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Video vibration measurement — also called motion magnification or amplification— is an innovative non-contact technique that uses specialized software and high-speed cameras to detect and amplify minuscule vibration displacements. Technologies like VibVue® allow engineers to visualize movement across entire machines, making it easier to troubleshoot equipment issues.

However, like any software and sensor technology, video vibration analysis has limitations. Understanding these boundaries will help you decide when to use this tool to measure and characterize the vibration of machinery and structures— and when traditional accelerometers might be more effective.

1.0: What Is Video Vibration Measurement?

Video vibration measurement turns each pixel of a high-speed camera into a non-contact vibration sensor.

• Sensitivity: Down to ~100 millionths of an inch (2.5 microns) p-p
• Coverage: Typically 10 ft (3 m) from the machinery train. Scalable down to 1 inch or up to 500 ft (150m).
• Output: Magnified motion visualization for root-cause analysis

VibVue® uses motion magnification to make otherwise invisible movements visible, helping engineers identify structural or mechanical issues in pumps, motors, piping, and other rotating machinery systems.

2.0: Key Limitations of Video Vibration Analysis

2.1: High-Frequency Vibration = Lower Velocity Detection

• Video vibration systems detect displacement, not velocity, unlike accelerometers.
• At 1000 Hz, a displacement of 100 millionths of an inch equals ~0.22 in/sec RMS (5.5 mm/s RMS), which may exceed ISO and API velocity limits.
• Fortunately, relatively lower frequencies, typical for rotating machinery, improve sensitivity and detection accuracy.

👉 Example: At 100 Hz, the same displacement allows for detection of nearly 1/10^th of the ISO velocity limit.

2.2: Field-of-View vs. Sensitivity Trade-Off

• A larger field of view means lower displacement sensitivity.
• Focusing on a smaller area (e.g., a bearing housing) increases sensitivity but reduces context.
• If you only need localized data, accelerometers may be more efficient.

Key takeaway: Use video vibration to understand system-level dynamics, not just localized points.

Want to know more? These short videos answer two important questions:

What vibration frequencies can be measured using VibVue®? Click here

What levels of vibration amplitude can be measured using VibVue®? Click here

• Key takeaway: Use video vibration to understand system-level dynamics, not just localized points.
• Want to know more? These short videos answer two important questions:
• What vibration frequencies can be measured using VibVue®? Click here
• What levels of vibration amplitude can be measured using VibVue®? Click here
• Sensitivity depends on:
  • Camera resolution (industrial > mobile devices)
  • Magnification algorithms (e.g., MIT’s Wu or Rubenstein methods)
  • Lighting intensity and contrast

Poor lighting or low frame rate = reduced accuracy.

2.4: Interpolation and Resolution Limitations

• Systems with low surface textures points may produce misleading results.
• Sub-pixel level processing reduces bias and improves accuracy.
• In low-resolution scenarios, ODS (Operating Deflection Shape) analysis may be more reliable.

3.0: Best Practices for Using Video Vibration Tools

• Combine video vibration with accelerometers for comprehensive diagnostics.
• Ensure adequate lighting and high-quality camera sensors.
• Use video to contextualize component interactions across entire systems.
• For high-frequency issues, use VibVue®’s Warp Speed feature and supplement with traditional vibration sensors.

4.0: When to Use Video Vibration vs. Accelerometers

5.0: FAQs About Video Vibration & Motion Magnification

Q1: How sensitive is video vibration compared to accelerometers?
A high-quality system can detect displacement as small as 2.5 microns p-p, making it competitive in many industrial scenarios — though accelerometers remain better for high-frequency velocity measurements.

Q2: Can I use an iPhone or consumer camera for video vibration analysis?
Not reliably with current technology, but MSI is currently developing algorithms for optimal phone/consumer camera use – stay tuned! In the meantime, industrial cameras with high resolution and frame rates are essential for accuracy.

Q3: What lighting conditions are best for motion magnification?
Bright, even lighting with strong contrast between the surface and background yields the most reliable data.

6.0: Conclusion — The Right Tool for the Job

Video vibration and motion magnification technologies like VibVue® offer powerful, non-contact visualization of equipment behavior. They excel at diagnosing structural movement and contextual vibration sources. For quick equipment/structural health assessments they provide comprehensive information for the little time investment needed. However, for troubleshooting problems, they are most effective when paired with accelerometers, not as replacements.

If you’re troubleshooting rotating machinery systems, piping systems or other important equipment, integrating video vibration into your reliability toolkit will provide valuable insights that conventional methods can’t.

📩 Interested in learning more about VibVue® or seeing a demo? Please contact us to discuss your application.