NaturalPoint Tracking Toolkits (Point Cloud and Rigid Body)
Users Manual
 
3. Getting Started
3.1 Minimum System Requirements

  • 3+ OptiTrack cameras
  • Windows XP SP2 or Windows Vista
  • .Net 3.0 Runtime
  • VC2005 Runtime
  • 1.5 GHz Processor
  • 256 MB of RAM
  • 20 MB of free hard disk space
  • USB 2.0 Hi-Speed port

3.2 What's Included
license card
1 Point Cloud or Rigid Body license card 		Quickstart Guide
1 Quickstart guide
CD
1 Software CD

3.3 Hardware Compatibility

The Tracking Toolkit (Point Cloud and Rigid Body) software can only be used with OptiTrack FLEX:C120, OptiTrack FLEX:V100, and OptiTrack SLIM:V100 hardware. Older camera models are not compatible and will not work with this software.

3.4 Software and Hardware Installation

For best results it is suggested to install all software before you connect the OptiTrack cameras.


3.4.1 Software Installation
NOTE: Windows XP and Vista users must be logged in as an administrator. If you only have one user on your computer, you most likely already have administrator privileges.
 
  1. Insert the included NaturalPoint software CD into your CD drive. Wait for the install program to start. If the install program does not start within a few minutes, open "My Computer" then double click on the CD drive icon, and double click again on the Setup file.
     
  2. There are two software packages to install, the OptiTrack SDK and the Tracking Toolkits. Start with the OptiTrack SDK installer, once it has completed it will automatically start the Tracking Toolkits installer for you.
    Note: The Tracking Toolkits will detect if you are missing required dependencies such as .Net 3.0 and install them for you.
     
  3. Follow the software installation instructions on the screen.
    Note: Windows may display a warning message about the drivers not being signed. Click YES to accept the drivers, the drivers WILL NOT harm your system.
     
  4. OptiTrack SDK, Point Cloud and Rigid Body icons will appear on your desktop.
     

3.5 Camera Placement

In order to track markers, multiple OptiTrack cameras must be arranged to have overlapping fields of view. This will create an area called a capture volume in which tracking can occur. When possible, secure the cameras firmly in place. Whenever the cameras are moved it is necessary to recalibrate them.
 
Point Cloud toolkit Camera Placement
 
 
For best calibration and tracking results, avoid placing the cameras all in the same plane. Instead position the cameras at different angles.
 
Point Cloud toolkit Camera Placement
 
3.6 Camera Synchronization

Multiple OptiTrack cameras can be linked together to synchronize their exposure timing. Camera synchronization allows for greater precision and more robust tracking. The cameras are connected in a chain using Sync Cables*. Once the cables are connected and the cameras turned on, they will begin synchronizing automatically.
* Sync Cables sold separately
 
  1. Note : All cameras must be of the same model type, otherwise synchronization will not work and should not be attempted.
     
  2. Connect all cameras to the computer via USB.
     
  3. Plug the Camera Sync Splitter into each camera.
     
  4. Chain the cameras together by connecting each camera's "out" connector to the next camera's "in" connector.
     
  5. Do not form a loop, the last camera in the chain should not be connected to the first camera.
     
  6. Start cameras in the software, the cameras will automatically synchronize.

 
Point Cloud toolkit Camera Sync
3.7 License Activation

Before the Point Cloud toolkit or Rigid Body toolkit can be used, you must first activate the included license (see License Card in section 3.2) for one of your OptiTrack cameras. Choose one of your cameras and use the serial number found on the back during the activation process. Activating the license enables you to use the software toolkit as long as the camera for which it was activated is connected to your computer.
 
There are two different methods for activating your license :
 
  • Direct : Double click the OptiTrack License Activation tool shortcut on your desktop. Fill out the required details and then press the activate button. If the activation is successful a license will be generated and installed on your computer.
     
  • Email : If your computer is behind a firewall which prevents the direct tool from working, you can activate your license on the OptiTrack website and have it emailed to you. Please visit www.optitrack.com/activate for more details.

 
License Activation tool :
Point Cloud toolkit license tool
 
Additional information can be found in our licensing FAQ online at http://www.naturalpoint.com/optitrack/support/activate/faq.html.