Ascension 3D Navigator™
© 2007 by EST · Last updated: 10.04.2007

Transmitter Options:


New Wireless Tracker for Navigating Through Immersive Environments

3D Navigator lets people control and interact with large -scale graphical displays as shown here in this portable visualization system.



3D Navigator Features Advanced DC Magnetic Technology for linking people with
graphical datasets:

  • Highly accurate six degrees-of-freedom tracking of a user's head and 3D pointer
  • Ergonomically designed wireless interface seamlessly integrated with
    visualization systems
  • Full freedom of movement without trailing cables
  • Quick set up, portable and easy to use
3D Navigator tracks a user's head for viewpoint control and Wanda , a handheld 3D pointer, for manipulating data and interaction with virtual images

Click here to download the product brochure (PDF).


"Part of the success of our 6-sided projection system is due to Ascension's newly
improved DC magnetic wireless tracking capabilities. It greatly overcomes the
limitations of previous metal-sensitive tracking technologies."
Carolina Cruz-Neira, PhD
Associate Director
Virtual Reality Applications Center
Iowa State University
www.vrac.iastate.edu/~carolina/


Transmitter Options:

Extended Range Transmitter
Long Range:

Up to +10 ft
(3.0 m)
coverage

Set-up & Use:

One or two ERTs* can be operated in tandem to provide full coverage over 10 ft x 15 ft (3 m x 4.5 m) range of operation. Available with mounting stands.

*Requires customer software modifications to implement two ERTs.

Applications:

  • Interactive 3D Visualization
  • Collaborative 3D Visualization
  • Immersive Environments
  • Engineering Design Reviews
  • Corporate Presentations
  • Analyzation of Multi-dimensional Databases

Industries:

  • Oil & Gas
  • Nuclear Energy
  • Chemical
  • Military
  • Government
  • Research
  • Education

Newsworthy Stories:

March 18, 2004: Ascension Launches Advanced Wireless Tracking for Immersive Environments


Features & Benefits:

New Advanced DC Magnetic Technology
  • New electronics and improved algorithms provide excellent tracking stability. Metal detection and noise reduction tools make sure that environmental factors do not affect the tracking. This combination gives you consistently high data capture for a high quality immersive experience.
Wireless Tracking
  • 3D Navigator lets you move around without being hindered by trailing cables. Wand and head-tracked data is now sent via an RF link to magnify realism for participants and permit more effective presentations.
Extreme Portability
  • Set-up and start using 3D Navigator in minutes. When done, break down and stow it away just as easily. Its footprint is small enough to be self-contained on a wheeled cart. No permanent installation of overhead grids or cameras is required. 3D Navigator gives you great versatility for service in multi-use facilities and traveling sites.
High Accuracy Data
  • 3D Navigator provides the same high accuracy performance of tethered tracking devices, operational worldwide in immersive visualization environments. Its technology is well proven in over 80 installations at universities, research centers, oil & gas companies, as well as manufacturing design and visual computational centers.
No Occlusion or Line-of-Sight Issues
  • 3D Navigator is a robust, single-technology solution that transmits position and orientation data while allowing full range of movement for your tracked user. DC magnetic technology overcomes the occlusion and line-of-sight problems of optical and inertial/acoustic technologies. It also lets you focus on immersive experiences without difficult set up and operational limits.
Elegant Design
  • We have repackaged all tracking components for small footprint, attractiveness and high utility. It includes a stable yet stylish mounting stand for transmitter placement and neat appearance in professional settings.


About Wanda Hand-held 3D Navigation Device:

Wanda is designed into each 3D Navigator. It is a palm-sized, thumb-activated navigation and interaction tool with a joystick and 3 programmable buttons. It comfortably fits into your hand for pointing and manipulation of 3D objects in a virtual environment. This makes it an ideal tool for CAVE and large-scale visualization systems.
Its joystick-like control ball lets you control translational motions in both the "X" and "Y" axis. Three programmable, colored 'momentary' switches offer excellent tactile feedback for selection reassurance. In addition, its embedded 6 DOF magnetic sensor lets you track and mark locations within the virtual environment.
3D Navigator comes with a WANDA hand-held 3D pointer with programmable buttons

Wanda is compatible with Cavelib™/Trackd™ software applications. Additional protocols can be
developed to meet your requirements.



System Configuration:
3D Navigator comes comes with an extended range transmitter (far left), a wireless electronics unit with sensors (center) that is easily mounted on a user, and a compact electronic unit (far right)
  • Hip-mounted electronics unit in lightweight nylon pack with belt strap and holster for Wanda.
  • 4 batteries and battery charger
  • Wanda with embedded 6DOF sensor for interactive pointing and navigation
  • 6DOF sensor for head tracking
  • Compact base station with antenna and Ethernet interface
  • Extended Range Transmitter and Controller
  • 42 inch (1.1 m) transmitter mounting pedestal
  • Free 1-Year warranty
  • Free lifetime Technical support

3D Navigator's magnetic field transmitter includes a 42 inch (1.1 m) high mounting pedestal



Demonstration:


Demonstration models are available for evaluation for your application. For more information or
further specifications, please contact:

Gregory Erdmann
greg@ascension-tech.com
802-893-6657 ext. 44



Specifications:


TECHNICAL
Degrees of Freedom: 6 (Position and Orientation)
Number of sensors: 2 sensors: One embedded in Wanda and one for head. Additional sensor configurations available - contact Ascension
Translation Range :
  • ± 3.05 m in any direction with one transmitter
  • 4 m x 4 m with dual transmitter option
Angular Range: All Attitude: ± 180° Azimuth & Roll; ±90° Elevation
Static Accuracy Position: 0.8 cm RMS at 1.52 m range, 1.5 cm RMS at 3.05 m range
Static Accuracy Orientation: 0.5° RMS at 1.52 m range, 1.0° RMS at 3.5 m range
Static Resolution Position: 0.08 cm at 1.52 m range, 0.25 cm at 3.05 m range
Static Resolution Orientation: 0.1° RMS at 1.52 m range, 0.2° RMS at 3.05 m range
Measurement Rate: Up to 120 measurements/second
Outputs: X,Y,Z positional coordinates and orientation angles, rotation matrix, or quaternions
Interface: Ethernet
Line-of-sight Restrictions None
Environment:
  • Operating Temperature: 10°C to 40°C (50°F to 104°F)
  • Operating Humidity: 10% to 90% non-condensing
  • Metal objects in tracking volume may degrade performance. To optimize tracking in your work space, use our Environmental Analyzer to detect stray sources of metallic distortion and adjust frequency to minimize noise interference.
PHYSICAL
HIP-MOUNTED COMPONENTS:
Sensors: 2.54 cm x 2.54 cm x 2.03 cm (attached via wires to electronics unit in back pack)
Weight: 21 g (0.7 oz) per sensor without cable, 64 g (2.3 oz) with cable.
Electronics Unit: 17.5 cm x 14 cm x 4.54 cm
Weight: 0.99 kg (35 oz)
Battery: 15 cm x 6.6 cm x 2.29 cm
Weight: 0.54 kg (19 oz)
Operating time: 1 hr continuous; spares may be swapped without system power-down
BASE STATION COMPONENTS:
Chassis: 40.64 cm x 23.49 cm x 17.14 cm
Remote Receiver Unit: 16.5 cm x 10.7 cm x 6.4 cm
Weight: 0.32 kg (0.7 lbs)
Extended Range Controller: 24.1 cm x 29.2 cm x 12.3 cm
Weight: 2.95 kg (6.5 lbs)
Extended Range Transmitter: 30.5 cm x 30.5 cm x 30.5 cm
Weight: 20.4 kg (45 lbs)


Regulatory:


FCC Part 15, Class A
All proprietary names and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. EST doesn´t offer any guarantee for the technical details of the manufacturers.