| Features
of this new software
[Camera
freedom in both pan and tilt] [Fully automatic
spot location] [Perspective and map views]
[Much improved image tool box] [Write
notes] [Database] [Drawing on
image] [Alignments and angles] [Image
information] [Help facility] [Multi-mode]
[Option to include real-time imagery] [Improved
look and operation] [Custom features]
AT
the heart of the new MetriCam
system is an entirely new software program, MetriCamsoft
, which is able to perform all of the tasks of which
the earlier Abiss system was capable
but with a number of significant improvements and additions. These
are:
(1)
Camera freedom in both pan and tilt
This new feature is, without doubt, the most significant improvement.
In the Abiss system it was necessary to restrain the camera system
in either pan (side-to-side) or tilt (up-down) planes and then use
the appropriate five laser spots of the camera’s six. In MetriCam
it will be possible to obtain and analyse images acquired at any
combined angles of pan and tilt; there will be no need to even consider
camera angle when obtaining images. Moreover, this will be made
possible using only five laser spots.
(2)
Fully automatic spot location
This is another marked improvement. In Abiss, the five spots were
located manually. MetriCamsoft
will include a routine that will, optionally, locate
and mark the five spots automatically.
(3) Perspective and map views
Abiss displays only in perspective view, i.e. the actual image.
MetriCamsoft
will also, optionally, display a ‘morphed’
plan image, i.e. the view that would have been displayed
had the camera been perpendicular to the plane of the image (and
at an ‘infinite’ distance).
(4)
Much improved image toolbox
This will comprise a comprehensive suite of image enhancement and
analysis tools, filters etc including all of those currently available
to users of the Abiss software. Additionally,
it is planned to include specialist tools for particular uses (for
example the alignment tool described in (8) for forensic investigators
and surveyors, and recently developed noise filtering techniques
for underwater work.
(5) Write notes
MetriCamsoft
will, optionally, create an ‘archive’
folder on the user’s PC. This will be used to store recallable
image scaling details (as in Abiss)
and, additionally, will now save notes that the user may wish to
make during image scaling and analysis. These notes will be saved,
optionally, as MS Word or text files so that they may,
subsequently, be incorporated into reports etc.
(6) Database
Alternatively, records may be kept on MS Access on-screen
(though printable) artefact/feature record sheets with the option
of including a selectable extract, from the main image, of the artefact
or feature of interest. It is planned to include only a simple,
basic sheet which the user can modify for custom use using the MS
Access package.
(7) Drawing on image
MetriCamsoft
will include a facility for drawing on the image
(freehand, lines, multiple lines, arrows, rectangles, circles etc).
This will enable the user to mark points/areas of interest etc.
(8) Alignments and angles
This new feature comprises any chosen number of manoeuvrable straight
lines drawn on the image. These would be used, for example, in blood
splatter analyses in forensic investigations, or by surveyors checking
for misalignment. MetriCamsoft
will also include a facility for measuring angles
on an image.
(9) Image information
Full image information/details will be presented in a table at the
click of an icon. Optionally, this table may be loaded into the
‘notes’ (see 6).
(10) Help facility
MetriCamsoft
will have a much improved Help facility, including
‘What’s this?’ and internet connection to a MetriCam
web site.
(11) Multi-mode
Although written to deal with the new MetriCam
camera laser configuration MetriCamsoft
will also be able to analyse images obtained with
earlier Abiss-type cameras (e.g.
ISS and ISStoxic
and simple 2-spot systems).
(12) Option to include real-time imagery
It is planned to include a facility whereby the user can connect
a ‘live’ camera to the PC. The live, moving image will
be displayed on the screen and, on the press of a key or on-screen
button, the current image will be grabbed and displayed ready for
processing.
(13) Improved look and operation
Overall, the MetriCamsoft
front end will have a much improved appearance,
operation and user friendliness.
(14) Custom features
Seabed Informatics Ltd would be pleased to include additional features
requested or suggested by users, either as custom items or, if of
general application, then for inclusion of upgrades of MetriCamsoft
. This includes (legal/licensing conditions etc
permitting!) facilities for linking MetriCamsoft
to other programs.
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