ViaPhoto is currently delivered in two versions — ViaPhoto Light and ViaPhoto Wide.

ViaPhoto Light

The photo system is primarily used to document the condition of the road. For instance, the pictures may show signs of damage to road surface (such as cracks, ditches and tears), or objects like signs and crossings.

The photo system takes excellent digital images even when the vehicle is in motion. Information about the vehicle position and the time and date is inserted in the top left corner of the image. The position information contains both the GPS position and the position along the road.

ViaPhoto Light can be used along with the ViaFriction or the ViaTrip µ friction meters. When ViaPhoto Light is used together with a friction meter, sensor values from the friction meter are added to the image as well. This includes parameters such as the friction value, air temperature, air humidity and road temperature.

In addition, the user can add written comments to the images. Information from the operator can add valuable information to the image. ViaPhoto Light also adds system information to the image. The information comments and the system information is not visible on the image itself, but can be retrieved by ViaPhoto Desktop and tool-tips in the explorer.

The image and the added information are used to document the condition of the road. This documentation is useful and necessary for the road constructors, as well as those responsible for road maintenance.

ViaPhoto Light uses various cameras from Basler. In addition, the system consists of a mini-PC and an operator panel. The camera is placed in the front screen using suction cups and the mini-PC is placed in the passenger seat. The operator panel is placed on the dashboard in front of the driver. This panel is easy to operate, and does not divert the drivers attention from the road.

ViaPhoto Light uses GPS technology to find the current position. There is no need for a system installation in the vehicle, making it simple to move the equipment from one car to another.

With ViaPhoto Light, the operator controls when the picture is taken.

ViaPhoto Wide

ViaPhoto Wide is a digital photo system that can take images at regular intervals. The interval in between the images may be based either on distance or time. The system consists of a photo recorder in the vehicle, ViaPhoto Recorder, and an image viewer for the post processing, ViaPhoto Desktop. Each image is stored with information such as the position where the image has been taken and the speed of the vehicle. Other information relevant to the image can also be stored.

ViaPhoto Recorder is designed to operate on a moving vehicle such as a car, train or helicopter. ViaTech has chosen to use high quality and high-sensitivity cameras and lenses for industrial use. An excellent image quality, even during high speed and variable ambient light, is made possible due to the very fast shutter speed and the high light sensitivity of the cameras. The quality of the recorded images is constantly monitored in order to keep it at the best possible level.

ViaPhoto Wide is primarily used to store images showing the condition of the road and the sides of the road. Maintenance personnel and contractors can view the images of the road and its surroundings without having the need to go there to see for themselves. The image file name also indicates the position along the road. It is therefore easy to find the correct image just by looking at the file name. ViaPhoto Desktop can also show images in sequence, simulating a drive along the road.

Measurements

ViaPhoto Recorder adds information about the camera and vehicle position into the stored image. Using ViaPhoto Desktop, one can measure both the width and the height of objects. The measurement capability can be used to measure the width of the road lane, the size of any damage on the road surface, the height of railings etc.

Stitch images together, ViaPhoto Wide

ViaPhoto Recorder is capable of stitching images from several cameras, if the images are taken simultaneously. Instead of two separate images, only one wide image is stored. This way, there are only half as many images to handle.

Synchronisation and stereo imaging

ViaPhoto can store the exposure time with a resolution of less than 1 millisecond. This is used for stereo imaging. The common way of finding the objects global position is to use a GPS next to the object. Combining ViaPhoto Recorder with an accurate GPS enables the viewer to find the global position of the objects shown by the images. The images can be taken when the vehicle passes the object, reducing the time and work involved.

Easy to use

ViaPhoto Recorder is designed to be used by non-technical personnel. In addition, ViaPhoto Recorder is designed to be used by the person who drives the vehicle. The driver has to focus on the traffic, and not the computer while driving. Thus, recording of images can be prepared while the vehicle is stopped, prior to the recording itself. Start and stop of the recording of images can be performed using buttons or a touch screen. No operation of the user interface is needed while the images are being taken, and even during preparation, there is no need to use the PC-mouse.

Easy calibration

ViaPhoto Recorder needs calibration in order to get accurate measurements in the image. ViaPhoto Recorder can be calibrated by the driver. The calibration is performed by first putting 2-meter beam 10 meters in front of the vehicle. Then the user must find 2 markings on the beam on the live view on the PC screen, and the system will calibrate automatically. This must be done every time the camera is moved. Settings such as light and shutter speed are performed automatically by ViaPhoto Recorder without the need of user intervention.