Head Tracking for free

[fsaviator]

Maybe I was slow on the uptake here, but I just discovered FaceTrackNoir (through some reading in the PMDG forum).  Now, I already own TrackIR and won't be using it in my full cockpit, but...  I was looking for a face tracking solution that works via the webcam so that I can get the full use of the NGX with EZCA on my laptop when I am not at home.

That program is great!  It took a little bit of reading to download the necessary files but now, I am able to use my laptops built in webcam to track my face and move my head around in the VC as if I was wearing/using TrackIR.  Nothing else needed other than a webcam (and a face)!

It appears that the NGX is going to get a lot of use when I'm away from my sim!

For those that want to try it out:

Download the following from:  http://sourceforge.net/projects/facetracknoir/files/

FaceTrackNoIR_Release_V130.zip (The full installer)
Update4_20101103 (the update to 1.30 that contains the FS9 and FSX ini files)
Update5_20110301 (the latest update)

Request a non commercial license for FaceApi from Seeing Machines here: http://www.seeingmachines.com/product/faceapi/downloads/
They will send you an email with the download link to the installer

Download the latest version of the TrackIR software from NaturalPoint http://www.naturalpoint.com/trackir/06-support/support-download-software-and-manuals.html
All you need from this is the TIRviews.dll file that gets copied to the FaceTrackNoir install directory.

Once done...  fire up FaceTrackNoir and load the SIMCONNECT.INI for FSX or the FS2004.INI for FS9 (FS9 requires FSUIPC).

-Click on start and it should fire up your webcam and show your face...  then you will see the tracking algorithm overlay on your eyes, nose and mouth.

That should do the trick... fire up the sim!

Warren

[Joe Lavery]

That sounds brilliant Warren, I'll give it a go...

Thanks   

Joe.

[hexpope]

Thanks very much for the links and software Warren.

With a bit of calibration and good lighting in the room, it works perfectly.

[fsaviator]

No problem.  Just passing on some info I read about in the PMDG forum.

It's surprising how well it works.  I did notice that if it picks up movement behind you it gets confused though.  Still, very nice bit of software!

Warren

[hexpope]

It surely is, esp when you dont want to fork out alot of money for that TrackIR.

[bussgarfield]

Thanks for the links Warren.

I have downloaded the files and I have a spare webcam so I will get it  set up on the sim computer later today and give it a whirl.

Gary

[Emesis]

Hey all,

Here's one that I used a few years ago. It also worked pretty good. But it does require setting up LED's and some tweaking.

http://www.free-track.net/english/

Cheers