Measure
zactrack Systems can calibrate their own position through an automatic calibration process. The system performs a mesh ranging procedure to get all the distances between the zactrack components. The zactrack resolver uses this information and calculates the positions of the anchors. There is also a way to measure the components manually when necessary.
The Auto System Calibration is done though the zactrack App.
Open the zactrack App
Go to the Show Editor
Go to the Points tab
Tap the System Calibration button
Reinitialize System (Auto) will do a complete new Setup with a new coordinate System using Mesh ranging technology.
Reinitialize System (Measure) will do a complete new Setup with a new coordinate System using a Manual Measuring tool. Leica Disto
Reposition Anchors (Auto) will only reinitialize the position of the anchors and makes no changes in the coordinate system.
Validate Anchors only after a Calibration Process
This function is used to check the Anchor positions without changing their coordinates.
choose Reinitialize System (Auto)
Press next
To prepare the Mesh Ranging there need to be 4 points placed on the floor or 0 Z plane of your venue. By default, these are the pucks. However they can also be trackers. This is determined through the System Settings.
If the Pucks are online, nothing else needs to be done in this window.
In the Advanced Mode there are more options availbale.
In advanced Mode it is possible to manually change Pucks and Trackers.
Press Next: Coordinate System
To line up the virtual coordinate system with the real world, the systems needs to know where the Origin is located. Along with which direction the positive X and Y axis are running.
The Black Puck is used to define the origin. It should be placed on the physical origin of the stage.
Note
This point doesn't have to be the center of the stage. It simply needs to be a point that can easily be found again. If you are integrating zactrack with other 3rd party softwares (PSN) this Origin must also align with those.
The Red Puck defines the direction of the positive X axis.
Note
The points should roughly be placed 3 meters or 10 feet from each other.
The green Puck defines the side of the Y Axis.
Note
The points should roughly be placed 3 meters or 10 feet from each other.
The Blue Puck or Tracker is an additional measuring point. All 4 points will now be laid out in a rough square of at least 3x3 m or 10x10 ft.
Press next: Mesh Ranging
During the mesh ranging process, the system is collecting data between all active tracking devices.
After collecting the data the system is calculating the positions. The resolver tries to find the best solution. There can be more attempts and a lot of iterations
There are 4 possible results:
Good result with a green sign
OK result with a yellow sign
Bad result with a red sign
No Calibration possible
Tip
A green value means a good result. Best tracking result.
Warning
A bad calibration will affect the tracking quality. Don't use it!
Close The Wizard
Upload Show
Press to the triangle to upload the Show to the server.
As the zactrack system is availbale to set itself up by performing a mesh ranging process it is also possible to set up the system with a manual Laser Measuring device. The zactrack App supports different Leica Laser Measurement devices. More information: Set up Leica Disto
Reasons for a Manual Calibration
Complex Stage Situation
As the stage is more complex and the Anchors and Pucks are not able to communicate (e.g. metal construction), the mesh ranging process will not work
Fix Installation
In case of a fix installation, a manually calibrated system could be more accurate and more tolerant. As always the system will handle some level of defects. An accurately measured Anchor with a laser is always better than a mesh ranged Anchor.
Large Setup
In case of a large setup, Anchors are not able to see each other.
It is possible to measure single Anchors or perform the manual Reinitialize System wizard. See Points for more information.