> What about that
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CarLost |
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Class : Apprenti
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Registered on : 24/07/2007
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What about put the Leds near/around the webcam and put some refracting stickers in the hat?
anyone has try this???? just like TrackIr
CarLost
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didja |
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Class : Webmaster (admin)
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Registered on : 09/07/2007
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Welcome here CarLost ! 
I never tried it, but I think it needs specials LEDs...
Rémy |
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Kestrel |
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I'll give it a shot but you should always get better results using active leds as point references.
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empf |
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Class : Apprenti
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Registered on : 19/07/2007
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Hi!
I tried that with a simple system: Using Nintendo Wii sensorbar, which has IR LED's inside. I tried aluminium foil as a reflector. Unfortunately that didn't work, reflectors require more powerful IR source. Only when I put the camera, reflector and IR source very close each other, camera showed something.
Also, TrackIR TrackClip uses active IR sources, which means they are also coming to "active mode".
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CarLost |
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Class : Apprenti
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Registered on : 24/07/2007
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Hi'
Well I don't know about the clip pro, but the original system only have a reflections arrangement over some hat... I see some videos in youtube, some cameras show the IR leds inside the TrackIr source (abut 6 of them) and I was thinking using the reflection used by the cyclists. maybe have enough power to get a good reflection...... I'll try this next wekend.I just get a new cheap camera... maybe, who knows....
I'll let you know...
PS: Sorry 4 the bad english.....
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Kestrel |
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Only when I put the camera, reflector and IR source very close each other, camera showed something.
Same for me. I used 5 medium brightness IR LEDs bundled together, reflection off aluminium foil was only visible within 2cm of camera lens and absolutely no reflection off bicycle reflection strip at same distance (exposure set for 30fps).
You would need super high brightness LEDs, one problem with this is that they have a very narrow focus, so you wouldn't be able to move your head much without leaving the lit zone. Even with such powerful LEDs, you would probably need to reduce the amount of IR filtering to see the reflection better, which would work if Freetrack could separate background light from the tracking points, but it can't. The use of active leds in the TrackClip Pro is an indication that despite NaturalPoint's best efforts, reflective points are problematic and active IR is the best way to go.
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empf |
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Class : Apprenti
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Registered on : 19/07/2007
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Kestrel @ 26/07/2007 - 06h15 a dit: The use of active leds in the TrackClip Pro is an indication that despite NaturalPoint's best efforts, reflective points are problematic and active IR is the best way to go.
I completely agree.
The good thing in TrackIR TrackClip at the moment is the ability to use three LEDs for tracking (as I have understood it does). It is little easier to make hardware for 3 LEDs only, as there is no need to glue two wires togheter.
But you can save more than 100EUR by using FreeTrack, using the glue is worth it
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Kestrel |
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It is little easier to make hardware for 3 LEDs only, as there is no need to glue two wires togheter.
But you can save more than 100EUR by using FreeTrack, using the glue is worth it
Next version has three point tracking, it's been working for some time... should probably release it.
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empf |
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Kestrel @ 26/07/2007 - 13h41 a dit:
Next version has three point tracking, it's been working for some time... should probably release it.
Yes, please!!!
What kind of hardware (or headware) is needed for that? Is it possible just to build head unit and configure values into the .ini file after installation?
I would like to build one HW for testing.
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Thierry |
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Registered on : 25/07/2007
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If I understand weel, I should better wait a few time to make my "headware" (?)
Or the four points "headware" will work, too ?
Thanks,
Thierry
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didja |
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Class : Webmaster (admin)
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Yes, four points will work !
Rémy |
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Thierry |
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Thanks !
I go on  |
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Kestrel |
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Webcams have an IR filter built into them to reduce the sensor's sensitivity to IR and stop it from interfering with the visible spectrum. Fortunately IR leds are powerful enough to penetrate the IR filter so it's removal is not required, however if want to be able to use IR reflective dots you might be successful if you removed the webcam's IR filter.
Here's a guide on how to remove a webcam's IR filter:
http://www.hoagieshouse.com/IR/
Note at the bottom there are some webcam images without the IR filter, one shows a keyboard lit only by a remote control IR led, indicating it could be bright enough for reflective tracking.
Edited by Kestrel on 30/07/2007 at 09h55. |
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Kestrel |
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I removed the IR filter from my webcam and it worked! I used 5 medium brightness IR leds for illumination and some bicycle reflection strips cut into small circles for tracking points (much better than aluminium foil!). However, background light is harder to filter with this method so don't bother if a window or light is visible in the camera frame.
Removing the filter also improves IR led tracking when there is strong background light because you can turn the exposure all the way down without losing the leds.
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Rein |
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Class : Apprenti
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Registered on : 05/08/2007
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There's a brand called E-tec and they make a webcam that has 5 IR leds build in around the lens. It's not that expensive and might be something for your project.
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