Is This Tracker On? A Benchmark Protocol for Dynamic Tracking

Jian Li Wei Zhang Chen Wang
Department of Computer Science, University of Technology

Abstract

This paper introduces a novel benchmark protocol designed for evaluating dynamic tracking systems. It addresses the existing limitations in standardized assessment methodologies by proposing a comprehensive framework. Our approach defines specific scenarios, metrics, and evaluation procedures to ensure robust and reproducible results. The proposed protocol significantly enhances the ability to compare diverse tracking algorithms under realistic dynamic conditions.

Keywords

Dynamic Tracking, Benchmark Protocol, Object Tracking, Performance Evaluation, Tracking Metrics


1. Introduction

Dynamic tracking is crucial in various applications, from autonomous navigation to human-computer interaction, yet a standardized benchmark for evaluating these systems under dynamic conditions is lacking. Current evaluation methods often fail to capture the complexities of real-world dynamic environments, leading to inconsistent performance comparisons. This paper proposes a new benchmark protocol to address this critical gap, providing a robust framework for assessing dynamic tracking algorithms. The article discusses hypothetical models such as Kalman Filter-based trackers, deep learning-based trackers (e.g., YOLO, Transformer-based architectures), and particle filter-based approaches.

2. Related Work

Existing tracking benchmarks, such as MOT17 and OTB, primarily focus on static or quasi-static object tracking scenarios, often neglecting the nuances of highly dynamic environments. While some studies have introduced custom datasets for specific dynamic tasks, a generalizable and widely accepted protocol remains elusive. Our work builds upon the foundations of these prior efforts, extending the evaluation scope to truly dynamic interactions and object behaviors. We consider advancements in real-time processing and multi-modal sensor fusion that have influenced recent tracking research.

3. Methodology

The proposed benchmark protocol encompasses a multi-stage workflow, starting with the generation of diverse dynamic scenarios, including varying object speeds, occlusions, and environmental changes. We define a set of quantitative metrics, such as Average Overlap Rate (AOR), Dynamic Tracking Accuracy (DTA), and Jitter Index (JI), to comprehensively assess tracker performance. Data acquisition involves high-fidelity sensors, and a standardized pre-processing pipeline ensures data consistency. The evaluation process mandates the use of controlled synthetic and challenging real-world datasets to provide a balanced assessment.

4. Experimental Results

Our experiments demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed protocol in distinguishing performance characteristics of various tracking algorithms under dynamic loads. The results highlight significant differences in stability and accuracy that were not apparent with conventional benchmarks. For instance, Tracker B consistently outperformed others in high-occlusion scenarios, while Tracker C showed superior performance in rapid acceleration events. The table below presents a summary of the performance metrics for a hypothetical set of trackers across different dynamic conditions, showing the distinct strengths and weaknesses of each approach based on the new protocol's comprehensive evaluation.

5. Discussion

The experimental results confirm the value of our dynamic tracking benchmark protocol in providing a more nuanced and realistic assessment of tracking algorithms. The observed performance disparities among trackers under dynamic stress underscore the limitations of existing static benchmarks. This protocol offers a standardized tool for developers to rigorously test and improve their tracking systems for real-world applications. Future work will focus on expanding the dataset diversity and integrating more complex interaction scenarios to further challenge tracking robustness.