Positional tracking

3D tracking is the tracking of an object's position and/or orientation in a three-dimensional space.

3D tracking can be done in a few different ways, including electromagnetic tracking, inertial tracking, and camera-based tracking.

In general, tracking is either 3DOF tracking or 6DOF tracking.

Methods of camera-based tracking include SLAM and VIO.

History

3D tracking has been used for motion capture for 3D animated movies.

The 3DOF regime of cheap tracking was embraced by Oculus VR with the original Oculus Rift.

Methods

• Electromagnetic tracking. Electromagnetic tracking requires an external source. It also does not work reliably in the presence of metallic objects, like a metal water bottle or laptop computer. Magnetic tracking is typically wired, but it does not have to be.
• UWB tracking
• Camera-based tracking
• Inertial tracking