VISUAL TARGET TRACKING

A target tracking method includes representing a human target with a machine-readable model configured for adjustment into a plurality of different poses. The machine-readable model includes a plurality of joints, including one or more magnetism joints, and each joint has a three-dimensional world space position. The method further includes receiving an observed depth image of the human target from a source. The observed depth image includes a plurality of observed pixels. A magnetism body part is assigned to one or more of the plurality of observed pixels, and a magnetism joint position is estimated based on world space positions of the one or more observed pixels assigned the magnetism body part. A joint of the machine-readable model is then shifted toward the magnetism joint position.