Technical Details
| Model | Sensor resolution | FPS | Angle | Subpixel precision | DOF | Released | Latest software |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TrackIR 1 | 60k pixels (e.g. 300×200) | 60 | 33 | 2 | 2001 | Version 3.x | |
| TrackIR 2 | 60k pixels (e.g. 300×200) | 100 | 33 | 2 | 2003 | Version 3.x | |
| TrackIR 3 | 355×288 | 80 | 33 | 2 or 6 | 2004 | Version 4.x | |
| TrackIR 3:PRO | 355×288 | 120 | 33 | 2 or 6 | 2004 | Version 4.x | |
| TrackIR 4:PRO | 355×288 (sub-sampled at 710×288) | 120 | 46 | 1/20th | 6 | 2005 | Version 4.x |
| TrackIR 5 | 640×480 | 120 | 51.7 | 1/150th | 6 | 2009 | Version 5.x |
TrackIR cameras have a monochrome sensor with an on-board programmable logic device which pre-processes grayscale video into a thresholded binary video. This is sent to the computer via USB and further processed by TrackIR software to locate markers and from this estimate head position and orientation, all using only a small amount of bandwidth and CPU.
Tracking is made possible by the user wearing one of three different types of models. A single dot can be used for 2DOF, typically placed on the tip of a baseball cap, while 6DOF requires a special rigid model with three markers. Of the 6DOF models, the TrackClip model is intended to be cap mounted, with reflective material used for markers, and the TrackClip PRO model is headset mounted, with infrared LEDs used for markers.
The front of the camera has a plastic infrared filter which appears black, this reduces the brightness of non-IR light sources. This allows infrared light reflected or emitted by trackable objects on the user to be better isolated and tracked.
The TrackClip requires infrared LEDs to be activated in the camera, which are directed towards the user, to illuminate the model's reflective markers. The power output of these LEDs is about 500 times lower than the ANSI safe limit for extended exposure (more than 16 minutes) so is no more harmful than ambient light.
Read more about this topic: Track IR
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