THE EFFECTS OF METALS AND INTERFERING FIELDS AND ON ELECTROMAGNETIC TRACKERS

Authors
NIXON MA MCCALLUM BC FRIGHT WR PRICE NB
Citation
Ma. Nixon et al., THE EFFECTS OF METALS AND INTERFERING FIELDS AND ON ELECTROMAGNETIC TRACKERS, Presence, 7(2), 1998, pp. 204-218
Citations number
20
Categorie Soggetti
Computer Science Cybernetics","Computer Science Software Graphycs Programming","Computer Science Cybernetics","Computer Science Software Graphycs Programming
Journal title
Presence → ACNP
ISSN journal
10547460
Volume
7
Issue
2
Year of publication
1998
Pages
204 - 218
Database
ISI
SICI code
1054-7460(1998)7:2<204:TEOMAI>2.0.ZU;2-T
Abstract
The operation of six degree-of-freedom electromagnetic trackers is bas ed on the spatial properties of the electromagnetic fields generated b y three small coils. Anything in the environment that causes these fie lds to be distorted will result in measurement noise and/or errors. An experimental investigation was undertaken to measure the effect of ex ternal fields present in a typical working environment (namely mains a nd computer monitor fields) and the presence of metals (25-mm cubes of various types of metals, a large steel bar, and a large steel sheet). A theoretical model is proposed to explain the observations. Two devi ces were used in this investigation: a Polhemus Fastrak and an Ascensi on Flock of Birds.