On tracker reliability

Although modern trackers continue to grow in capability and sophistication, they are as yet unable to perform well under all circumstances. It is possible that such difficulties might be addressed by yet further increases in sophistication (and complexity) of tracking algorithms; it is also possible that they might not be addressed so readily. This paper considers the role that is fulfilled by trackers and asks whether the quest for statistical optimality that underlies most modern designs is likely to provide a reliable tracker.