Alignment Concept & Objective
It is important to understand that the camera sensor needs to be aligned exactly with the projection of the finish line vertical plane. This cannot be achieved if the mounting gear head is not centered in the exact projection (extension) of the finish line.
Only when the camera is perfectly leveled (in the swivel axis), and the alignment references along the finish line can be seen in alignment mode, will you know for sure that the camera is appropriately positioned.
tip: Before timing an event, it is recommended to make the line clearly visible with reference marks positioned along the line, and to secure the finish area as to avoid people from blocking the view between the camera and the finish line.
The goals for camera alignment are very simple:
- Can I see the object of interest in all parts of the finish line? Am I cutting off the top in the far section? Am I cutting off the bottom in the closest section?
- Is my camera pointing at the finish line? You will know this is true when the background of your images is the same color as the finish line.
- Is my camera focused so that I can read numbers and identify the object of interest?
The key to the process is to follow all the steps and to practice until you fully understand the procedure.
Example
Sample Image Produced by a Correctly Aligned Camera
Figure: Alignment Concept & Objective
Image Sensor Position with Correctly Aligned Camera
| Field of view of Lens Actual Image recorded by single line sensor |
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When the camera is correctly aligned, the area of the track that it sees (indicated in this diagram) falls directly on the finish line and extends far enough above the most distant edge of the track to include the torso of a competitor finishing in that position.