Motion Tracking Cameras

Occasionally, instructors mention an interest in motion tracking for the instructor video.  Here is some research from December 2014.

My experience in the past is bearing out again that there’s not a lot of product out there for tracking cams.  I recall when I was looking for point-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras, some had security program that did do tracking.  So far, I haven’t turned those up yet, but will keep looking.

 

  • The best option so far is the Swivl Links to an external site..  It has smooth tracking and isn’t too expensive.  I  submitted a question as to if it can be mounted upside down (ceiling mount).  If not, it’s possible that a bracket could be made to ceiling mount it.  The Swivl uses a tracking device, which makes it more accurate than a software tracking app, but also means that there is a piece to lose.  It might be good to get several and check them out to instructors who are going to use it. It looks like we could request a demo Links to an external site. unit, which I did.
  • The Motrr Galileo Links to an external site. is interesting (about $159 for Bluetooth, $139 for wired connection).  You also need to get a device and it only works with various iPod Touches and the GoPro.  An iPod Touch 4th generation (discontinued by Apple) goes for between about $170 (Refurbished) and $240 on Amazon, while a 5th generation goes for between about $200 and $250, also on Amazon.  It does face tracking, object tracking, etc.  Not sure how compatible it is with mounting it on the ceiling because it needs to be turned on from the device, or if it can be left on.
  • Here’s a DIY tracker Links to an external site..  See a video Links to an external site. of it in action.  Probably not really good for our situation.
  • MIT’s WiTrack Links to an external site. looks very interesting, but is very new and probably not available except as DIY.
  • FLIR Pan-Tilt Units Links to an external site. look interesting, but are very expensive and it’s not clear if they track.
  • Here’s the EZ-Track Dome Links to an external site. ($1,496, plus mounting hdware and  maybe PTZ software).  There are tracking example videos on that page.  The problem with software tracking is that other movements will probably result in confusion.  For example, if students in the front row are visible, it may zoom out and track them when they move.  It does appear to zoom in and out.
  • Here’s some more auto tracking PTZ cams Links to an external site..  I don’t think security autotracking is good enough for classroom use.  It’s jerky and prone to errors.

 

So, at this point, the Swivl is looking like the best choice.  We would need to get a web cam that is compatible with it, or a compatible device.