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What is it?

The AirPixel XT is the latest addition to the AirPixel system. Built on the RACELOGIC PNT platform, it uses RTK and IMU technology for seamless tracking of cameras in expansive outdoor areas with a clear view of the sky. The system also allows for the integration of captivating AR and CG elements into live broadcasts and other productions. AirPixel XT offers a quick and simple setup, making it a practical solution for the broadcast industry. It is an ideal tool for camera tracking in open environments such as golf courses, race tracks, and large festivals.

How does it work?

AirPixel XT determines the position and orientation of the camera by combining satellite data with information from an internal inertial measurement unit (IMU). The data is processed through an advanced filter algorithm, providing accurate outputs for X, Y, Z, Pan, Tilt, and Roll.

The antenna connects to a lightweight control unit, which merges the position data with lens FIZ data, genlocks the output, and transmits it to the render engine via Ethernet or serial connection. At this stage, the data is formatted either in AirPixel's proprietary format—ideal for use with our custom Live Link plugin—or in FreeD format for broader software compatibility.

Standalone satellite receivers, or those found in your phone or car typically offer 1–3 m position accuracy, however using an RTK base station as a source of correctional data improves positional accuracy to within centimetres. AirPixel XT receives correction messages from either a fixed base station (see image 1) or NTRIP service provider via an NTRIP modem (see image 2).

Image 1: Camera position is calculated using correction messages from a fixed base station

Image 2: Camera position is calculated using RTK correction messages from NTRIP service provider

Development Milestones

September 2024:

Following a visit to the IBC Show in Amsterdam, we completed a live demo of AirPixel XT at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, supported by representatives from EuroGrip, Stage Precision, and Prismax.

As the system is reliant on receiving satellite signals, testing in a semi-enclosed stadium posed some challenges. However, following the day of tests, we were pleased by the system’s performance.

Initially we rigged AirPixel XT onto a cable-cam system that spanned the stadium, and despite some initial radio issues, the setup successfully tracked the camera over the entire pitch area.

Next, we switched to an 'EasyRider' equipped with a stabilised camera head. Although maintaining a good satellite fix inside the enclosed stadium was more challenging, this phase allowed us to explore the system's limits and gather crucial data for enhancements.

This also proved the viability of AirPixel XT for mobile cameras in some occluded areas, by successfully applying AR to this camera feed. Overall, the demo was a success, highlighting the real possibilities that an AirPixel XT system can unlock.

AirPixel XT on a single-wire cable-cam system, which stretched end to end across the stadium.

AirPixel XT system mounted on camera

NTRIP base station located outside stadium

AR content overlaid in real-time to the camera footage

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June 2024:

There's exciting progress on our latest prototype test for the AirPixel XT system! Using GPS technology, we tracked a wireless, hand-held camera to overlay Augmented Reality graphics on the video stream in real-time.

In the 2nd half of the video, we showcase tracking a moving vehicle with a 3D graphic floating over it – seriously cool stuff! The video and GPS data were wirelessly transmitted to a PC running the Unreal Engine for real-time graphic rendering.

Utilizing the Teradek Bolt 6 XT for video transmission and a low latency 2.4 GHz wireless link for GPS data, both with a range of 1km+, paves the way for our next challenge: miniaturizing the setup for drone mounting!