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| Overview > Technical info < you are here |
| What is the DiMAC?
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The DiMAC is a large format digital aerial camera for vertical aerial image acquisition. The DiMAC combines best-in-class CCD and optical components with patented photogrammetric technology within a modular, upgradeable system. The DiMAC is designed to provide users with a flexible, full-feature digital aerial camera, while remaining upgradeable and cost-effective.
All DIMAC configurations consist of 3 core elements: the Camera Module, Camera Cylindrical Frame and IT Rack or IT Cube : |
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Camera Module (CM), the DiMAC’s image acquisition unit |
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Camera Cylindrical Frame (CCF), which houses either 1 cm (ULTRALIGHT) or from 1 to 4 Camera Modules (LIGHT or WIDE) and fits into existing aerial camera mounts |
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IT Rack (ITR) OR IT Cube (ITC) |
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| How does the DiMAC operate?
More information |
| The DiMAC provides for straightforward operation and produces imagery that can be directly implemented into an existing digital workflow. |
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The DiMACWIDEcombines a large footprint swath width comparable to traditional film cameras with True FMC, resulting in normal flight planning and operation; DiMAC LIGHT and ULTRALIGHT missions can similarly be planned and flown with standard Flight Management Systems |
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True color, motion-compensated frame imagery is acquired directly and therefore imagery is available for in-flight preview |
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Imagery is captured on removable hard drive that are pressurized and shock-resistant for ultra-reliable data storage and simple data transmission |
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Straightforward conversion of captures from raw to tiff format with on-the-fly radiometric adjustment and frame merging during in-office post-processing. |
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| What is the DiMAC, in detail: |
Camera Module (CM)
Each DiMAC Camera Module is a complete, independent assembly that acquires one color image via one color CCD through one lens. It consists of the Kodak area Bayer-filter CCD (7216 x 5412 effective pixels per CCD) packaged within a PhaseOne digital back, the patented piezo-driven forward motion compensation actuator (allowing flight speeds of up to 280 knots), the lens assembly (flexible configuration allowing for lens options from 55mm to 120mm), the Rollei mechanical shutter (from 1/125 to 1/500 sec., f4 to f16, with mechanical iris) and the optical filters (either RGB or IRC).
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Camera Cylindrical Frames (CCF)
The DiMACLIGHT and WIDE full-sized Camera Cylindrical Frame houses from 1 to 4 camera modules (CMs) within a carbon-fiber frame that fits into most existing aerial camera mounts (40 cm diameter). The DiMACULTRALIGHT reduced-size CCF houses a single CM and can be mounted within a smaller gyro mount. Either CCF provides the optimal operational environment for the CMs, with integrated thermal and high-frequency vibrational isolation. In addition, the carbon fiber enclosure contains a rigid support for any industry standard IMU device (not provided or required), allowing for optimal placement of the IMU relative to the area CCD sensor.
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IT RACK (ITR) or IT Cube (ITC)
The IT system is the interface, control and storage system that drives the operation of the DiMAC on-board the aircraft. The IT Rack or IT Cube consists of 2 to 5 on-board computers (1 master, 1 additional per CM) that provide a straightforward user interface as well as image acquisition and storage. A touch-panel console allows camera operators to operate the DiMAC without being immediately next to the ITR. In addition, an FMC Control Board provides continual updates on required motion compensation for each camera exposure via ground sample distance (GSD), flight altitude and ground speed data acquired through a direct connection with the flight management software (compatible with all industry standard systems).
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| How does the DiMAC operate, in detail: |
Normal flight planning and aerial operation
The DiMACWIDE provides a large ground coverage footprint of 10,500 by 7,200 pixels (achieved through the use of 2 adjacent camera modules). This results in a swath width only slightly less than a standard film-based aerial camera. DiMACULTRALIGHT and LIGHT configurations provide a medium format footprint with less coverage per frame. The piezo-driven forward motion compensation that moves CCD during capture to a positional tolerance of several nanometers allows for flight speeds that far exceed normal aircraft operational requirements. Flight planning and operation with the DiMAC is similar to industry standard operational practices.
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In-flight preview of actual imagery
As a result of the mechanical forward motion compensation that acts directly on the CCD during image capture and the use of a color CCD to acquire color imagery, actual image frames are available during flight for preview by the camera operator. In-flight image preview allows for the best possible setup and adjustment of image acquisition parameters, ensuring optimal capture regardless of environmental or operational factors. In addition, the preview of motion-compensated color imagery ensures that no flight time is spent without ensuring that output is being acquired from the DiMAC.
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Simple and reliable data storage
DiMAC imagery is stored directly onto 500 Gb removable hard drives. Hard drives are pressurized and ruggedized to operate at altitudes of 80,000 feet and to withstand shock impact of over 35 G each. Individual drives can be shipped back to the office from remote field locations. Drive capacity exceeds the total possible size of storage required for over a day of flying, ensuring continuous uninterrupted daily operation.
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Conversion of camera data from raw to tiff format
The DiMAC acquires imagery in 48-bit color raw frames, which are converted to tiff output (either 8-bits or 16-bits per channel). During conversion, significant radiometric adjustment can be performed with no additional processing time required. As a result of the true color, complete frame data capture, DiMAC image processing is minimal and requires less than 1 minute per frame.
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Direct utilization of imagery within existing software
DiMAC imagery can be imported directly into all industry-standard AT and softcopy software packages that currently work with scanned film imagery. Utilization of DiMAC imagery does not require the use of proprietary photogrammetric software packages, but rather allows you to work in your current environments.
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