Tests in laboratory environment sometimes demand high accuracy three-dimensional measurements. These demands are difficult to meet when using traditional high-speed filming because of the low geometric stability and the small film format in-the high-speed cameras. Using an extensive amount of equipment and sophisticated analysis tools, three-dimensional measurements from high-speed films can be extracted. Alternative image based systems giving high resolution, high speed and high accuracy are, however, not easily available.

During a test series for evaluation of systems for child restraint side-impact protection, a method using single or multi frame video photogrammetry and active targets (1OOOHz) was developed. The flashing targets make high time resolution possible from relatively low time resolving video sources. The main advantage of this system is that it is easy to use and gives acceptable measuring accuracy (≈0.2% of field of view) as well as short time for evaluation. The system concept based on standard equipment has a relatively low cost, overall and per observation point. The result from this development is presented in this paper together with descriptions of the used equipment, test set-ups and working procedures. Some possibilities and disadvantages are discussed together with lines for further development.