How to improve subject tracking?

lifeisfun · Jun 8, 2019

The tracking performance with my Spark is less then stellar, it will loose the subject even in auto modes like Dronie or Rocket.
I do most Video on the water so is this the problem?
Any tips?
Colors that are easier to track?

Thanks

Tentoes · Jun 9, 2019

I have 3 videos I made with the activetrack feature.

1. It completely failed to track the garbage truck.
2. It lost track of me a couple times, but found me again.
3. It just followed me everywhere I went.

1.

2.
(you will wonder why I didn't just take the wheelbarrow to the hole. Um...)

3.

I think the difference was contrast as I stood out on the light color path in blue overalls and red hat.

of course, there is this one where I somehow selected dronie 'stead of active track:

GeoM1 · Jun 19, 2019

lifeisfun said:
The tracking performance with my Spark is less then stellar, it will loose the subject even in auto modes like Dronie or Rocket.
I do most Video on the water so is this the problem?
Any tips?
Colors that are easier to track?

Thanks

Let’s face it, the Spark does not know what it’s looking at. We do so we know what to expect when a 3D object reveals a different perspective from that we first saw. I suspect that when a perspective changes enough, like when a garbage truck turns to show more of the dark rear end rather than the light colored side view, it is essentially not the “2D” object it is supposed to track. Even the side view of the truck is not all that different in color from the road - it is not a distinct object. So it’s a tough task for the Spark to know what look at.

Tracking has worked well for me when my subject has a distinct shape and highly distinguishable from the background.

Chrislaf · Jun 19, 2019

I usually use AutoPilot for tracking missions where I am the subject. It follows the controller and has been pretty reliable even when I am obscured by trees or shrubs. It can also be set up to follow another person that has a phone or other GPS device on them. AutoPilot has not been updated in a long time and I worry that Hanger is abandoning it.

I have used GO4s ActiveTrack but it quickly looses the target if it is low contrast or blends into background.

Chris

Tentoes · Jun 19, 2019

I'm kindof giving up the automatic modes as gimmicks and doing them manually. Of course, I don't have much attention span and forget to keep the whatever was I talking about?

lifeisfun · Jun 19, 2019

Chrislaf said:
I usually use AutoPilot for tracking missions where I am the subject. It follows the controller and has been pretty reliable even when I am obscured by trees or shrubs. It can also be set up to follow another person that has a phone or other GPS device on them. AutoPilot has not been updated in a long time and I worry that Hanger is abandoning it.

I have used GO4s ActiveTrack but it quickly looses the target if it is low contrast or blends into background.

Chris

Is there similar app for android?
Thanks

Chrislaf · Jun 19, 2019

lifeisfun said:
Is there similar app for android?
Thanks

Not as far as I know. I wish Hanger would update AutoPilot and make it cross platform. It is a unique app that provide capabilities that other apps lack.

Chris

nilanjan118 · Jun 19, 2019

Won't pretend to be an expert of Active Tracking here but it has worked quite well for me so far. I think good lighting and contrast between the subject and background is the key.