Polhemus Introduces New Plugins for VIPER and Varjo XR-4

Polhemus, in a joint effort with Varjo, has developed a seamless integration kit for use with the Varjo XR-4 Series headsets. Powered by over 55 years of research, users can translate their head movement to their VR experience without adding to their latency stack or concerns of cybersickness.

How does this work?

Users need to have both a VIPER electromagnetic tracker, fitted with one source and sensor, as well as a Varjo XR-4 headset. This integration kit contains a sensor mount specially designed for the headset, a software plugin for Varjo Base, and a set up guide to get started. Simply connect and start moving.

With electromagnetic tracking, a magnetic field is generated through a transmitter (also called a source). The VIPER sensor that a user attaches to their headset is measured within this field, providing positional and orientational data without a line of sight. The tracker then detects the user’s head movements and mirrors those movements into the virtual world of the headset.

Who is this for?

Changes in lighting conditions or movement can interfere with the optical head tracking of technology built into virtual reality headsets, creating an experience that feels stilted and affects realism. This can manifest in the drifting of data to the complete loss of tracking capabilities. In training scenarios, this can lead to trainees receiving negative feedback and impact on the value of the learning experience. This makes the integration kit ideal for many military simulation applications.

An example would be pilot head tracking. In flight training, a pilot constantly moves their head to scan instruments and to monitor the environment outside the aircraft. For pilot head tracking in a flight simulator, VIPER’s motion tracking ensures that the visuals displayed in the virtual and mixed reality environment are as immersive as possible, reducing the risks of negative training.

Pilot head tracking is just one example. The integration kit makes it possible for complicated simulators or VR/AR environments to perform as realistically as possible. When operating on a motion platform or within dynamic environmental conditions, users can experience virtual motion that feels natural and fluid. 

VIPER’s ultra-fast update rates avoid increments to the latency stack while delivering continuous real-time head tracking. Additionally, the features of VIPER allow reconfigurable or portable simulators to function without the need for calibration. As the fastest and most accurate electromagnetic tracker on the market, the partnership with Varjo will enhance every VR experience.