🚀 go-pugleaf

drues@iastate.edu (Michael E Drues) writes:

>In <1992Apr7.031033.19729@njitgw.njit.edu> andrews@rehab.njit.edu (John Andrews) writes:
>>     I am looking at using a 3-SPACE digitizer from Polhemus
>>     (also called ISOTRACK, Kaiser Aerospace) and am looking
>>     for any information on this system or perhaps similar
>>     systems from competing companies.

>I bought one of these systems for my research several months ago.
>It works well but is very sensitive to electronics/metal objects in the
>area.  The software that comesw with it is pretty lame.  You have to 
>write your own code (in C) to use it to do anything useful.  It is being
>used in a variety of applications, not just VR.

>The Isotrak gives location (x,y,z) AND orientation (pitch, roll, yaw) for 
>a total of 6 degrees of freedom.  I don't see how you could get all that
>using ultrasound (especially the 3 angles).

>>     Has anyone any experience with this? Somethign similar?
>>     A better way to locate and track something in 3 dimen-
>>     sions? This system will run me over $10,000, so any and
>>     all responses greatly appreciated.

>No way. The base system (1 source and 1 probe) goes for about $3300.  
>If you ask them right, who can buy a used sytem (same warantee) for half
>that.  

>If you want more info, let me know.

You may want to check out a company called Ascension Technology, P.O.
Box 527, Burlington, VT  05402. Phone (802)655-7879, FAX (802)655-5904.

They also make an electronic 6-degree of freedom tracker.  I used one
of their prototypes for a demo and I give pretty good accuracy.  It 
is also insensitive to large conducting surfaces (I put an aluminum
pop can right in the middle of the setup without problems).  It is 
still sensitive to ferrous material though.


--
Larry                                   |   Thunder makes all the noise;
                                        |   lightning gets the job done.
larryd@milton.washington.edu
I have my opinion; the university has its own.