Multivariate control charts for monitoring internal camera parameters in digital photogrammetry for LSDM (Large-Scale Dimensional Metrology) applications

Industrial non‐contact dimensional measurements using photogrammetry rely critically upon stability in time of camera calibration. This is particularly relevant for multi‐camera systems employed for continuous and/or long term monitoring of some dimensional process, e.g. dimensional checks of the same manufactured component as it comes off the production line. In most of these cases, camera calibration is updated regularly to ensure optimal accuracy. Specifically, the use of photogrammetric systems requires the knowledge of both internal and external camera parameters estimated by calibration, and constancy of both sets is required during use. Internal parameters, pertaining to camera‐specific properties, require stability over the operational lifespan of the system, while external parameters, concerning location and orientation, may change between calibrations. A diagnostic method for internal parameters based on multivariate control charts is proposed; this method is aimed to a comprehensive stability control over all the performed calibrations, especially for those systems used for regular monitoring of production lines. By integrating chart building into calibration software, it is not required any additional steps to the operator's workload for the calibration process. A practical application of the described methodology is presented at the end of the paper.