Super cheap head tracking with a webcam - should help noobs and experienced

[swaps]

Hi all,

               Still new to this and find it hard to read the heads up displays and looking around with the top hat switch is pain. I downloaded AI track and open track but after messing for 2 hours could not get it to stop jumping around. These are free programs and it seems many are using them without any problems. Anyway I went for a paid for app FacetrackernoIR  it tracks you face from a cam without the need for infra red headset and this is perfect. great tracking, smooth movement easy set up. you cannot ask for more. The cost was £3.02 would guess that's about $4. its the best money I have spent in a while. You should find videos on youtube for set up but I found it very easy.

Alan

Edited March 19, 2022 by swaps
spelling mistake

[draconus]

Should be obvious but face tracking will work best when your face is well lit while the IR tracking is best in low light conditions and works great with cameras with IR filters. TrackIR works by finding the 3 IR dots in the camera image and comparing their relative placement during movement. If there is less than 3 dots - either by obstacles or too low contrast - the tracking stops. If there is more than 3 dots - by additional light sources or reflections - the tracking will jump around or stop. If there is continuous response but it's not correct, it's a matter of calibration and right settings, and for custom IR devices the right measurements are important too.

[swaps]

My set up is low light and no IR. The no facetracknoIR works pretty well but I do intend to get a light source on me . while there is light from a window its fine but once it gets dark it does get worse as the light source is behind me. I will sort out a desk lamp. I might just build one of the IR trackers just to see which works best. Parts are cheap enough its just a case of build a frame or find someone with a 3d printers to make one for a better looking setup. My cam picks up IR well so that will not be a problem.

 

Alan

 

Alan

[draconus]

1 hour ago, swaps said:

My cam picks up IR well so that will not be a problem.

Most do but I don't know if the IR light dots will have contrast good enough without the filters.

[swaps]

Yes if its a problem I can put one over the lense.  but IR does appear very bright on the cam. I suspect it should be ok without. going to try the lamp first  to see if that makes things better at night and if not order the parts for IR.

 

Thanks Alan