Overview of Vic-Snap 9
Vic-Snap 9 is the image acquisition software developed by Correlated Solutions, Inc., designed specifically for their digital image correlation (DIC) systems, including Vic-2D and Vic-3D. Released as part of the version 9 series around 2021, it serves as a turnkey tool for capturing high-quality calibration and test images with minimal setup. Vic-Snap 9 integrates seamlessly with Vic-3D 9 for full-field 3D shape, displacement, and strain measurements, enabling one-click transfer from acquisition to analysis. It supports a wide range of camera types (e.g., Point Grey, Photron, AVT Firewire) and scales from microscopic to large-scale specimens, making it essential for mechanical testing, vibration analysis, and dynamic events. As of October 2025, Vic-Snap 9 remains compatible with legacy hardware setups, though version 10 is the current standard for newer systems.
Key Features in Vic-Snap 9
Vic-Snap 9 streamlines the acquisition process with support for stereo camera configurations, allowing users to capture synchronized images for precise DIC calibration without complex manual adjustments. It includes full integration with select data acquisition hardware (DAQs) for external synchronization, such as load cells, grip displacement sensors, or vibration triggers, ensuring accurate timing during tests. Image triggering capabilities enable automated capture at peaks, valleys, or phase intervals, which is particularly useful for high-speed or periodic events like fatigue testing.
The software supports infrared (IR) cameras for third-camera calibration and thermal mapping, displaying temperature data alongside DIC measurements for multimodal analysis. Remote control is a standout feature, with the Vic-Snap Remote app (available on Google Play) providing wireless access from mobile devices. This app displays live images, supports zooming and cross-hair alignment for precise setup, shows live histograms for exposure optimization, and allows remote triggering over a network—ideal for hands-free operation in lab environments. It auto-detects multiple systems on the network and requires Vic-Snap 8.0 or higher for compatibility.
Additional enhancements in version 9 include improved camera stability checks, such as verifying cable connections and ensuring cameras are visible in native software (e.g., FlyCapture for Point Grey) before acquisition. Batch capture modes and export options facilitate quick data handoff to analysis software, reducing workflow time from hours to minutes.
