ELCOVISION 10 Documentation
website·Indexed 32 days ago
https://de-manual.elcovision.com/User manual and technical guides for ELCOVISION 10, a 3D photogrammetry software. Covers image orientation, calibration, high-density point cloud calculation, digital distortion correction, and coordinate system definition. Includes documentation for CAD plugins for AutoCAD and BricsCAD, as well as specific workflows for drone roof measurement and Leica BLK3D integration.
What's inside ELCOVISION 10
- The Projekt window is the central control element for viewing and modifying all data within an ELCOVISION 10 project. Multiple project windows can be open simultaneously for the same project (e.g., to view the point cloud and image thumbnails side-by-side). The interface is divided into three main areas: a left-hand tree view for selecting project elements, a top-right area for data listings, and a bottom-right area for 2D or 3D data visualization.
Overview of Spatial Planes in ELCOVISION 10
Spatial planes in ELCOVISION 10 are used for several key tasks: as planes for single-image or mono-image measurements, as projection planes for image measurements and orthophotos, and as projection planes within CAD plugins.
Key characteristics:
- A plane can be defined using any number of points. If more than 3 points are used, an averaging (best-fit) plane is calculated.
- Multiple spatial planes can be defined per project.
- Unlike distortion planes (Entzerrungsebenen), spatial planes cannot be bounded/limited.
Perform Global Orientation on image assemblies
The Global Orientation tool allows users to manipulate image assemblies, recalibrate cameras, and identify erroneous image measurements.Use the ELCOVISION Tools Plugin for object evaluation
The ELCOVISION Tools Plugin provides a set of frequently used commands for evaluating objects that are either unavailable or limited in standard AutoCAD or BricsCAD installations.General image capture requirements for 3D photogrammetry
To ensure high accuracy in 3D photogrammetry, follow these fundamental capture rules:
- Image Overlap: Maintain at least 75% overlap between consecutive images. Points intended for 3D coordinate determination (X, Y, Z) must be visible in at least 2, and ideally 3 to 4, images from different viewpoints.
- Convergence Angles: For automatic orientation, the convergence angle between two images should not exceed 30°. For manual orientation, it should be limited to 90° to ensure points remain recognizable.
- Framing: Fill the frame with the object of interest to maximize accuracy; avoid wasting resolution on irrelevant backgrounds like sky or grass.
- Viewpoint Diversity: Avoid taking images from nearly the same position. This creates a 'shallow' intersection of rays (schleifender Strahlenschnitt), which severely degrades depth accuracy (accuracy in the direction of view). Adding a third image from a more distant viewpoint significantly improves accuracy in all directions.
Integrate ELCOVISION 10 with AutoCAD and BricsCAD
ELCOVISION 10 provides two plugins for AutoCAD and BricsCAD to facilitate the evaluation of projects. The ELCOVISION 10 Plugin allows measurement results to be sent directly to the CAD command line as if they were entered manually.Manage data using the Project Window (Projektverwalter)
The Project Window is the central control element of ELCOVISION 10. It allows users to view and modify all data associated with an ELCOVISION 10 project, supporting the simultaneous management of multiple data sets.Understand ELCOVISION 10 project file structure
An ELCOVISION 10 project typically consists of the following files:
.ProX: The primary project file (Binary)..ELPTC: Point cloud file (Optional, Binary)..PLY: Meshing file (Optional).
Understand ELCOVISION 10 Program Versions and Hardware Optimization
ELCOVISION 10 uses a launcher calledElcoStart.exeto detect hardware (CPU and NVIDIA drivers) and launch the version best optimized for the system. Higher versions (e.g., net11) can be up to 33% faster for heavy calculations like automatic orientation or high-density point cloud generation.Available Executables
el10_net8.exe: x64 CPU Gen 1+, CUDA ≥ 9.1, Driver ≥ 391.29el10_net9.exe: x64 CPU Gen 2+, CUDA ≥ 10.0, Driver ≥ 411.31el10_net10.exe: x64 CPU with AVX2, CUDA ≥ 11.6, Driver ≥ 511.23el10_net11.exe: x64 CPU with AVX2, CUDA ≥ 12.5, Driver ≥ 550.00
Execute image capture for 3D reconstruction
Follow these operational rules during the photography phase to ensure a successful 3D model:
- Avoid Static Positions: Never take two photos from the exact same standpoint. Move at least half a step between shots to avoid flat intersection angles, which prevent accurate point generation.
- Overlap: Maintain a 75% overlap between consecutive images. For drone flight planning, use 75% overlap between images and 60%–75% overlap between strips.
- Two-Pass Strategy for Large Objects:
- First pass: Capture the object comprehensively to ensure full coverage.
- Second pass: Capture specific details of interest. This prevents gaps in the image network that often occur when focusing on details during the first pass.
- Consistency: Do not zoom or refocus during the session so that all images can be processed using a single mathematical camera model.
Define a rectification plane using 4 or more 3D points
Use this method when 3D object points (pass points) are available via .coo files, Leica GSI files, or a CAD plugin. If more than 4 points are used, ELCOVISION 10 calculates an averaged plane using a projective transformation.
Workflow:
- Load the image to be rectified.
- Open the measurement dialog for defining a plane via points.
- Select at least 4 points from the point list, the point cloud view, or by entering point numbers. CAD users can click object points directly in the drawing.
- Measure the points in the image, ensuring the point numbers match the object points.
- Confirm with OK. The software continuously displays the result and deviations during measurement.
- (Optional) Limit the plane using the "Begrenzen von Entzerrungsebenen" (Limit rectification planes) function.
Toggle epipolar lines in the measurement magnifier
If the displayed epipolar lines interfere with the measurement process in the measurement magnifier, they can be toggled on or off using the keyboard shortcut 'E'.Press 'E' to toggle epipolar lines