A three-dimensional position and orientation tracking system uses
accelerometers to measure acceleration of a moveable object (e.g., a
head-mounted display unit or a data glove). A tracking processor generates
both position and orientation information on the object relative to a
simulation environment as a function of the acceleration data. In one
embodiment, a simplified radar-based tracking system is disposed relative
to the object and periodically provides additional tracking data on the
object to the tracking processor. The tracking processor uses the
additional data to correct the position and orientation information using
a feedback filter process. The position and orientation information
signals generated can be used, for example, in a simulation or virtual
reality application. Position and orientation information is received by a
simulation processor relative to the object. The simulation processor
modifies a simulation environment as a function of the position and
orientation information received. Modified simulation environment
information (e.g., video and/or audio information) is then presented to a
user.