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

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