CamBar Offset
The CamBar Offset calculates the position and orientation of the CamBar relative to the main camera. Accurate offset values are essential for reliable tracking performance.
The offset can be calculated using either:
- CamBar Offset Assistant (recommended)
- Manual CamBar Offset
Both methods are described below.
Before You Begin
Before starting the offset procedure, ensure that:
- The correct camera and lens calibration has been created
- The CamBar is securely mounted
- The environment contains stable tracking features
- The Instant Recovery chart is available
CamBar Offset Assistant
The CamBar Offset Assistant automatically calculates the offset by matching the optical relationship between the CamBar and the main camera.
The process is designed to be quick and straightforward. For best results, use the included Instant Recovery chart during the procedure.
When the lens calibration is accurate and the environment contains stable tracking features, the assistant typically produces highly accurate results with minimal manual adjustment.
The assistant can be accessed from the CamBar Offset panel. A red exclamation mark will be displayed if the offset has not yet been completed for the current tracking configuration.
Select Start CamBar Offset Assistant to begin.
The assistant guides the user through each stage of the process.
Calibration Selection
Select the correct calibration profile for the current camera and lens setup.
If the required calibration is not listed:
- Exit the assistant
- Add the calibration from the Equipment page
- Restart the procedure
Using the wrong calibration can result in inaccurate offset values.
Lens Encoder Verification
The Lens Encoder stage verifies that the current FIZ (Focus, Iris, Zoom) encoder values are valid.
Incorrect encoder data may cause the wrong region of the lens calibration to be used, reducing alignment accuracy.
Chart Placement
Place a single Instant Recovery chart within view of the main camera.
Recommendations
- Ensure the chart is clearly visible and well lit
- Do not move the chart during the procedure
- Avoid showing multiple charts simultaneously
The assistant also relies on stable natural tracking features within the environment. Avoid areas with:
- reflective surfaces
- excessive movement
- low feature detail
Learn Stage
During the Learn stage, the system builds a shared point cloud between the CamBar and the main camera.
Slowly move the camera system so the CamBar can observe:
- The area visible to the main camera
- The environment the CamBar will face during operation
- The instant recovery chart (this will be indicated when it has been detected in the point cloud)
Tips:
- Move slowly and smoothly
- Avoid rapid motion or motion blur
- Ensure the Instant Recovery chart remains stationary
If the chart is not detected immediately, slightly move the camera to trigger detection.
For larger physical offsets, it may be easier to temporarily remove the CamBar and move it independently during learning.
Estimation Stage
During the Estimation stage, the system calculates the final alignment using:
- the shared point cloud
- the Instant Recovery chart
The values will refine over several seconds.
During this stage:
- Keep the camera stationary
- Avoid lighting changes
- Prevent people or objects moving through the scene
Once the values stabilise — typically within 5–10 seconds — the procedure can be completed.
If the values fail to stabilise, this usually indicates:
- poor point cloud quality
- unstable tracking features
- incorrect lens or camera calibration
Troubleshooting
Do Not Move the Chart
Moving the Instant Recovery chart during the procedure can cause the offset calculation to fail or produce inaccurate results.
Keep the chart completely stationary until the process has finished.
Wide vs Long Lenses
The assistant performs best with wider focal lengths.
Longer focal lengths provide less environmental information for the system to match, which can reduce robustness and alignment quality.
Where possible, use a wider lens during the offset process.
The assistant will display a warning if the detected field of view is too narrow for reliable operation.
Chart Not Detected
This may be caused by:
- The chart being too far away
- Poor lighting
- Motion blur or focus issues
- Temporary tracking loss
- Insufficient camera movement during learning
- Adding the chart after that part of the environment has already been learnd
Repositioning the chart and restarting the "learn" phase is often the quickest method to ensure the chart is properly detected
Poor Results
Poor alignment results are commonly caused by:
- inaccurate lens calibration
- incorrect camera sensor settings
- unstable tracking features in the environment
Environmental elements such as reflective surfaces, moving objects, or visible marker patterns may interfere with tracking quality during the procedure.
If problems persist:
- verify the lens calibration quality
- confirm the correct sensor dimensions are configured
- repeat the procedure in a more stable environment
Manual CamBar Offset
If the CamBar Offset Assistant cannot be used, the CamBar Offset can also be adjusted manually.
Select the padlock icon to unlock the offset controls for editing.
Keyboard shortcuts are available for fine adjustment of the transform values.
A useful alignment method is to compare the position of tracking features between:
- the main camera view
- the CamBar view
and iteratively align them visually.
