HelmeTracker

Helmet Tracker

The Visidyne Helmet Tracker is an all-optical six-degree-freedom (6-DOF) tracker. It outputs the position and orientation of the helmet, i.e., X, Y, Z, Roll, Pitch and Yaw. Three lightweight receivers, mounted on the helmet, are monitored in real-time by a series of transmitters positioned above the head.

The Helmet Tracker includes, several transmitters (three or more), three receivers, supporting electronics and software for signal digitization and tracking. The Visidyne approach to helmet tracking employs proprietary hardware and methodology of optical time-of-flight measurements between transmitter and receiver. Proprietary software algorithms compute 6-DOF at high update rates and mitigate line-of-sight problems limiting other optical trackers.

Helmet Tracker is also well suited for application to telepresence-based security and safety systems such as those being developed to support Homeland Security.

Features and Benefits:

Optical transmitters/receivers can be placed in multiple geometries without affecting operation of the system.

Any laser wavelength can be used, thus potential interference with other optically-sensitive equipment (e.g.., Night Vision) can be avoided.

Not affected by magnetic fields and presence of ferrous materials.

Smooth jitter free tracking.

Low latency.

Minimal added helmet weight.

Easily configurable for any vehicle, aircraft or simulator.

Non-scanning laser tracking suitable for vibration and harsh environments.

Specifications:

Degrees of Freedom Tracked	X, Y, Z translation Roll, Pitch, Yaw orientation
Head Angular Range	Roll +/- 45° , Pitch +/- 45° , Yaw +/- 180°
Head Box Volume	x 50 cm, y 70 cm, z 70 cm
Angular Resolution (RMS)	3 milliradians
Translation Resolution (RMS)	250 microns
Update Rate	150 Hz, not including display frame rate.
Metal or Magnetic Field Induced Error	None
Weight of Helmet-Mounted Receivers	4 oz. For all three combined
Data Interface	RS-232C at 115 k-baud
Eye Safe Distance	Irradiance falls to levels permissible by ANSI Z136.1-1993 at distances greater than 1 inch from transmitter.
Transmitter Size	1 x 1 x 2 inches
Receiver Size	1 x 1 x 1 inches

Markets Served:

Medical, robotic control, military, security, aircraft, automotive, entertainment.

Project Manager - Jay Atkinson -

	Optical transmitters/receivers can be placed in multiple geometries without affecting operation of the system.
	Any laser wavelength can be used, thus potential interference with other optically-sensitive equipment (e.g.., Night Vision) can be avoided.
	Not affected by magnetic fields and presence of ferrous materials.
	Smooth jitter free tracking.
	Low latency.
	Minimal added helmet weight.
	Easily configurable for any vehicle, aircraft or simulator.
	Non-scanning laser tracking suitable for vibration and harsh environments.