Conceptual Model Of The Convergent Multistation Network Configuration Task

Despite the potential of close range photogrammetry for high accuracy measurement, it has rarely been used by other than experienced photogrammetrists. One major contributing factor is the expertise needed to design multistation sensor configurations. This paper presents a conceptual model for the most fundamental task in this design problem, configuring a first approximation to a strong imaging geometry. This task entails making decisions on the number of camera stations needed and where they should be placed (positioned and oriented). The conceptual model is based on the theory of generic networks. A generic network constitutes compiled expertise, describing an ideal configuration of camera stations that can be employed to provide a strong imaging geometry for a class of network design problems. In addition to improving our understanding of cognition in network design, this model performs an important role in the development of an expert system for automated network design for dimensional inspection tasks.