Optical Tracking Explained
Index
3D Localization and Position Tracking
3D localization technology or 3D position tracking is motion capture of objects is the physical world. It refers to measuring an object’s 3D position and orientation within a defined space relative to a known reference point. This is typically done by tracking six degrees of freedom (6DOF): three positional (X, Y, Z) and three angular coordinates (roll, pitch, yaw).
Optical Tracking Technology
Optical tracking is a 3D localization method that uses two or more cameras to monitor a measurement space. Each camera is equipped with an infrared (IR) pass filter and a ring of IR LEDs that periodically illuminate the space with invisible, safe IR light.
Advantages of Optical Tracking
Compared to other tracking technologies such as magnetic, acoustic, gyroscopic, and mechanical systems, optical tracking offers several benefits:
- Resilience to environmental noise: Less susceptible to interference from external conditions.
- No drift: Optical systems avoid drift issues common in other technologies.
- Simultaneous multi-object tracking: Track multiple objects within the measurement space.
- Lightweight wireless devices: Optical systems allow for the use of lightweight wireless interaction devices.
Bar Trackers vs Multi-Camera Systems
PS-Tech specializes in bar trackers. When comparing bar trackers and multi-camera systems, bar trackers offer significant advantages in terms of accuracy, consistency, and ease of use. Here’s a comparison:
| Feature | Bar Trackers | Multi-Camera Systems |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking Quality | Exact position and orientation of sensors known | Sensor position unknown leading to motion tracking with reduced accuracy |
| Consistency | High consistency thanks to optimized proprietary calibration | Inconsistent calibration due to unoptimized procedures |
| Stability | Highly stable; no changes in camera position or orientation post-mounting | Low stability; even slight vibrations degrade tracking quality |
| Ease of Use | Plug-and-play: Precalibrated for easy setup and immediate use | Requires calibration before use with lower overall tracking precision |