What is the DiMAC, in detail:

Camera Module (CM) The DiMAC Camera Module is a complete, independent assembly that acquires one color image via one color CCD through one lens. It consists of the Kodak area Bayer-filter CCD (7216 x 5412 effective pixels per CCD) packaged within a PhaseOne digital back, the patented piezo-driven forward motion compensation actuator (allowing flight speeds of up to 280 knots), the lens assembly (flexible configuration allowing for lens options from 55mm to 120mm), the Rollei mechanical shutter (from 1/125 to 1/500 sec., f4 to f16, with mechanical iris) and the optical filters (either RGB or IRC).

Camera Cylindrical Frames (CCF) The DiMAC Camera Cylindrical Frame houses from 1 to 4 camera modules (CMs) within a carbon-fiber frame that fits into most existing aerial camera mounts (40 cm diameter). The CCF provides the optimal operational environment for the CMs, with integrated thermal and high-frequency vibrational isolation. In addition, the carbon fiber enclosure contains a rigid support for any industry standard IMU device (not provided or required, allowing for optimal placement of the IMU relative to the area CCD sensor.

How does the DiMAC operate, in detail:

Normal flight planning and aerial operation The DiMAC provides a large ground coverage footprint of 10,500 by 7,200 pixels (achieved through the use of 2 adjacent camera modules). This results in a swath width only slightly less than a standard film-based aerial camera. The piezo-driven forward motion compensation that moves CCD during capture to a positional tolerance of several nanometers allows for flight speeds that far exceed normal aircraft operational requirements. When swath width and aircraft speeds are considered, flight planning and operation with the DiMAC is similar to industry standard operational practices.

In-flight preview of actual imagery As a result of the mechanical forward motion compensation that acts directly on the CCD during image capture and the use of a color CCD to acquire color imagery, actual image frames are available during flight for preview by the camera operator. In-flight image preview allows for the best possible setup and adjustment of image acquisition parameters, ensuring optimal capture regardless of environmental or operational factors. In addition, the preview of motion-compensated color imagery ensures that no flight time is spent without ensuring that output is being acquired from the DiMAC.

Simple and reliable data storage DiMAC imagery is stored directly onto a 500 Gb removable hard drives. Hard drives are pressurized and ruggedized to operate at altitudes of 80,000 feet and to withstand shock impact of over 35 Gb each. Individual drives can be shipped back to the office from remote field locations. Drive capacity exceeds the total possible size of storage required for over a day of flying, ensuring continuous uninterrupted daily operation.

Conversion of camera data from raw to tiff format The DiMAC acquires imagery in 48-bit color raw frames, which are converted to tiff output (either 8-bits or 16-bits per channel). During conversion, significant radiometric adjustment can be performed with no additional processing time required. As a result of the true color, complete frame data capture, DiMAC image processing is minimal and requires less than 2 minutes per frame.

Direct utilization of imagery within existing software DiMAC imagery can be imported directly into all industry-standard AT and softcopy software packages that currently work with scanned film imagery. Utilization of DiMAC imagery does not require the use of proprietary photogrammetric software packages, but rather allows you to work in your current environments.