# System Calibration

Before using AR 51, complete camera calibration, capture-area calibration, and device calibration — this aligns the cameras, VR devices, and the physical capture space into one synchronized coordinate system. The process has three stages:

* Camera calibration 

* Capture-area (bounding box) calibration 

* Device calibration (VR headset alignment)

By the end of this section your cameras, VR devices, and capture space will share one synchronized coordinate system.

## Camera Calibration

The first step involves setting up and calibrating the cameras to ensure they accurately capture and interpret the physical space. It includes:

* Calibration board detection

* Lit calibration sphere detection

<video aria-label="The lit calibration sphere swept through the AR 51 capture volume" autoPlay loop muted playsInline>
  <source src={require('./img/camera_calibration/6.calib_sphere_path.mp4').default} type="video/mp4" />
</video>

## Bounding Box Calibration

Next, define the capture-area bounding box so AR 51 knows the physical limits of the performance space. A correct bounding box ensures the system captures only within the intended volume. This step focuses on:

* Setting the center and dimensions of the bounding box

* Sending the bounding box data to the server

* Validating the bounding box calibration

<video aria-label="Mocap Studio validating the capture-area bounding box" autoPlay loop muted playsInline>
  <source src={require('./img/4.3BoundingBoxCalibration/5bound_validate.mp4').default} type="video/mp4" />
</video>

## VR Device Calibration

Here, we will calibrate the VR devices to ensure they are synchronized and functioning correctly within the capture environment. This includes:

* Ensuring all devices agree on a common coordinate system

* Moving and positioning your hands within the VR environment for accurate tracking

![A performer calibrating VR devices in the AR 51 capture showroom](./img/device_calibration/device_calibration_showroom.png)

## LED Stage Synchronization

Here, we will sync between an LED stage coordinate system and AR 51's coordinate system by projecting the checkerboard pattern onto the LED floor.

![An AR 51 calibration board projected onto an LED stage floor](./img/led_sync/calibration_board_on_stage.webp)


## Next steps

- [Calibrate the cameras](/docs/calibration/camera-calibration)
- [Calibrate VR devices](/docs/calibration/device-calibration)
- [Open Mocap Studio](/docs/mocap-studio/overview)