EthoLoop Close-Up System

EthoLoop uses the real-time extracted 3D coordinates to control a custom made motorized camera that provides sharp magnified images of the individuals while being tracked in large scale environments. To build EthoLoop close-up camera the following elements are required:

1 - XIMEA IR Extended Camera
2 - Optotune (electrical tunable lens)
3 - Gardasoft Lens Controller
3 - Camera objectives
4 - Dynamixel Servos (2x)
5 - Dynamixel Kit
6 - Dynamixel Single and Dual Hinge Frame Set
7 - Dynamixel Back Frame Set

Harware Assembly Run with EthoLoop

EthoLoop Close Up Assembly

Camera holder

Use the single hinge frame set and add 3D printed cube that elevates the XIMEA camera and match the centre of image sensor with top axis of Dynamixel servo. Connect the camera holder using the bearing set to the top servo.

Rotation over Z-axis

To place the camera holder on the center of the bottom servo's axis (z axis), cut the dual hinge frame set as shown in the picture and screw it on top of the bottom servo. Afterwards use the back frame set to assemble both servos and camera holder.

Wiring

Make sure both servos are connected to each other. Connect the Power hub to USB2Dynamixel and to one of the two servos (shown in red arrows).

Run EthoLoop Close Up

The libraries for controling the Dynamixel servos are installed with the EthoLoop Host Package. Therefore in the steps below we explain how to configure your close-up system with EthoLoop software.

Set the offset for both servos

Download and install Dynamixel Wizard. Connect EthoLoop close up system to your Host machine via USB2Dynamixel. Open the wizard and adjust the values of both servos in a way that the servo rotating along the z axis becomes parallel with either x or y axis and the other servo becomes perpendicular to the z axis. Write down theese offset values.

Locate the close up system

Once you have completed your 3D calibration, measure the position of the close up system in all 3 axes (x,y,z). We will provide an auto calibration method for the close up system in the next release.

Run EthoLoop software

If you are willing to use the close up system with your 3D tracking, create a config file and check the box for "Close Up View". As shown in the picture enter your values for both offsets and the 3D position of the close up system. Additionally you can adjust the parameters of the close up camera. Save the config file and load it when running EthoLoop.