Head Tracking Software?

[Boeing 747 Flyer]

Hello everyone,

I am just wondering which is the best head tracking software out there?

I was thinking of FreeTrack, but I'm not sure if this is the best, and if it is not, could you please post an alternative?

Furthermore, any information on construction/ease of use will be appreciated!

Thanks

[skino]

I use them without any extra hardware:

http://eviacam.sourceforge.net/eviacam.php

[AK Mongo]

Have not used many of them, but I have been very impressed with my Trackir.

[TasKiNG]

FreeTrack works really well but I would suggest that you make a headset using Infrared LED's rather than reflective markers.
I just used 3 IR LEDS FROM OLD TV remotes and powered them off the USB via a suitable resistors.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/david.ault/pics4web/12-finished.jpg

[Boeing 747 Flyer]

Is there an exact set amonut that the LEDs have to be away from each other?

Furthermore, could you please tell me which WebCam you're using?

Finally, how much hardware modification did you have to perform? I am aware that the IR Filter must be removed.

[TasKiNG]

I used the suggested spacing in the FreeTrack Handbook for the 4 LED design but omitted one of the LED's to give the 3 LED design http://www.free-track.net/fichiers/manuel21en.pdf
You can specify the exact dimensions you have used in the FreeTrack setup.

I used a labtec camera:-
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/david.ault/pics4web/01-box.jpg

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/david.ault/pics4web/02-camera.jpg

I removed the filter designed to stop IR light
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/david.ault/pics4web/05-filter_in_lens.jpg

and replaced it with a square cut out of a floppy disk ( makes a great filter that only lets IR light through )
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/david.ault/pics4web/06-floppy_bit.jpg

Then epoxy'd it back together again
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/david.ault/pics4web/07-finished_lens.jpg

The choice of webcam is really important as you need a decent "frames per second" and it has to be possible to remove the filter and replace it with a filter that only lets IR light through.
The FreeTrack website has a list of suitable webcams.
http://www.free-track.net/english/hardware/webcam.php

[Boeing 747 Flyer]

Hiya TasKING,

I am thinking of using the Microsoft VX1000 Webcam for the FreeTrack Software.

Will this be suitable:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GE9XQ2?ie=UTF8&tag=freetrack0a-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000GE9XQ2

Could you reccommend some LEDs to purchase (unfortunately I have no Remotes to "rip" the LEDs off've). Also, I've tried looking for the OSRAM 485P IR Emitter but alot of websites seem to have them discontinued, could you reccommend an alternative?

Forgive my ignorance, but is the FPS Rate given by the Camera a measure of the "reaction time" of the head movement rather than a measure of on-screen FPS (in our case, I know FPS with Webcams would usually be referred to as how smooth the image is on on-line videoing).

Thanks

[Crescent]

I use trackir....I've used it for years and it works great. http://www.naturalpoint.com/trackir/

[Boeing 747 Flyer]

I use trackir....I've used it for years and it works great. http://www.naturalpoint.com/trackir/
Hi Crescent,

TrackIR is the precise reason I'm seeking an altnerative. FreeTrack is the same result, except running at a lower FPS and using slightly different techniques.

I've looked at TrackIR for years but have concluded it is very overpriced for the components used.

EDIT:

Right, I went ahead an ordered a Microsoft VX-3000 WebCam, coupled with the followed IR LEDs:

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=2253

Will these be suitable?

Thanks,

Jack:p

[TasKiNG]

Hi Jack,
That webcam is listed on the FreeTrack site as compatible so you should be fine.

Also the IR LEDS you have ordered will be perfect.

If like me you are going to power them from the USB 5V Power then you will need to put a 200 ohm resistor in series with each one.

i.e. The LEDs are quoted as 1.2V at 20mA
therefore you need to drop 3.8 of the 5 volts across a resistor so the resistor value needed is 3.8/0.020 = 190.

I think 200ohm is the nearest available value to this.

[Boeing 747 Flyer]

Hiya TasKING,

Thanks for your input.

I will actually be using a battery to power them, I want the Cap to be compeltely isolated, no external wires you see.

Also, I see you live in Derby! Where abouts?

[TasKiNG]

Ok on the battery. I actually live in Castle Donington ( quite near EGNX ). Are you from around these parts also ?

[Boeing 747 Flyer]

Ok on the battery. I actually live in Castle Donington ( quite near EGNX ). Are you from around these parts also ?

Aye, I'm just 15 Miles away from you in Belper. I visit EGNX regularly!