Position and orientation tracking is a major challenge for Mixed / Augmented Reality applications, especially in heterogeneous and wide-area sensor setups. In this article, we describe trackman, a planning and analysis tool which supports the AR-engineer in setup and maintenance of the tracking infrastructure. A new graphical modeling approach based on spatial relationship graphs (SRGs) eases the specification of known as well as the deduction of new relationships between entities in the scene.

more »

... Modeling is based on reusable patterns representing the underlying sensor drivers or algorithms. Recurring constellations in the scene can be condensed into reusable meta-patterns. The process is further simplified by semiautomatic modeling techniques which automize trivial steps. Dataflow networks can be generated automatically from the SRG and are guaranteed to be semantically correct. Furthermore, generic tools are described that allow for the calibration/registration of static spatial transformations as well as for the live surveillance of tracking accuracy. In summary, this approach reduces tremendously the amount of expert knowledge needed for the administration of tracking setups.