Flightgear does already support head tracking, of sorts, via the linux-track
project ( http://code.google.com/p/linux-track/ )
However, linux-track makes use of the X-Plane SDK, which might not be entirely
compatible with the GPL, because it was originally only meant to add TrackIR
support to X-plane under Linux.
I have experimented with head tracking in Flightgear using a wiimote,
Linux-track and a homemade four points IR clip, and the tracking was fast and
effective. I believe it might even be possible to fork linux-track to remove
dependencies on the X-Plane SDK, since it is only really needed to communicate
with X-Plane itself.
I believe it should be possible to use Freetrack on Windows (
http://www.free-track.net/ , free, but not GPL) but they don't list Flightgear
in their supported titles. It can emulate a pointing device, so it would at
least be able to provide basic head tracking, but if it can emulate an actual
directinput device with the whole six degrees of freedom then it's just a
matter of creating a joystick file for it and the accessory nasal code
functions to move the camera. The kinect is interesting, but has a couple of
drawbacks. The first is the actual cost: while cheap for what it can do, it's
still pretty high to just provide head tracking, when you can get a wiimote or
a webcam for a fraction of the cost of a kinect. The second is that while it
can detect where your head is, it can't really tell what way it is facing. If
you just want to "look through a window" the it's perfectly fine, but if you
want to emulate the TrackIR behavior it won't give you enough information.
From: godspeedd...@gmail.com
To: flightgear-devel@lists.sourceforge.net
Date: Fri, 15 Mar 2013 01:48:33 -0700
Subject: [Flightgear-devel] Kinect for pc for head tracking?
Hi, I understand some of the reasons why Flightgear is hesitating to use
trackir in the game, now Kinect sensor is available for PC, and it is far more
powerful than the trackir, and with a more open SDK and license. Which makes me
wonder if anyone in the Flightgear core development is willing to consider
using the Kinect for the head tracking in Flightgear. After all, head tracking
is one of the most important aspect of flight sim. I am very interested in
everyone’s opinions, not just for Kinect with Flightgear, but also other means
of head movement tracking. Thanks! SincerelyGodspeed
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