Analysis & Control Software

Photron 6D-Marker

by Photron

Photron
Photron 6D-Marker

The Photron 6D-Marker is a simple motion capture system that tracks and measures 3D image data in six degrees of freedom (X, Y, Z, Roll, Pitch and Yaw) using only one camera and one marker. High-precision printed reference points, a variable moiré pattern (VMP) and a flip detection pattern (FDP) let each marker's position and orientation be measured more accurately than with conventional AR markers. Setup requires only a simple lens calibration, and 6D-Marker Analyst software directly controls FASTCAM Nova, Mini and MH6 high-speed cameras, making the system well suited to automotive tests such as engine vibration and vehicle impacts that are difficult to analyze with a standard multi-camera motion capture system.

Technical Specifications

ParameterTypical Range
Measurement OutputSix degrees of freedom (X, Y, Z, Roll, Pitch, Yaw)
Cameras RequiredOne camera
Markers per Session1 to 32 (IDs 0–31)
Marker Sizes22mm, 44mm, 88mm, 220mm
Calibration Board362mm or 687mm
Directly Supported CamerasPhotron FASTCAM Nova, Mini, MH6; Toshiba BU-238M/MCF; Basler ACA4112-8GM/C, ACA4112-30UM/UC
Video Data InputAVI, WMV, MP4, BMP, PNG, TIFF
Data Output FormatCSV
Supported OSWindows 8.1/10/11 (64-bit)
Example Accuracy (2.3MP, 12mm lens, ~2100mm)X/Y 1.18mm, Z 3.57mm, Roll/Pitch/Yaw 0.27°

Key Specifications

  • 6DOF measurement (X, Y, Z, Roll, Pitch, Yaw) with a single camera and marker
  • Up to 32 markers tracked in a single session
  • Markers must be captured at 40 pixels or more between reference points
  • Marker sizes: 22mm (1.3g), 44mm (5.0g), 88mm (39.0g), 220mm (536.0g)
  • Example accuracy with 2.3MP camera at ~2100mm: X/Y 1.18mm, Z 3.57mm, angles 0.27° (Photron test environment, not guaranteed)
  • Measurement results exported to CSV per image frame
  • Windows 8.1/10/11 (64-bit)

Key Features

  • Variable moiré pattern (VMP) for more accurate orientation measurement than conventional AR markers
  • Flip detection pattern (FDP) indicates the marker's physical orientation
  • Only lens calibration required — no recalibration when the camera is moved
  • Automatic marker identification and tracking
  • Coordinate origin can be set to any visible marker, so measurement holds even if the camera shakes or vibrates
  • Video overlay of measurement points, trajectories, axes and IDs
  • Graph display of all 6DOF elements with smoothing filters and interpolation
  • Imports video from almost any camera brand, high-speed or otherwise

Software & Integration

  • 6D-Marker Analyst software
  • 6D-Marker SDK (development kit)
  • Network license option

Applications

  • Automotive safety testing and dummy interaction
  • Engine vibration and vehicle impact analysis
  • Steering movement analysis
  • Biomechanics and kinesiology
  • Robotics
  • Aerospace and defense

Related Products

All Photron products →
FASTCAM Nova S20

Photron

High-Speed CamerasUltra High-Speed Cameras

FASTCAM Nova S20

The FASTCAM NOVA S20 brings together unique CMOS image sensor technologies and extensive high-speed digital imaging expertise to provide a camera with the flexibility to be used in a wide variety of applications. Users can select between 10-bit and 12-bit operation, with megapixel recording rates up to 20,000fps (10-bit) and 16,500fps (12-bit). Both modes support a 0.2µs minimum exposure and maximum recording rates up to 1,100,000fps at reduced resolution. All of this comes from a camera that is rugged, compact, lightweight and provides the best light sensitivity in its class.

View Details
FASTCAM Mini AX

Photron

High-Speed CamerasUltra High-Speed Cameras

FASTCAM Mini AX

The FASTCAM Mini AX is Photron’s highest performance model within the FASTCAM Mini series of high-speed cameras. The Mini AX delivers exceptional light sensitivity, excellent image quality and flexible region of interest (ROI) features for customers who do not require the ultimate frame rate performance of the FASTCAM SA-X2 and SA-Z, but would benefit from the same high-end camera image sensor features.

View Details
FASTCAM MH6

Photron

High-Speed Cameras

FASTCAM MH6

The FASTCAM MH6 system supports up to six compact HD camera heads (35.4mm x 35mm x 35.4mm, weight 100g), or 12 miniature ST camera heads (15mm x 15mm x 15mm, weight 15g). A combination of HD and ST camera heads may each be connected via a 10m cable to the main processor, facilitating a wide range of camera head viewing angles and mounting positions within the vehicle. All camera heads are extremely rugged and have been operationally tested to 160G. Each MH6 camera head, regardless of type (HD or ST), provides outstanding image quality and industry leading light sensitivity of ISO 5,000 color and 12,500 monochrome. HD camera heads capture images with 1080 full HD resolution at 1,000fps and are compatible with readily available 1-inch C-mount ruggedized lenses. ST camera heads capture images with 800 x 600 (SVGA) resolution at 1,000fps and utilize M10.5 ruggedized lenses.

View Details
Infinicam

Photron

High-Speed CamerasUltra High-Speed Cameras

Infinicam

INFINICAM is a high-speed streaming camera capable of capturing and transferring 1.2-megapixel of image data to PC memory at 1,000fps via USB 3.1. The latest version of the SDK supports Python, a common language in the computer vision/machine vision field, in addition to C++. This makes real-time image processing with INFINICAM possible with easy intuitive programming. INIFINICAM is also compatible with StreamPix and TroublePix Software from Norpix to provide a comprehensive off-the-shelf high-speed camera solution.

View Details