Fingertracking
from €4,250
Track hand orientation and finger positions — vibro-tactile or pure.
Playing the video transfers data to the video provider.
Optical finger tracking for immersive applications
Fingertracking2 captures hand orientation and individual finger positions within an ART tracking system. Hand targets and finger thimbles make the movements visible to the tracking cameras. Hands can therefore be tracked together with the head, interaction devices, and other targets in one common coordinate system.
The distinctive advantage is at the fingertips: that is where the LEDs observed by the cameras are located. Accuracy is therefore available exactly where virtual interaction with buttons and switches is decided. Strain-gauge gloves such as the CyberGlove derive the finger pose from joint bending. Fingertracking2 measures the fingertip directly with optical tracking.
Users do not wear a closed glove that several people use in succession. Finger thimbles and the hand target are put on individually. This is more hygienic for changing users in demonstrations, training, and design reviews.
The video shows interaction with a virtual board in Unity inside an immersive projection environment. Setups like this combine finger tracking with a CAVE or powerwall so that users can operate virtual content directly with their hands.
Features and variants
- Three or five fingers: available in three-finger and five-finger configurations
- Optional tactile feedback: the three-finger tactile version uses vibration motors in the finger thimbles to signal contact with virtual objects
- Multi-user operation: supports up to two users or four hands
- Complete thimble sets: three-finger and five-finger sets in XS, S, M, and L are included
- Wireless hand targets: two AAA rechargeable batteries per hand target; charger included
- ART camera compatibility: compatible with ART tracking camera systems operating at up to 300 Hz
- Software integration: DTRACK SDK, VRPN, and ART plugins for Unity and Unreal Engine
| Version | Finger frame rate at 300 Hz hand-target rate | Vibrotactile feedback |
|---|---|---|
| 3-finger | 100 Hz | No |
| 5-finger | 60 Hz | No |
| 3-finger tactile | 100 Hz | Yes |
The typical detection range is 4–5 m under the reference conditions specified in the datasheet. The range achieved in a project also depends on the camera, lens, target position, and LED setting.
Application fields
CAVE and powerwall interaction
In projection systems, finger tracking adds hand interaction to head and object tracking. Users can point at or grasp virtual components and evaluate operating concepts while remaining spatially aligned with the CAVE or powerwall. The real hand occludes the virtual hand there. Vibrotactile feedback at the finger thimbles reports contact with virtual objects even when that occlusion hides the virtual hand, which increases immersion. The curved powerwall for aerospace simulation uses finger tracking for hand position and orientation in front of a large-format display.
Virtual development and design reviews
Virtual prototypes make it possible to investigate user interaction and human–vehicle workflows before a complete physical model is available. In the Italdesign Concept Lab, finger tracking and a Flystick complement optical tracking for immersive design reviews.
Training and simulation
Finger movements can act as input in training applications or be combined with tactile feedback. The application determines the meaning of a contact; the tactile system transmits the vibration signal wirelessly to the finger thimbles.
Research, motion capture, and HRI
Finger tracking supports research into natural interaction, ergonomics, gesture control, and human–robot interaction (HRI). Related solution areas include Research & education and Robotics & HRI.
Integration with DTRACK4
Fingertracking2 operates with ART cameras in DTRACK4. The DTRACK SDK and VRPN support custom applications, while ART plugins connect Unity and Unreal Engine. See the DTRACK4 features for more information about device support, output formats, and plugins.
Downloads and next steps
- Fingertracking2 technical datasheet
- Fingertracking2 Tactile quick guide
- Discuss your project and system design
Frequently asked questions
Is Fingertracking2 the same as markerless hand tracking?
No. Fingertracking2 is an optical ART tracking product that uses hand targets and finger thimbles. The positions are captured together with other ART targets in the DTRACK coordinate system.
How many hands can be tracked at the same time?
The maximum system configuration supports two users or four hands.
Does finger tracking work in a CAVE or at a powerwall?
Yes, provided that the tracking volume and camera visibility are designed for the project. The system is intended for immersive applications and can be combined with head, object, and interaction tracking.