How to run Vive Tracker tracker without heads up

Valve's SteamVR positioning system is great for VR, but its application is certainly not limited to this. Whether a developer, hacker, or researcher, anyone who wants to take advantage of inexpensive, high-precision, low-latency, 6-DOF location tracking systems can use the latest Vive Tracker or controller (even a single locator/base station), There is no need for a full $800 Vive system.

Luke Beno is responsible for Triad Semiconductor's Arctic VR Lab. Triad Semiconductor and Valve collaborated to develop an optical digitizer chip (TS3633) for the SteamVR positioning system. Bino focuses on ensuring that SteamVR positioning chips and systems can provide accurate tracking and support for SteamVR users worldwide through the development of tracked objects.

The purpose of this tutorial is to provide step-by-step instructions to help you understand how to start 6DOF position tracking with the SteamVR Positioning System. The cost is as low as $235. This tutorial covers the use of the latest versions of SteamVR Beta, python 3.6, the pyopenvr library, and the triad_openvr Python decorator.

Minimum hardware requirements

One HTC Vive locator/base station (two positioners have an advantage)

The following SteamVR compatible tracked objects:

HTC Vive Controller (Requires Steam Adapter or USB Connection)

HTC Vive Tracker (using HTC supplied adapter or USB connection)

Custom Object Designed for SteamVR HDK (Steam Adapter or USB)

X86-based PC

Required software

Note: Currently only tested on Windows, but it also applies to Linux.

SteamVR Software Selects Beta

Python 3.6 (Anaconda Package recommended)

Pyopenvr, use the following command to install:

Pip install pyopenvr

Triad_openvr, download and unzip from github

step:

1. Download and install the above software components

2. Find the following configuration file and open it with a text editor:

3. Search for the "requireHmd" key under "steamvr" and set the value of this key to "false". The following are tested and available .vrsettings files:

If SteamVR is running, close and restart

When SteamVR restarts, you will find it is already possible to connect to Tracker or controller without using the heads-up display.

Note: The "Not Ready" text is normal and does not affect this tutorial.

Open a command prompt and navigate to the unzipped folder of the triad_openvr

If you use Vive Tracker for testing, run the script: scriptpython tracker_test.py

If you want to use the controller for testing, run the script: scriptpython controller_text.py

When the script executes, you will see the number updated at 250Hz. These are real-time 6-DOF posture coordinates!

The purpose of this tutorial is to provide a simple proof of concept that proves that the head display is not actually a requirement to use SteamVR.

Python is an extensible language and this sample code can provide the basis for many derived projects. These same concepts are also easily applicable to other programming languages ​​such as C, C++, C#, and so on.