Immerse yourself in the possibilities of optical analysis with our advanced, non-contact and high-resolution vibration analysis solution WaveCam. We visualize a world in which vibrations are magnified and the invisible becomes visible. Learn why motion magnification is more than just a technique - it's a revolutionary way to understand and optimize vibration. Analyze your vibration data in the time, frequency and order domain to better understand machines, buildings and structures.

All you need to get started is a camera and our software to process the data. Save the time handling lots of cables and sensors, or setting and measuring single measurement locations consecutively. Each pixel acts as an individual sensor, enabling comprehensive monitoring of vibrations and motion tracking.

WaveCam allowing you to measure hundreds of thousands of positions simultaneously. Time waveforms and frequency data can be extracted for individual positions. Results were cross-validated with finite element analysis and conventional sensors like Doppler vibrometer (LDV), accelerometer as well as acoustic holography. Display deflection shapes of structures during operation, manual, ambient or automated excitation e. g. using the impulse hammer WaveHitMAX as well as transient events. Various options to display the data, facilitate interpretation and export vivid and conclusive results.

  • Increase the productivity by reducing machine downtime
  • Improve the life, safety, comfort and sound of the product
  • Easy set up, shorter measuring times, no cable effort
  • Simplification of maintenance, improved damage detection

Features of WaveCam 

  • Discover hidden motions and fine details that escape the human eye
  • Contactless and area-based measurement
  • Independent of the camera - import of common video file formats
  • Sub-pixel-precise measurement resolution of 1/10,000 possible through the use of artificial intelligence (AI)
  • Frequency range of the measurement is limited by the frame rate of the camera
  • Extracted sensor data were cross-validated with finite element analyses and conventional vibrations sensors (accelerometer, laser Doppler vibrometer)

 

 
Frequency range0 – 20 kHz
Minimum displacement100 nm (at 1 m with 50 mm lens)
Supported video file formatsavi, m4v, mj2, mov, mp4, mpg, wmv
Supported image file formatsdng, png, jpg, bmp, tif, tiff
Data analysis domains
  • Frequency Operational Deflection Shapes
  • Time Operational Deflection Shapes
Signal analysis
  • Time waveforms
  • Spectra (overall and for each channel)
  • Spectrogram (overall and for each channel)
  • Import of the reference sensor signal (uff)
Frequency filtering
  • Bandpass in time waveforms and animation
Spectrogram
  • Window type and size
  • Extraction of RPM signal
  • Campbell diagram view
  • Overlap settings
  • Number of lines
Motion visualisation
  • Colorized motion maps
  • Amplitude and phase angle visualisation
  • Overall motion or single frequencies
Data export
  • Waveforms (csv, uff, png)
  • Spectra (csv, uff, png)
  • Mode shapes (uff, avi, mp4) for comparison with simulation results (WaveSim)
Pre-processing of the video
  • Video player
  • Adjustments of the video (cropping, trimming)
  • Component selection
  • Pre validation (heat map view, calculation of local spectrum)
Batch processing
  • User configured analysis
  • Sequential calculation of all batches

Vibration measurement data extraction requires uncompressed video files that can be recorded with all available high-speed cameras as well as smartphone cameras. We recommend using a high-speed camera by Chronos.

Specification CameraChronos 1.4 CameraChronos 2.1. HD Camera
Maximum resolution1280 x 1024 px at 1,069 FPS1920 x 1080 (HD) at 1,000 FPS
Framerate1 – 40,000 fps (at reduced resolution)1 – 14,825 fps (at reduced resolution)
Record time (depending on memory)4.13 s (8 GB),
8.26 s (16 GB),
16.52 s (32 GB)
2.7s (8GB),
5.5s (16GB),
11s (32GB)
Battery run time1.5 hours recording with on-site replaceable EN-EL4a battery
Lens mountCS/C-mount (lens recommended by us)
Display5" 800 x 480 capacitive touchscreen
EnclosureAnodized CNC machined aluminum
CoolingActive cooling, variable-speed fan (fan-off option supported)
Operating Temperature-20 °C to +40 °C, (-4 °F to +104 °F)
Dimensions155 mm x 96 mm x 67.3 mm (6.11" x 3.78" x 2.65") without lens
Weight1.06 kg (2.34 lbs) without lens
Battery
TypeEN-EL4a
Maximum run time1.5 hours recording
Charge time2 hours (0 – 80 %) with in-camera charger
Input/Output
Power input17 – 20 V 40 W (5.5 x 2.5 mm barrel jack, positive tip)
NetworkGigabit Ethernet
TriggerTwo trigger inputs/frame strobe outputs (BNC and AUX)
Electrically isolated trigger input (AUX connector)

Exported animations of deflection shapes – distinct results and easy interpretation with our pixel-as-sensor technology.

Multibody analysis and various display options for highlighting of user-defined components.  

Examples of Measurement

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WaveCam - Video Vibration Analysis of a Large Office Building in Tokyo

Changes in the vibration pattern of a building can indicate damages to the structure. During a visit in Japan, a video of these large office building in Tokyo was taken. Using motion magnification with the WaveCam software, the vibrations were quickly made visible to the human eye. An easy solution for quick vibration analysis on buildings.

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Video Vibration Analysis - Brake Test with Impulse Hammer WaveHitMAX and WaveCam

With the impulse hammer WaveHitMAX, a fully automatic, reproducible and highly precise excitation of the test object takes place without double hits. The high-speed camera records the video data and the WaveCam vibration analysis software amplifies the motion so that the vibrations are fast and easily visible and evaluated. 

A fully automatic brake testing system with reproducible pulse excitation and full-surface vibration measurement.

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WaveCam - Video Vibration Analysis with High-Speed Camera

Structural vibrations are often not visible to the human eye. With a high-resolution video recording and a motion magnification by our software WaveCam, you can visually understand the vibrations of the brake disc yourself in this video.

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WaveCam - Video Vibration Analysis on a Steel Frame

This is the easiest and fastest way to perform a vibration test on machines and installations. A video is created with a high-speed camera. Using an algorithm in the WaveCam vibration analysis software, we amplify the vibration motion and then visualize and analyze the results.

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WaveCam - Video Vibration Analysis of a Loudspeaker

We tested the entire measurement process on a loudspeaker.  Never before has a vibration test been completed faster. The excitation was done with a sine sweep. The recorded video data was amplified in motion by software. The results are extremely precise compared to classic sensor systems.

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WaveCam – Video Vibration Analysis on a Wind Turbine

What is visible on a small scale - as in the measurement on this Lego wind turbine - also works for real wind turbines. Measurements on energy plants can be carried out easily, quickly and without complex preparations. Motion magnifications through our WaveCam software make it possible to visualize vibrations in a way that the human eye cannot see.

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Vibration Analysis on Bridge Model

By studying a bridge model's dynamic behavior under different forces like traffic loads and wind gusts, we gain crucial insights into its structural integrity and resilience.
Using our advanced simulation software WaveCam, even the tiniest fluctuations in the bridge's response can be detected.

This innovative approach not only allows for a more thorough understanding of a bridge's natural frequencies and mode shapes but also facilitates early detection of structural anomalies or damage.

Benefits

  • WaveCam makes vibrations visible with motion magnification
  • Use any camera to capture vibration data
  • Analyze data in the time, frequency and order domain
  • Vibration measurements during operation with sub-pixel measurement resolution
  • Measurement from small (e. g. circuit board) to large structures (e. g. buildings)
  • Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to increase measurement resolution and improve sensor data

Applications

  • Operating deflection shape analysis (ODS) in the time, frequency and order domain
  • Resonance and modal analysis
  • Quality assurance
  • Research and development
  • Troubleshooting, root cause analysis
  • Preventive maintenance

Technical

  • Depending on the frame rate of your camera, a minimum frame rate FPS = 2 x fmax is required to capture the highest frequency of interest fmax.
  • Phones are sufficient for low frequency applications (current maximum 960 fps). Note: Phones might add a few seconds normal speed at start and end of a slow motion recording.
  • High framerates lead to low exposure times -> additional flicker free lighting required
  • Highspeed camera performance in  Gpx/s (e.g. Chronos 1.4) trade off - frame rate vs. resolution
  • Edges and feature points help but are not essentiell
  • Use uncompressed video formats – cut video in WaveCam
  • Use angle e.g. 45° as only in plane vibrations are displayed for comparison with reference consider 90° rotation
  • Record different angles
  • Measurement time is limited by the RAM of the camera (reduce fps or resolution to increase)
  • Bottleneck is data transfer RAM->SD Card + processing time

Cross validation of amplitudes and frequency content with accelerometer and LDV

Cross validation of mode shapes using soundcam Mikado and nearfield acoustic holography (SONAH)