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SMF/SIGN

Airfield Vertical Signs Photometric System

Technical Specification

Rev. 3.0

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LIST OF ACRONYMS

ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization

SMF Sistema di Misurazione Fotometrica

(Photometric Measurement System)

LIST OF REVISIONS

Revision Description Author Date

1.0 First Issue M.Zitelli F. Abbruzzesi

01.06.2011

1.0 Translation L. Belfiore 24.06.2011

2.0 Minor revision M. Zitelli 29.09.2011

3.0 Minor revision for version 1.7 M. Zitelli 02.09.2013

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1. PURPOSE OF DOCUMENT This document describes the working principle and the technical specifications of the SMF/SIGN device that is part of ARGOS INGEGNERIA Spa products family. The device is used both in the field and in the lab for the measurement and characterization of Airfield Signs (Taxiing Guidance Signs) in compliance with ICAO recommendations. In particular, SMF/SIGN is suitable for testing light bulb or LED internally illuminated, externally illuminated and retro-reflective guidance signs.

2. INTRODUCTION The measurement of Guidance Signs, both in the field and in the laboratory, is regulated by ICAO in the document [Aerodromes, Annex 14, Volume I, Aerodrome Design and Operations, App. 4-3] and in [Aerodrome Design Manual (Doc 9157), Part 4]. Fig. 2.1 shows the standard procedure for the Average Luminance measurement (cd/m2) of a sign; the number of points over which averaging is recommended can vary from few tens to several hundred for the biggest tables. Using a standard single-point luminance meter makes a prohibitive task to accurately measure several signs in a single airport measurement campaign or in the laboratory.

Fig. 2.1 - Points grid to be used for measuring Luminance of a Guidance Sign.

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The necessary parameters to be evaluated for a complete characterization of an airport sign are described in tab. 2.2.

Sign Parameter Unit

Average Luminance for each Sign color (white, red, yellow, black, green, orange), calculated over the grid in fig. 2.1.

cd/m2

Average Chromaticity for each color on the grid. CIE x, y

Luminance Ratio between adjacent grid points, for each color. adim.

Luminance Ratio between max and min values on the grid, for each color. adim.

Luminance Ratio of red color to white. adim.

Dimensional Ratio between Characters Font Size and Sign size adim.

Tab. 2.2 Measured Parameters in a Sign and relative units

Within the parameters listed in tab 2.2, the Luminance Ratio to white is a characteristic of just the internally illuminated signs, during night conditions.

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3. SYSTEM FUNCTIONAL SPECIFICATIONS The SMF/SIGN device is an instrument that combines a photometer and a colorimeter based on the image processing of pictures taken by a professional single-lens reflex camera (Luminance Camera). The picture quality permits the image processing with over-sampled spatial resolution, providing the measurement of all the sign photometric parameters at one time with just a single shot of the sign under test. The proprietary image-processing software developed by Argos Ingegneria allows automatic and simultaneous analysis methods over the whole extension of the sign (punctual measurement of luminance and chromaticity, homogeneity analysis, averages, maximums, minimums, etc.). SMF/SIGN is able to perform a measurement of all the sign parameters (tab 2.2) in a variable time ranging between 2 and 5 minutes based on the operator experience. Fig 3.1 illustrates the instrument, being composed of a Professional Digital Camera, a Luminance Sensor (optional), and a Notebook with Argos Software for image processing and data presentation.

Fig. 3.1 SMF/SIGN Instrument Parts

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The digital camera used by SMF/SIGN equipped with suitable accessories (gimbal, telephoto and specific ad hoc software) is suitable also for the use with another ARGOS Ingegneria instrument, the SMF/ODS, able to test the presence of obstacles in the airspace around an airport. The optional Luminance Sensor is a reference tool that gives the customer the possibility of cross-checking the system calibration, by comparing the luminance point data provided by the SMF/SIGN with those measured by the sensor. SMF/SIGN performs a complete measurement of a sign in two different modes: Real-Time and Post-Processing. In Real-Time mode, sign photometric parameters are elaborated during image collection; in particular, the following steps are required:

The operator stands with the SMF/SIGN instrument in front of the sign under measurement at a distance ranging from 2 to 10 m, depending on the sign dimensions

The SMF/SIGN digital camera is wired via USB cable to the notebook and is mounted on the tripod

The SMF/SIGN software is started for the first sign to be measured, or resumed from standby for the next

In the "Airport" window of the SMF/SIGN software, the operator selects the airport and the runway or taxiway for the first sign under test (not required after the first sign test)

In the "Test" window of the SMF/SIGN software, the camera video output is displayed, together with a "Log Report" window and other control buttons

The operator aims the camera to the sign, in order to fill as much as possible the field of view of the camera with the sign image

SMF/SIGN software will automatically set the camera parameters in the proper way

The operator takes a picture via SMF/SIGN software

The software will process automatically the Sign photometric parameters illustrated in Tab. 3.2.

In Post-Processing mode, operator collects a number of images of a plurality of signs in the airfield. After image collection of all signs, photometric parameters are elaborated later; in particular, the following steps are required:

The SMF/SIGN digital camera is wired via USB cable to the notebook

The SMF/SIGN software is started, and the digital camera is automatically setup

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After the first software window appears, camera is ready to be unplugged from the notebook

The operator holds the digital camera by hands or mounted on the tripod, without the need of carrying the SMF/SIGN notebook. Camera shall not be turned-off, nor settings will be modified

The operator stands with the camera in front of the sign under measurement at a distance ranging from 2 to 10 m, depending on the sign dimensions

The operator aims the camera to the sign, in order to fill as much as possible the field of view of the camera with the sign image, and shoots an image

Operator collects several images of the many signs under test

At the end of shooting operations, camera will be connected to the notebook and pictures are downloaded to an arbitrary folder in the notebook

The SMF/SIGN software is started or recovered from "sleep" condition

In the "Airport" window of the SMF/SIGN software, the operator selects the airport and the runway or taxiway for a sign collection

In the "Test" window of the SMF/SIGN software, the operator loads the image files corresponding to signs of a same runway/taxiway

The software will process automatically the photometric parameters illustrated in Tab. 3.2.

Measured Parameter Accuracy/ Resolution

False color image of the Sign luminance, with a resolution of 1 mm measured on the same image

1 mm

Color map image of ICAO admitted colors (white, red, yellow, black, green, orange), with 1 mm resolution

1 mm

Average Luminance for each Sign color, calculated on fig. 2.1 grid and on each image pixel

< 5 %

Chromaticity for each color, on the grid and on each image pixel (CIE x, y)

0.02

Luminance Ratio between adjacent points on the grid for each color

Luminance Ratio between maximum and minimum values points on the grid for each color

Luminance Ratio of red color to the white

Dimensional Ratio of characters fonts to the Sign

Excel sheet with luminance and ratio of each test point, for both background and characters

< 5 % for luminance

Tav. 3.2 Instrument Outputs

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An .rtf report will be printed out with the instrument output parameters measured for each sign and each color in the sign (see tab 3.2). Software also produces Excel spreadsheets for each elaborated sign, including luminance values on every point in the ICAO grid of Fig. 2.1, and on the grid for characters. A provided software for the report generation (SIRGE©) loads saved data from the system database and automatically generates professional reports in .pdf format. A typical output image produced by the SMF/SIGN software is given in fig. 3.3, showing the luminance distribution of the sign with a millimeter resolution with overlapped the recommended ICAO grid for averaging the luminance and the chromaticity parameters, and in fig. 3.4 providing the compliance regions of sign colors. Fig. 3.5 is an example of punctual luminance and ratio data provided in the form of Excel spreadsheet. Finally, fig. 3.6 gives an example of printed Report in .pdf format, producing automatically a resume table of the measured parameters for the signs under test, followed by detailed data tables for each sign. Images of high definition luminance distribution and color compliance are also reported. Software automatically detects and reports signs where a light bulb is off or missing.

Fig. 3.3 SMF/SIGN luminance distribution output

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Fig. 3.4 SMF/SIGN color compliance output

Fig. 3.5 Excel spreadsheet with point data

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Fig. 3.6 Example of automatic printed .pdf Report

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4. OPTICAL, MECHANICAL AND ENVIRONMENT

SPECIFICATIONS All SMF/SIGN subsystems are powered with rechargeable batteries (with recharging power supply included) with the exclusion of the field luminance sensor that is powered with AA type batteries. This allows the in-field use for a complete series of measurements of all airport signs. All electronics components are compliant with current legislation 2002/95/CE (RoHS: Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive). Typical dimension, optical characteristics and mechanical characteristics of SMF/SIGN system are reported in tab. 4.1.

Camera:

Sensor CMOS 22.3 x 14.9 mm, 18.1 Mega pixel

Optics f/3.5-5.6 image stabilization. Equivalent Focal 29-88 mm

Max Resolution 53 rad, equivalent to 0.5 mm at 10 m

Field of View From 28° x 19° to 65° x 45°

Selectable Options 9 points auto focus; 35 zones auto-

exposition; software automatic setting

PC Interface USB 2.0 (cable included)

Weight 600 gr.

Power supply Rechargeable Lithium Battery, 400 shots

Luminance Sensor (optional):

Sensor Siliceous photodiode with photopic filter

Standard DIN 5032-7 Class B

Measure Type On contact to the Sign

Measure Range 0.01 – 20000 cd/m2

Resolution 0.1 cd/m2 in the sub-range of interest

Weight 270 gr.

Power supply Battery 1.5 V type AA

Global:

Luminance Accuracy < 5 %

Chromaticity Accuracy 0.02 on x, y CIE

Measurement duration (1 Sign Tab) < 5 min typical

Working Temperature 0°C +40°C

Storage Temperature -20°C +80°C

Tav. 4.1 SMF/SIGN Specifiations

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SMF/SIGN System kit includes:

Professional SLR camera with 18-55 mm objective

Network and charger for the camera

Luminance Field Sensor (optional, for calibration check purposes)

Notebook and power supply

Professional Tripod for field use

Car window camera mount for sign testing from within the car

System Software (database, camera control, image processing, report generation)

Camera connecting cables

Manuals

24 months warranty and test and calibration certificates.