Our vibration analysis solution WaveCam is the perfect tool for non-contact and high-resolution vibration measurement for experts and beginners. WaveCam amplifies motion invisible to the human eye. Analyze your vibration data in the time and frequency domain to monitor machines, buildings and structures.

To get started, all you need 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. Every single pixel will serve as an individual sensor allowing you to monitor vibration and track every motion. 

  • 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

WaveCam – 
Non-contact Measurements, Precision Results

Some of your advantages with WaveCam:

  • Import common file formats from any camera, from phone cameras to high-end highspeed cameras
  • Fully automatic, unique data extraction of vibration displacements from video data using improved optical flow and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms for quality results with WaveCam
  • Annual license includes regular updates as the software is constantly progressing. No additional fee for software maintenance.
  • A high-speed camera Chronos 1.4 including rechargeable battery for mobile measurement is offered optionally, setup to use with WaveCam in a robust carrying case. We recommend to choose a camera to suit your needs, based on frequency range and resolution requirements.

 

Vibration measurement data extraction requires uncompresed 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.

Supported video file formats for data extraction:

  • asf - ASF File
  • asx - ASX File
  • avi - AVI File
  • m4v - MPEG-4 Video
  • mov - QuickTime movie
  • mp4 - MPEG-4
  • mpg - MPEG-1
  • wmv - Windows Media Video
  • dng (folder) - CinemaDNG
Maximum resolution1280 x 1024 px
Framerate1 – 40 kfps (at reduced resolution)
Record time (depending on memory)4.13 s (8 GB), 8.26 s (16 GB), 16.52 s (32 GB)
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)
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 / 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.

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 vibration visible with motion magnification
  • Use any camera to capture vibration data incl. phones
  • Save setup-, measurement time and equipment cost
  • Quick to learn, intuitive handling, easy configuration
  • Intuitive execution and analysis of measurements
  • Analyse data in time and frequency domain
  • Vibration measurements during operation with subpixel-precision measurement resolution
  • No preparation of the measured surface necessary
  • Export deflection shapes in video
  • Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to amplify motion

Applications

  • Operating Deflection Shapes (ODS)
  • Natural frequency investigation
  • Quality assurance
  • Research & development
  • Troubleshooting, root-cause analysis
  • Predictive maintenance
  • Structural vibration
  • Transient events

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)