Vive Tracker

Intro

Major VR player, HTC sent out 1,000 of Vive tracker to developers applied for free units of unique gadget that would let you bring real objects into the VR world. Developers who failed to get their hand on the free units will be able to place their order on March 27 for $100 per unit.

The Vive tracker is a disc sized wireless tracking unit that you could attach to any objects and bring full-body tracking to a whole new level. This also means a possible move away from the conventional controllers and the introduction of various accessories made for the Vive tracker experience.

Features

An extension to the HTC Vive platform, Vive tracker enables full body tracking by simply attaching the tracker into your arms and legs, or to any accessories that you wished to bring into the VR realm.

Lasting 6 hours on a single charge, each Vive tracker converts infrared signals emitted by the Vive Lighthouse into in-game position and relays it back through PC either via USB or a wireless dongle.

Hardware

The 10cm wide disc like Vive tracker features a LED indicator for the various status the device is in. The power button, hidden within the Vive logo, doubled as a power and BLE pairing switch.

The Vive tracker features multiple sensors to infrared signals meant for computing the position of the tracker. A micro USB port is available for charging purpose.

It connects to external accessories with the aid of

1. Camera mount with 1/4” Screw nut
2. Stabilizing pin to prevent the accessories from loosening.
3. POGO pin port for transfer of data
4. Friction pad for firm contact between the accessories and the Vive tracker

Technical Specifications

Interface :

1. Micro USB 2. Pogo Pin

Radio Frequency (RF)

Metal parts of the accessory should be kept at least 30mm distance away from the antenna to prevent OTA performance downgrade to more than 3dB.

Power

1. MicroUSB Connector : AC

• Voltage Requirement : 5V (+/- 5%)
• Max Charging Current : 1000mA
• Max Charging Time : 1.5 hrs

2. MicroUSB Connector : PC

• Voltage Requirement : 5V (+/- 5%)
• Max Charging Current : 500mA
• Max Charging Time : 3 hrs

3. Pogo Pin 3 : PC

• Voltage Requirement : 5V (+/- 5%)
• Max Charging Current : 500mA
• Max Charging Time : 3 hrs

Optics

Field Of View (FOV) : 270 degrees

Docking

Adhere to ISO Standard (ISO1222:2010)

Software

As the Vive Tracker is an extension of the Vive system, you’ll need to download the Vive Setup and software here.

• https://www.vive.com/us/setup/

Apps

Island 359

Developer

Developers who are looking to leverage the technology of Vive Tracker into their latest application could visit

• https://www.vive.com/us/vive-tracker-for-developer/

HTC has released an extensive developer guide which could be downloaded here.

• https://dl.vive.com/Tracker/Guideline/HTC_Vive_Tracker_Developer_Guidelines_v1.3.pdf

A vibrant community to connect with fellow Vive developers.

• https://community.viveport.com/

Background

The Vive Tracker was created with the intention to allows VR developer to track real world objects easily utilizing the Vive’s “lighthouse” tracking system.

History

Jan, 2017, Vive Tracker revealed at CES2017 Feb, 2017, - HTC gives out 1,000 units Vive Tracker for Developer March, 2017, - Vive Tracker Release for Developer.

References

• http://www.wired.co.uk/article/htc-vive-tracker-island-359-demo-hands-on
• https://www.wareable.com/htc/htc-vive-wireless-tracker-3730
• https://www.vive.com/us/vive-tracker/
• https://www.cnet.com/products/htc-vive-tracker/preview/
• https://www.vrheads.com/everything-we-know-about-vive-tracker
• http://venturebeat.com/2017/01/29/htc-will-give-1000-vive-trackers-to-vr-developers-applications-close-february-7/