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Solutions

Object Tracking / Engineering

Your Requirements

  • You want to determine the exact position and orientation of any number of objects in 3D space.
  • For this, you need a system that calculates and streams position data within just a few milliseconds – essentially in real time.
  • You also want to integrate the data stream easily into your own software, for example to create a real-time control loop.

Our Solutions

High-Precision 6-DOF Tracking

Our 6-DOF object tracking covers volumes from under 1 m³ up to 30 × 30 × 30 m. Within this range, you achieve an accuracy of 1 mm or better. The exact accuracy depends on volume size and camera count.

Efficient Workflow

Vicon Tracker software was built specifically for rigid object tracking. You define an object with just two mouse clicks. From that moment on, you track and stream its position and orientation in real time.

Seamless System Integration

You integrate the data using the DataStream SDK – available for C++, .NET, MATLAB, and Python. This way, you feed the data directly into Simulink, LabVIEW, or VR Juggler.

Talk to an expert
Fabian Bleiker
Technical Sales Manager
If you need any help or advice regarding our products and services, our dedicated Support Team is here to help.
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Recommended setup

Big tracking volume

Do you need precise tracking over a large area, for example to track flying drones? The Vicon Valkyrie system can easily cover an area of 30 m x 30 m or larger. This means it can be used in a wide range of scenarios. For example, NASA used a Vicon system to track a Mars rover in the desert.

Small systems

A Vicon motion capture system can reliably track the 3D position and orientation of an object within a limited volume using as few as two cameras. For better coverage and a larger volume, we recommend four or more cameras. Depending on the size of the volume, an accuracy of 1 mm or better can be achieved even with fewer cameras.

Flexible setup

It is often necessary to track objects in different environments, and a system is required that can be moved and configured quickly and easily. A Vicon system can also be used outdoors, and setting it up is quick and straightforward.

Do you have any questions, or would you like a demo?

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Our references

Prof. Dr. Raffaelo D’Andrea, Institute for Dynamic Systems and Control ETH Zürich

„In my work I focus on the creation of systems that leverage technological innovations, scientific principles, advanced mathematics, algorithms, and the art of design in unprecedented ways, with an emphasis on advanced motion control. Hopefully these creations are inspiring us to re-think the role technology should have in shaping our future.“

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Aaron Pereira, Researcher, Institute of Computer Science, Technical University of Munich

“Prophysics has always responded quickly and professionally to my enquiries. Before the purchase, I was given thorough advice on which system offered the best value for money for our application. When it came to support, Prophysics responded very quickly, identified our problem and resolved it.”

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Berthold Bäuml, Head of Autonomous Learning Robots Lab DLR, Robotics and Mechatronics Center

“In our collaboration with prophysics, we have found them to be highly competent and solution-oriented, and, above all, open to finding new, creative solutions to specialised requirements in close cooperation with us.”

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Brands used

Why with us?

Optimal configuration

We help you specify the optimal system configuration for your individual requirements, ensuring that your system delivers reliable, accurate and fast tracking.

Consultancy, Training & Support

In addition to consultancy, training and support, we also offer bespoke services. These include, for example, planning your setup or integrating it into your existing software environment.

Extensive network

You’ll benefit from our extensive network of researchers and practitioners from academia and industry, who meet regularly at user meetings to exchange ideas – ensuring that practical insights and best practices are passed on directly to you.

FAQs

How many cameras do I need to track an object in 3D?

The Vicon Tracker software can track a rigid object in 3D using just a single camera. Tracker is the only software capable of tracking the object directly on the camera’s 2D sensor image. Other software solutions first calculate the 3D position of the markers and require at least two cameras, each of which must be able to see every marker.

How can I stream the objects’ positions and orientations into my own software?

The Vicon Tracker software always streams all captured object positions and orientations directly via the DataStream SDK. The SDK offers a wide range of functions that can be called by various programming languages (e.g. MatLab, .NET, C++) to forward the relevant data efficiently and easily.

What do I need to do to an object in order to track it?

You simply need to stick three markers onto the object so that they are clearly visible to the cameras – any additional markers provide redundancy to compensate for obstructions. The markers are between 3 mm and 25 mm in size and weigh up to 0.2 g.

How many objects can I track simultaneously?

There is no upper limit on the number of objects that can be tracked simultaneously; in a test setup, we have already tracked 100 independent objects, each with 4 markers, at the same time.

Can I use the system as ground truth in order to validate the internal positional system of my robot or drone?

Absolutely – this is one of the most common applications of such a tracking system. The typical accuracy of 1mm, and the possibility of tracking in very large volumes makes the Vicon tracking system a flexible solution for such ground truth measurements.

What is the sample frequency – and what is the latency?

You can select sample frequencies between 30Hz and 2000Hz (depending on camera type). The latency from the measurement being taken at the camera (shutter closing) until the 3D measurement is pushed out via the SDK to 3rd party software can be as low as 2 milliseconds.