CCD-Camera Based Optical Beacon Tracking for Virtual and Augmented Reality

Abstract

We introduce a scheme for optical beacon tracking using two CCD-cameras and LED beacons. Due to the sub-pixel accuracy of the beacon detection algorithm a very high precision can be achieved so that the tracking method is suitable for augmented reality applications. We describe the assembly of the equipment needed for the whole tracking system, the behavior of LED-beacons, and how three beacons can be combined to form a 6-DOF tracker. A report on our accuracy evaluation and its results are given. Furthermore we describe two application prototypes in which the tracker was incorporated and tested.