Inside-Out/Outside-In Tracking

What is Inside-Out/Outside-In Tracking?

Inside-Out/Outside-In Tracking refers to two competing approaches for positional tracking: inside-out uses cameras on the headset to track movement relative to the environment, while outside-in relies on external sensors to monitor device position, each offering different trade-offs in setup complexity and tracking precision.

How does Inside-Out vs. Outside-In Tracking work?

These fundamental tracking methodologies affect how developers approach spatial design and user movement. Outside-in systems, once dominant in high-end VR with external sensors or "lighthouses," typically offer higher precision but require more complex setup and calibration. Inside-out tracking, which has become increasingly prevalent in modern headsets, analyzes environmental features through onboard cameras using visual odometry techniques, providing greater portability and simplified setup at the potential cost of tracking robustness in challenging environments.

How are the Inside-Out vs Outside-In Tracking used?

The choice between the different approaches of Inside-Out vs Outside-In Tracking influences development decisions around room-scale experiences, tracking reliability, and the physical space requirements for optimal performance across different platforms.