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) magnetic 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 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 - critical to the success and effectiveness of training, simulation, and mission rehearsal preparation.

The Wireless Revolution
LIBERTY LATUS represents a revolution in 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 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.
 
The markers feature a compact design for seamless integration into any project. Each houses the electromagnetic source, control electronics and a lithium ion battery that provides up to 2.5 hours of power. The battery can be easily removed for recharging. Each marker weighs 2 ounces and easily mounts on virtually anything, including the body with an optional body mount kit.
 
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).

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 Windows 2000/XP user interface 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 and straightforward software 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.

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.
Click on photo to enlarge
 

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


Specifications
Degrees-of-Freedom
6DOF
Number of Sensors
Wireless MARKER's 1-12
Update Rate
188Hz (1-8MARKERs)
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
0.00015in 0.0004cm
Resolution Orientation
0.0012°
Range
Range is dependable upon desired accuracy
Extended Range Source
Can concatenate to cover large area
Interface
RS-232 or USB (both included)
Host OS compatability
GUI/SDK 2000/XP