Colchester, Vermont - Polhemus, maker of 6 Degree of Freedom (6DOF) motion capture, tracking, and digitizing technologies, has announced the Patriot Wireless, a wireless, full 6DOF solution with a small footprint.
The actual size of the electronics unit is only 6.75 inches L x 6.25 inches W x 1.75 inches H. The system has speed, ease-of-use via an intuitive Graphical User Interface (GUI), and is capable of tracking up to four independent markers over areas at a rate of 50 updates per second. Each self-contained marker is tracked in space by one or two receptors.
Patriot Wireless comes standard with both a serial I/O RS-232 and a high-speed USB 1.1 interface, at no extra cost. The two-ounce marker contains all necessary processing hardware, including a rechargeable lithium-polymer battery enclosed in a hard plastic shell. No interconnect wiring is required between markers: they operate as totally independent modules. The system is capable of accommodating up to four markers. The battery provides power for approximately two hours and is easily removed for recharging.
The receptor is a magnetic sensing array contained in a hardened plastic shell, and is capable detecting the magnetic fields emitted by the marker(s) for up to six feet (1.83m) in spherical diameter. Receptor cable length is standard at 20 feet (6.1m) but also available at 60 feet (18.3m). This lightweight, small receptor can easily be mounted to almost any surface.
Incorporating Digital Signal Processor (DSP) electronics in concert with AC magnetics provides the user with wireless freedom, data stability, resolution, and speed. The system uses solid-state technology which is unaffected by facility power grids or electric power motors. Update rates are always maintained, allowing for consistent, high-quality data with Zero Drift characteristics.