FAQ
Q: Can I record handheld videos?
A: Absolutely not! Mount your recording device to a sturdy tripod or similar. Do not move it or adjust it while recording a flight. See Field setup for details.
Q: Why do I need markers?
A: F2B markers provide a base reference in the field for the pilot and for the judges. For VideoF2B, they also relate the real world to camera images, so that augmented reality geometry can be drawn accurately in video. Without the markers, augmented-reality geometry is not possible.
Q: My flying site does not have F2B markers, and installing them is not practical. Is there an alternative method for creating AR videos that does not require markers?
A: This capability is a research & development project that is currently in progress.
Q: Can I move the camera during a flight once recording has started?
A: No. Doing so will require you to select the markers in video in the new camera location.
Q: Does the trace drawn in video follow the CG of the model aircraft?
A: Not necessarily, but it tends to be fairly close to it. The motion detector follows the centroid (geometric center) of the silhouette of the largest moving object in video.
Q: Why are background objects tracked instead of the model aircraft?
A: VideoF2B currently does not distinguish between objects and just follows the largest moving object. If possible, avoid having moving objects as background (e.g. a road).
Q: How accurate are the Augmented Reality graphics?
A: Field tests have proven that the augmented-reality geometry drawn in video is accurate within 10 cm throughout the entire flight envelope.
Q: Can this system be used for computerized scoring of Stunt flights?
A: The concept of tracking the flights in three dimensions using recorded video for the purpose of automated scoring is definitely under consideration. Some maneuvers are problematic to track accurately (takeoff, level/inverted flight, landing), but the majority of the flight maneuvers are potential candidates.