What is Tracking?
What is Tracking ?
Tracking in General
Tracking is the placing of a sensor usually on a part of the body in order to get the position and orientation of that part. This information then can be incorporated into programs for a variety of functions. One can use this to information to issue commands. As the tracker moves further away from the sensor , an object in the screen can also seem to be moving father away. Another example is that you can use the information to manipulate objects on the screen. If you rotate your hand the C.A.D. model or a model of an atom or displayed on a screen can also be rotated.
Tracking in terms of Scientific Visualization
Tracking, as it pertains to
scientific visualization, is the rapid polling of relative position and
orientation information by a computer for the purpose of modifying rendered
computer graphics. Often this information is used to determine how to render
objects so that their positions and orientations on a display are realistic.
This information can also be used with other input devices (like triggers or
button boxes) to control programs (and the resulting graphics) in complex ways.
When this is done rapidly, so that physical movement is seemingly happening at
the same time as rendered movement and actions on a computer display, it creates
a sense of immersion with the user interacting directly with something physical.
What are Trackers
Trackers are devices that are attached to instruments or other devices to allow a position sensor to obtain the 3D coordinates of the device. Tracking requires a sensor and a target. Targets are placed on the device being tracked, and consist of emitters. In some cases (e.g. some magnetic sensors), the detectors are so small that they can be placed on the instrument, and the emitter (a magnetic field) is erected around the volume of interest. In other cases, both detector and target are of comparable size and are interchangeable.
Why do we use Tracking
Tracking is used in a variety of fields. Here at ORNL tracking can be used to enable
(1) chemists to swim with fluids inside nanotubes
(2) climate scientists to go inside a cloud to release weightless particles and
observe velocity fields
(3) transportation simulation experts to fly over a simulated landscape and
"pick" a car driving along a roadway to query the occupants and their
destination
(4) materials scientists to alter the magnetic properties of atoms and observe
how neighboring atomic charges are affected.
However there are other applications of tracking out side the visualization department.
Medical Speech - Essence of HandVoice2 -
Tracking was used to obtain poses of both arms and hands through electromagnetism's. The Super Glove, developed by Nissho Electronics Inc., acquires poses of finger joints and angles. HandVoice2 software from Nissho Electronics Corporation, Japan, converts sign language to voice on-line and allows someone who can not speak to lead a more interactive social life. A keyboard and mouse are not used during conversation.
 |
|
 |
||
|
|
|
|
