Principles of operation of real time tracking systems
Speaking of an object being tracked, we mean measuring its location and orientation while it is moving in defined space. If we measure the location of an object basing on X, Y and Z coordinates, we have to do with a three-stage tracking system (3DOF or 3D). If we attach to our measurements a three-stage scale measuring the orientation of the object, we get a six-stage tracking system (6DOF or 6D).
There are several types of tracking systems based on various measuring principles:
- mechanic trackers,
- magnetic trackers,
- optical trackers,
- acoustic trackers,
- systems based on inertial or gyroscopic sensors.
Among contactless trackers, not operating with mechanical scanners, it is the optical trackers which provide the highest accuracy.
Optical tracking is not sensitive to measurement errors resulting from perturbations of ferromagnetic metals, as in the case of electromagnetic techniques or displacements with inertial sensors. Every single measurement ensures optical accuracy.
Jak to działa ?
An object whose position is to be measured is equipped with "markers". There are two types of markers: passive (reflective) and active (light emissive).
In order to measure the orientation of an object, particular markers must be arranged according to the rules of geometry. Tracking cameras scan sound and light intensity which are sent by the markers. The images are processed in order to identify and estimate the position with great accuracy.
Our standard is a 0.04 pixel.
2DOF data are combined to estimate the 3DOF position of particular markers or to estimate the 6DOF position and orientation of several markers. We also need additional information about our tracking system which has been gathered in the earlier process of calibration. They are: the position and orientation of the tracking cameras and also the geometry of rigid elements.
T he results of the measurements are: precise location correlatives of the markers and also precise orientation of the object on which the markers have been installed.
Zastosowanie w branży:
- Nauka i Edukacja
- Inżynieria przemysłowa
- Wojsko / Militaria