Camera for Headtracking

[Fliegenpilz]

Hi Guys,

 

I would like to know what camera you are using for headtracking.

 

My VC-1000 is old and causes a lot of problems. The thing is, Microsoft made sure the camera can only be used with additional software running in the background. The biggest problem I have is that I cannot enforce exposure settings (the camera always regulates the exposure), so I am mostly stuck with about 20 fps, which results in non-fluent head movements.

 

I use Freetrack, so generally any camera will do, but maybe someone has a model he can recommend me? I want to be able to enforce exposure settings (!) - and if the IR-Filter can be removed easily, it would even be better...

 

What cameras do you use?

Edited January 26, 2014 by Fliegenpilz

[Emgy]

For a Ps3eye, you can download a "CL-eye test" program which lets you set gain, exposure, and colour balance.

 

I got lucky and got one without IR blocking filter. Pretty cheap on ebay. I don't know any way to tell beforehand, if they have an IR blocker or not.

How to remove http://nuigroup.com/forums/viewthread/4189/P0/

[uhoney]

I am in the middle of making my own tracker, I read on 'best' available webcams for DIY trackers, and ps3eye is mentioned where ever I looked.

As for the filter; apparently it depends which model you aquire (ps3eye). Some have removable ir filter, some have it 'painted' on the glass, which you can burn trough with chemicals. Some say you don't even need to remove them, and they work just fine. Take your pick.

 

(OT:Just so you know, freetrack has been united with facetracknoir by some guy.

I had trouble with ps3eye and freetrack, I just could not get it to work, even with fixes suggested in the freetrack forums. Experiments with ftnoir are still ongoing for me, so I don't know if it will be any better.)

[Emgy]

Try https://github.com/opentrack/opentrack

Same plugin system as ftnoir (also has pointtracker), using it with Ps3eye and Arma 3, flightsims etc.

Edited January 28, 2014 by Calvamos

[76SQN-FatherTed]

I use a Lifecam VX-3000 for Freetrack.  Works at 30fps.  I think I had to d/l something so that I could "crack" the exposure setting (it was on the FT forums).  This is a MS product, so it probably has the same problem with progs running in the background, but it gives me pretty smooth tracking

[[DBS]airdoc]

For a Ps3eye, you can download a "CL-eye test" program which lets you set gain, exposure, and colour balance.

 

I got lucky and got one without IR blocking filter. Pretty cheap on ebay. I don't know any way to tell beforehand, if they have an IR blocker or not.

How to remove http://nuigroup.com/forums/viewthread/4189/P0/

 

 

I second that. PS3 EYE is probably the bast camera to go for freetrack, because you can run it at 75fps (makes a big difference). That's what I 'm using. Did not remove the IR filter though, since it works ok if you use red LED lights and the environmental lighting is dimmed. A friend of mine had no problem removing the filter.

[SYN_DerHesse70]

PS3 eye

[Fliegenpilz]

Thanks for the replies

 

I now have bought a PS3 eye, haven't really thought about getting one up till now as I somewhat expected it to be hard to get running. I have removed the IR blocker (thanks Calvamos for the link btw) and put a IR filter in front.

 

What shall I say, it works perfect! No low fps anymore, no interference from other light sources anymore, absolutely fantastic!! 

 

Still use freetrack, I do know of FacetrackNoIR, but it only uses my laptop webcam (you can't change it sadly). I don't want to mess with opentrack, as freetrack works fine for me.

 

So thanks again gents

Edited January 30, 2014 by Fliegenpilz