The standard MPS-2 package includes software installed or ready for
instaliation in the host computer. This software handles calibration,
interior and absolute orientation, data files and menus, and overall
Systems control.
Programs for communication with the host computer, for photo stage
controi, and for fast real-time transformations between machine, plate
and ground coordinates, are incorporated in read only memory (ROM)
associated with the microprocessors in the stereoviewer hardware. These
programs are available immediately the stereoviewer is powered up but
calibration and transformation tables must be down loaded from the host
computer into random access memory (RAM) before a digitising session can
conmencoe.
The MPS system has been designed to bring photogrammetry to the casual
user. Its controls are simple to use, the machine status is displayed
on the screen and the software is menu driven.
1.0 DESIGN AIMS
The HPS was designed as a low cost solution to the processing of
photogrammetrio data. Areas such as biology, industrial measurement,
forestry, environmental assessment and archaeology can now gather
dimensionally accurate information at low cost from photographs. These
measurements can be performed by a user with little previous experience
in photogrammetry, so that technical people can use photogrammetry
directly as a measuring tool.
1.1 PERSONAL COMPUTER AS HOST
The MPS host software is written in Fortran 66 and can be installed on
PC's, mini and maxi computers under a variety of operating systems.
By supporting any one of the commonly available personal computers as
the host, the MPS provides the user with complete freedom to select a
computer system which is cost effective and compatible with his needs.
In addition, a wide range of potential users will be familiar with the
operation of a personal computer and may already have one at their
disposal.
1.2 OFF-THE-SHELF COMPONENTS
A major factor in producing a low cost device has been to use
"off-the-shelf" components. For example, the major part of the optical
system is a standard binocular microscope. This means that the customer
can select from a wide range of options for the optical system such as
different eyepieces, zoom range, graticules, dual head viewers, etc.
The drive system uses commonly available stepper-motors and precision
recirculating ball screws for simple reliable positioning. The
electronics uses industry-standard components as would be found in many
micro-computers and which are readily available from electronic
suppliers. Host of the hardware, optical and electronic assemblies and
components are available from more than one manufacturer.
608