inthe case of the maximums, estimated accuracies were
3 times the required level. A notable exception was in
the axis aligned with the axis of the reflector. This axis,
which is the most important, had estimated accuracies
which all were within the requirements, even the maxi-
mums. By virtue of these results, it was deemed
appropriate to investigate further.
A full reflector survey was not practical initially so a
simulation of a portion of the reflector was suggested.
A 3 camera segment of the 24 camera network observ-
ing a triangular “petal” of the reflector was simulated
(see Figure 3). Because the 3 station network is not as
strong as the 24 station network, the expected results
were not as favorable. As long asthey were predictable,
this situation was acceptable. For this reduced network,
TC)
dq
Figure 3
3 Camera Station Geometry
computer simulations predicted accuracies 3 to 4 times
worse, especially in the axial direction of the reflector.
In order to simulate this measurement in a more practi-
calandtimely manner, in preparation for a measurement
on the actual dish, a 4 scale version of the network was
created at GSI in Florida. This scaled version was to
serve as a proof of concept. The !/4 scaling was applied
to the size of the object, the size of the targets, the
positioning of the camera, and the expectations for
accuracy. For this test, a single video camera was used
and moved into the three positions required. The
simulated object was very stable (concrete), so no
deformation was experienced during data acquisition.
Targets of about 12mm were used, resulting in images
containing approximately 50 -100 pixels. Concurrent
to the collection of video information, a film-based
network was taken using a CRC-2 to calibrate the target
field. This allowed a check of the actual accuracy of the
video-based measurement as the film-based results
were more than 5 times more precise.
A summary of the predicted and actual errors for the
video measurements are listed in Table3 below.
Summery of Accuracy Estimates (mm)
Simulated Actual
X mm | Ymm | Zmm | Xmm | Ymm | Z mm
RMS is 0.203 | 0.163 | 0.097 | 0.465 | 0.381 | 0.208
Minimum is | 0.091 | 0.025 | 0.076 | 0.211 | 0.061 | 0.165
Maximum is | 0.391 | 0.264 | 0.119 | 0.914 | 0.648 | 0.254
Table 3
The computer simulation assumed measurement preci-
sion of 1/50th of a pixel and only about 1/25th was
achieved, thus the difference in estimated accuracies.
This is most likely because of possible unresolved
systematic errors in pointing precision and possible
instabilities in the lens elements.
The film-based measurement had an actual RMS accu-
racy estimate of about 0.075mm in plane, and 0.038mm
out of plane. The comparison of the video-based data
and the film-based results are listed in Table 4 below.
Transformation results Video vs.
Film (mm)
vX Vy Vz
0.434 0.234 0.198
Table 4
These results are consistent with the actual estimated
accuracies. As a result of this test, it is expected that
mid-1992 a test using 3 separate video cameras on the
actual reflector will be carried out by GSI.
3.3 TEST NETWORK 3
The third test took place in 1992 and the test field is
essentially the same asused in TEST NETWORK 1(see
Figure 4). In this new version the grid of targets was
replaced by “fresh” 12.7mm retro dots and the vertical
offset targets now occupy points on the grid. There are
no 6mm targets placed on the new field as the larger
targets produce superior results . Six targets were offset
from the plane by 10mm to 25mm shims. Two eight