Did you know?
The FASTRAK, with a Stylus, was used to digitize the characters Woody and Ham for "Toy Story."

LIBERTY™ LATUS™
 
  
"It is certainly an impressive tracking solution."
– Trevor Nash, Editor, Military Training & Simulation News

LIBERTY LATUS (Large Area Tracking Untethered System) cuts the cord, delivering a totally wireless, full 6 Degree-Of-Freedom (6DOF) motion tracking solution. Capable of tracking up to 12 independent markers over large areas, LIBERTY LATUS offers exceptional speed and ease- of-use, facilitated by an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) and a comprehensive software developer's kit (SDK). With optimized signal-to-noise ratios, LIBERTY LATUS offers remarkable stability, providing consistent, high-quality data without wires. Experience a revolutionary new dimension in magnetic motion tracking with LIBERTY LATUS.
 
Indoor GPS Tracking Solution
Also available in 2D (X,Y for Longitude and Latitude replication) configuration, LIBERTY LATUS is the solution to indoor GPS tracking needs and integrator requirements. Operable with variable positional resolution, indoor GPS tracking can now be achieved in all environments including: traditional steel shipping containers, stick built homes and structures, concrete facilities, and large, outdoor operational fields of interest. LIBERTY LATUS  is a tracker ideal for large area motion tracking for such applications as training, simulation, and mission rehearsal preparation.

The Wireless Revolution
LIBERTY LATUS represents a revolution in motion tracking, combining state-of-the art wireless functionality with unsurpassed performance. There are absolutely no wires--each marker is fully self-contained. Each marker is tracked in space by a receptor. Up to 16 receptors can be connected for hundreds of square feet of total coverage. For an even larger coverage area, multiple LIBERTY LATUS systems can be concatenated. Because of its short range distributed receptor architecture and enhanced signal-to-noise ratio, LIBERTY LATUS avoids distortion effects normally seen with long range electromagnetic motion tracking systems.

Each system supports up to 12 markers. A proprietary magnetic data link ensures absolutely stable wireless communication regardless of how many markers and receptors are in use. The update rate is 188Hz for up to 8 markers or 94Hz for 9 to 12 markers.
 
Wireless Marker
The markers feature a compact design for seamless integration into any project. Each houses the electromagnetic source, control electronics and a lithium polymer battery that provides several hours of power. The battery can be easily removed for recharging. Each marker weighs 2.8 ounces and easily mounts on virtually anything, including the body with an optional body mount kit.

Receptor
The receptors are small, lightweight cubes that can readily be mounted on practically any surface. Receptors contain electromagnetic receiving elements that detect the magnetic signals emitted by the marker(s). Each receptor has a 60-foot (18.3m) cable to accommodate large area installations. Each receptor covers up to 50 sq. ft. (4.7 sq m).

LIBERTY LATUS System
Incorporating the industry's most advanced hardware and software, the system electronics unit (SEU) processes signal from the receptors to compute position and orientation. The SEU conveniently connects to the host computer via RS-232 or USB.

Four receptor channels are included on the base product. The system can be upgraded to 8, 12 or 16 receptor channels by adding additional circuit boards to the same chassis.
 
The Tools You Need
LIBERTY LATUS includes a streamlined and intuitive GUI for Microsoft Windows® stocked with useful tools. Three independent user-definable profiles allow setting system parameters such as filtering, output formats, coordinate rotations and more. This valuable feature makes LIBERTY LATUS ideal for accommodating multiple users or applications. An integrated motion box provides navigable points of view for visualization and is also capable of displaying text data. The system offers versatile output capabilities, allowing users to select position in Cartesian coordinates (English or metric) and orientation in direction cosines, Euler angles or quaternions. Additional features include data recording and playback, plus rapid data exporting via Microsoft® "Named Pipe."

Polhemus understands that creating groundbreaking solutions requires the right tools. That's why LIBERTY LATUS includes a comprehensive sSoftware Developer's Kit (SDK). The SDK features API libraries that facilitate easy integration into custom applications.

LIBERTY LATUS in Action
The applications shown below are demonstrated in the LIBERTY LATUS DVD. To request a free copy of the demo DVD, please email
sales@polhemus.com, or view the video here.


   Click on photo to enlarge 
In this simulated MOUT (military operations in urban terrain) setup, a house is configured with 16 receptors for comprehensive coverage. Four markers (represented as triads) are used to track two people in the house. A marker is mounted on each person's weapon and hat, allowing the instructor to track location (X,Y,Z) and direction (Azimuth, Elevation, Roll) of both the weapon and the head for after-action review.

A gymnast is fitted with a marker on each wrist, thigh and ankle, and one on the head. The markers are represented by the larger colored blocks in the photo. The smaller black dots represent where the receptors are set-up.
    Click on photo to enlarge 

Nine markers are fitted on a soccer player, and one is installed in the soccer ball. The soccer player has a marker on his head as well as one on each wrist, thigh, knee and foot. Receptors are installed on the wood poles located in proximity to the soccer player.
    Click on photo to enlarge

A baseball player is configured with five markers, one on the head and one on each wrist and ankle. Receptors are installed on wooden poles that have been setup in the vicinity of the baseball player.
     Click on photo to enlarge

Advanced A/C Technology
Polhemus pioneered A/C motion tracking and has refined and perfected the technology through numerous generations. Unlike products based on pulsed D/C technology, Polhemus trackers are not negatively affected by the earth's magnetic field, power outlets or electric motors. Because A/C motion tracking is also more accurate and faster, it's clearly the superior choice. In fact, Polhemus originated pulsed D/C technology, but chose not to pursue it because of performance shortcomings.


Specifications
Degrees-of-Freedom
6DOF
Number of Sensors
Wireless Markers 1-12
Update Rate
188Hz (1-8 Markers)
94 Hz (9-12 Markers)
Static Accuracy Position
0.1in. (0.254cm) 1 Marker
Typical 1-3 in. (2.54-7.62cm)
Static Accuracy Orientation
0.5° 1 Marker
Typical 1-3°
Latency
5ms
Resolution Position at 30cm range
0.002 in 0.005 cm
Resolution Orientation
0.005°
Range
Range is scalable and dependent upon desired accuracy
Extended Range Source
Can concatenate to cover large area
Interface
RS-232 or USB (both included)
Host OS compatibility
GUI/SDK XP/Vista/Win7 (32-bit and 64-bit) Linux: Open-source application available