Motion Tracking Systems - Polhemus

The PATRIOT WIRELESS represents a whole new dimension in affordable tracking technology, one that offers a totally wireless, full 6 Degree-Of-Freedom (6DOF) solution. The system has speed, ease-of-use via an intuitive Graphical User Interface (GUI), and is capable of tracking up to four independent markers.
Each marker is tracked in space by a sensor receptor that covers an eight foot (2.43m) diameter.

PATRIOT WIRELESS offers increased stability while providing consistent high quality data all while being completely untethered.
The Forerunner in Wireless Tracking Technology

PATRIOT WIRELESS is a true wireless tracking system. The system is capable of tracking up to four markers for full 6DOF solutions over large areas. Each wireless Marker comes standard with replaceable and rechargeable lithium battery assembly. For ultimate versatility, Markers are also available with an optional power pack adapter which provides flying power leads for integration into your existing power source.
Easy, Intuitive User Interface

PATRIOT WIRELESS comes standard with Windows® 2000/XP/Vista GUI and a comprehensive, easy to use Software Developers Kit (SDK). The GUI allows four independent user definable profiles for setting system parameters such as filtering,
output formats, coordinate rotations and much more. This is a valuable feature for multiple applications or users. For visualization, an integrated motion box provides navigable points of view and can include text data. Additional features include a data record/playback component, plus the ability to quickly export data via Microsoft “Named Pipe”.

A/C Magnetics: Increased Stability, Resolution, Speed and Range
Incorporating state of the art Digital Signal Processor (DSP) electronics in concert with A/C magnetics provides the user with increased range, stability, resolution and speed. The system is essentially unaffected by facility power grids or electric power motors and update rates are always maintained, allowing for consistent, high quality data.

The 3SPACE FASTRAK accurately computes the position and orientation of a tiny receiver as it moves through space. This device virtually eliminates the problem of latency as it provides dynamic, real time six degree-of-freedom measurement of position (X, Y, and Z Cartesian coordinates) and orientation (azimuth, elevation, and roll), and it is the most accurate electromagnetic tracking system available.

FASTRAK is the perfect solution for interfacing with Virtual Reality environments and controlling simulator  projectors or other applications where real time response is critical. It is also ideal for measuring range of motion or limb rotation in biomedical research.It is a fast, accurate, easy to use, and effective method of capturing motion data on any non-conductive object.

The FASTRAK system utilizes a single transmitter and can accept data from up to four receivers. The use of advanced  digital signal processing (DSP) technology provides an update rate of 120 Hz (with a single receiver) and a remarkable 4ms latency. The data are then transmitted over a high speed RS-232 interface at up to 115.2K baud. If your application requires using the system in close proximity to a CRT, FASTRAK has  special circuitry to allow you to synchronize with it for improved performance.

And because FASTRAK uses patented low-frequency magnetic transducing technology, there's no need to worry about maintaining a clear line-of-sight between receiver and transmitter. Polhemus has eliminated the problem of signal blocking and interference that distorts sonic or laser devices.

In short; the Ideal solution for head tracking, hand tracking,  instrument tracking, biomechanical analysis, graphic and cursor control, stereotaxic localization, telerobotics, digitizing and pointing.

State-of-the-art Digital Signal  Processor (DSP) electronics make it the perfect real-time solution for six degree-of-freedom needs. LIBERTY has speed, ease-of-use via an intuitive Graphical User Interface (GUI), scalability, distortion sensing and improved signal to noise ratios which increase stability and resolution while providing consistent high quality data.

The Forerunner in Tracking Technology
LIBERTY incorporates an unprecedented speed of 240 updates per second per sensor,
the ability to upgrade from four sensor channels to eight or up to sixteen sensors by the addition of further circuit to the Liberty 240/16 boards and detection distortion, all the while providing the most accurate and consistent data. With the addition of the Polhemus Stylus, LIBERTY becomes a highly accurate 3D digitizer.

Easy, Intuitive User Interface
LIBERTY comes standard with Windows 2000/XP GUI and a comprehensive, easy to use
Software Developers Kit (SDK). The GUI allows four independent user definable profiles
for setting system parameters such as filtering, output formats, coordinate rotations and many
more. This is a valuable feature for multiple applications or users. For visualization, an
integrated motion box provides navigable points of view and can include text data. Additional
features include a data record/playback component, plus the capability to quickly export data
via Microsoft® “Named Pipe.”

A/C Magnetics: Increases Stability, Resolution, Speed and Range
Incorporating state of the art Digital Signal Processor (DSP) electronics in concert with A/C
magnetics provides the user with improved signal to noise ratios which increase range,
stability, resolution and speed. The system is essentially unaffected by facility power grids,
and update rates are always maintained, keeping up with the voluminous rate of tracking data
produced.

The LIBERTY LATUS (Large Area Tracking Untethered System) represents a whole new dimension in tracking technology, one that offers a totally wireless, full 6 Degree-Of-Freedom solution. The system has speed, ease-of-use via an intuitive Graphical User Interface (GUI) and is capable of tracking up to 12 independent markers over large areas. Because of the improved signal-to-noise ratios, LIBERTY LATUS offers increased stability while providing consistent high quality data, all while being completely untethered.

LIBERTY LATUS provides truly wireless tracking. There are absolutely no wires - each marker is self-contained. The system is capable of tracking up to 12 markers for full 6 Degree-Of-Freedom solutions over large areas. Each marker is tracked in space by a receptor that covers up to an 8 foot (2.44m) diameter. Each system is capable of connecting up to 16 receptors for total coverage of
hundreds of square feet. Systems may also be concatenated for even larger area coverage. All wireless communication is via a proprietary magnetic data link.

Wireless
Totally wireless markers are completely self-contained, each housing a lithium ion battery assembly that
provides up to 2.5 hours of power. Each system may track up to 12 markers independently.

Reduced Distortion
The system is capable of reducing any distortion effects normally seen with long range electromagnetic systems because of its short range distributed receptor
architecture, and enhanced signal-to-noise ratio.

Scalable
Four receptor channels are available on the base
product; the system is upgradeable to 8, 12, or 16
receptor channels within the same chassis by having additional circuit boards installed. Each receptor can cover up to 50 sq. ft. (4.7 sq m).

Communications Interface
LIBERTY LATUS communicates via RS-232 serial or USB interface. Both are included in the base unit.

Multiple User Definable Profiles
The GUI allows for three independent user-definable profiles for setting system parameters such as filtering, output formats, coordinate rotations and much more.

Multiple Output Formats
Users may select position in Cartesian coordinates (English or metric); orientation in direction cosines, Euler angles or quaternions.

The stylus is available with two cable lengths and sharp or round nibs.

The Stylus houses the electromagnetic receiver and permits easy and accurate capture of (x,y,z) coordinates of the object being digitized. The stylus includes a contoured switch with tactile feedback so you know when you've captured each and every point. Just hold the stylus tip on the point to be digitized, press the switch, and the exact tip  position is captured.

The Stylus is factory calibrated and never needs adjustment. It comes in a standard 6.8 inch length or an optional 3 inch length, for digitizing inside objects. Cable lengths are 10 or 20 foot. Two stylus tips are available and exchangeable, a sharp nib for high accuracy needs, and a round nib for applications involving  digitizing of the human body

The LONG Ranger includes the following components:

Long Ranger Transmitter
The Long Ranger Transmitter creates the low-level magnetic field sensed by FASTRAK and Liberty receivers.

LONG RANGER consists of a clear acrylic globe, 18" in diameter, within which are three orthogonal coils that comprise the transmitter. LONG RANGER may be suspended overhead (LONG RANGER's weight is only 8 lbs.), or used with the 6" high tabletop support column. Alternatively, a non-metallic tripod may be purchased separately which will allow support of LONG RANGER at heights of up to 8'.

Longer Range, Lower Noise and Higher Dynamic Performance
It's also superior to pulsed-DC technology which is negatively impacted by the earth's magnetic field. AC Electromagnetic technology provides a much longer range, lower signal to noise ratio and higher dynamic performance than pulsed-DC.

LONG RANGER comes as a standard component of our FASTRAK and Liberyt tracking systems. Operation of LONG RANGER is simple: just connect LONG RANGER to the electronics unit in lieu of the normal transmitter.