Electromagnetic tracking is a kind of 3D tracking that generates magnetic fields and detects them from a sensor. It is a technology for 6DOF tracking. It can be implemented in an electromagnetic tracking system. Examples of electromagnetic tracking are the Magic Leap 1 controller and the Razer Hydra.
It can work with a headset if the headset is small enough.
Magnetic tracking preserves high frequency transients in movement, like a flick of a finger.
The Magic Leap 1 uses magnetic tracking for its handheld controller, but in a poor form.
A metallic object has to be at least a foot or two away from the tracking area so it doesn't interfere. Metallic objects cause jitter and drift.
History
Electromagnetic tracking was invented in about 1970 by Polhemus. Another company that has made electromagnetic tracking gadgets is Ascension Technologies.
Companies
Types
- AC magnetic tracking (Polhemus)
- pulsed DC magnetic tracking (Used by Ascension, later NDI)