Single-event-camera-based 3D trajectory measurement method for high-speed moving targets

High-speed target three-dimensional (3D) trajectory and velocity measurement methods have important uses in many fields, including explosive debris and rotating specimen trajectory tracking. The conventional approach uses a binocular system with two high-speed cameras to capture the target's 3D motion information. Hardware cost for the conventional approach is high, and accurately triggering several high-speed cameras is difficult. Event-based cameras have recently received considerable attention due to advantages in dynamic range, temporal resolution, and power consumption. To address problems of camera synchronization difficulties, data redundancy, and motion blur in high-speed target 3D trajectory measurement, this Letter proposes a 3D trajectory measurement method based on a single-event camera and a four-mirror adaptor. The 3D trajectory and velocity of a particle flight process and a marker on a rotating disc were measured with the proposed method, and the results show that the proposed method can monitor the operational state of high-speed flying and rotating objects at a very low hardware cost.