The camera provides laboratory quality and accuracy without laboratory conditions. Users can unobtrusively shoot field measurements with minimal downtime to others working concurrently on an assembly such as a large aircraft. Inca3’s versatile interfaces let you choose the best one for the job. For offline operation, pictures can be saved to a Compact Flash (CF) memory card. For online operations, the camera can be connected wirelessly or via a thin, combined power/network cable. Multiple cameras can be operated (in either wireless or wired mode) simultaneously online for real-time measurement of dynamic or static objects.

No matter which interface is chosen, the camera’s embedded PC can process images immediately after each picture is taken, so problems can be detected instantly during the session. The embedded PC can rapidly compress images (typically > 10:1) for higher disk capacity and faster data transfer.

Turnkey Systems with Unmatched Capabilities

Inca3 extends and improves GSI’s V-STARS line of turnkey measurement systems. V-Stars systems typically consist of one or more Inca3 cameras, a notebook computer with powerful, proprietary V-Stars software and various accessories. With the new camera, the broadest, most complete line of measurement systems around just got even better.

V-Stars v4.4 software now includes an innovative Automated Repeatability Measurement module (“ARM”). Ideal for automotive repeatability applications, the ARM system can also be used in a variety of industries and applications like deformation analysis and part loading studies.

Contact Nicolas Tanala V-Stars European Business Manager Tel. +33 238 593 051 nicolas.tanala@v-stars3d.com www.nti-measure.com