tracking human motion in virtual reality systems

Some technologies used in VR platforms to track human movement for human-to-computer communication include: multi-axis mouse and control levers; instrumented gloves with mechanical, magnetic, ultrasound or optical monitors that register finger, wrist, and hand location and motion; gesture recognition systems that recognize hand configurations and facial expressions using optical or mechanical sensing devices; head mounted displays wherein movement is tracked through mechanical, magnetic, ultrasound or optical monitors; electronically-wired clothing with multiple data transmitters and/or mechanical, magnetic, ultrasound or optical position sensors; and omni directional walkways. These science and hardware each have pros and cons. Mechanical systems register motion promptly and accurately. However they can be clumsy to use and limit the range of body movement due to the physical connections that they require. Inertial machines require fewer tangible connectors. However, response happens slowly and with less precision. Devices based on magnetism and ultrasound also tend to be slow and magnetic devices can be hindered by nearby ferrous things. A current method of optical movement tracking involves attaching multiple Light Emitting Diodes to clothing and then tracking the motion by the LEDs via computer, but this method only records a few places on one's body. Technical VR discussion of EServer Technical Communication Library .

Virtually-enabled telerobotics is used in to make possible people to do work in hazardous environments such as: outer space; areas with chemical or living hazards; battlefields; oil fields; and the ocean depths. Virtually-enabled robotics is also used for macro-scale activities (such as mining, landscaping, and architecture) and tiny-scale activities (such as microsurgical operations, nanomanfacturing, genetic applied science and virtual biology). Virbots are used for computer world uses. Also Virtual Tours St. Paul, Minnesota may be useful as well.

Similar virtual reality material at Motion Recognition may be of interest.