Non-contact Motion Measurement System

The Optotrack non-contact motion measurement system is used for tracking small infrared markers attached to a subject or object. Unlike video tracking systems that traditionally use reflective markers, this system uses an optical system with active marker-based technology. True real-time 3D/6D data rates as well as higher accuracy are its two main advantages.

The device's position sensor is the main component. Although only one position sensor is needed to determine the 3D position of each marker, several can be linked together to provide a larger, more flexible measurement volume.

As with all optical systems, the markers must be "in view" of the position sensor so it can be measured. If markers go out of view, they will automatically be identified by the system when they return into view. The position sensor is capable of identifying the infrared light emitted from markers and also can ignore interference from reflections and ambient lighting.

Benefits of the system include:
• no user calibration required, because the position sensor comes factory calibrated, ending the need to calibrate each day
• tracking capabilities, such as full body, hands, and face, all simultaneously with the same system
• use in practically any indoor environment, even those with normal fluorescent lighting or metallic objects
• accuracy up to 0.1 mm
• Data collection software is available, letting users write custom software on platforms such as PC (DOS, Win95, WinNT), HP, SGI, and SUN. In addition, a second host computer can communicate with the system concurrently with the main computer for feedback control experiments or for viewing data from a second workstation.

Industrial applications include portable CMMs, aeronautics, and robotics for reverse engineering and digitizing functions.

The system comes with the position sensor with mounting bracket, system control unit, PC interface card and cables, software for collecting and displaying data, infrared markers and strobers, and cabling.

Northern Digital Inc., 103 Randall Drive, Waterloo, ON N2V 1C6. Tel: 519-884-5142; Fax: 519-884-5184.