MARKERS

ACTIVE AND PASSIVE VERSIONS AVAILABLE

Active markers are infrared light emitting elements, mostly LEDs. All active markers provided by ART are just emitting radiation when the tracking cameras are sensitive, thus have to be synchronised with the cameras. Synchronisation can be done by a wired connection between the tracking system and the electronics controlling the active markers, but can also be done in a wireless way: For wireless synchronisation a coded IR flash is sent out by a tracking camera. The active markers’ electronics recognise the coded flash and activate the LEDs.

Passive markers are retroreflective, i.e. they reflect the incoming IR radiation into the direction of the incoming light.

Both active and passive markers will give the 3DOF (3 degrees of freedom), and can be either spherical or flat.

ACTIVE MARKERS

In ART tracking systems four types of LED-based active markers are used, depending on the application.
All active markers provided by ART are controlled by special electronics and need power supply.

Single LEDs
  • Simple and robust markers providing visibility up to long distances within a ca. +/- 60° angular range of visibility
  • Can be covered with acrylic protection sheets
  • The dimension for the single LED is 3.4 mm x 2.8 mm
Single LEDs with diffuser sphere
  • For optimum angular range of visibility at limited distances
Big active spherical markers
  • Several single LEDs per marker, covered with light scattering spheres
  • Provide visibility from all sides and up to very long distances
  • Diameter 50 mm, weight 50 g 
Big active flat markers
  • Several single LEDs per marker, covered with light scattering surface
  • Provide tracking up to very great distances, within an angular range of visibility less than 180°
  • Suitable for outdoor tracking
  • Special features: magnetic base for easy positioning on metal surfaces
  • Diameter 30 mm 
Evaluation Kit Active Markers

AMC (Active Marker Controller) for active markers

The active target set for active markers consists of the active marker controller (AMC) and the single active markers. The markers can be synchronised optically or via cable. Up to 6 active markers can be connected to the AMC.

PASSIVE MARKERS

The passive markers most commonly used in tracking systems, including ART’s, are retroreflectors (see picture above). These markers reflect incoming IR radiation back in the direction of the incoming light.

More precisely the IR radiation is back-reflected into a narrow range of angles around the source of the incoming light. These markers are mostly spheres covered with retroreflecting foils, but can also be stickers made from retroreflecting material.

Retroreflecting sheets or foils available on the market can be based on two different optical principles:

  • Three mirrors, arranged in 90° angles to each other, reflect light in the described way. Mostly foils with arrangements of lots of very small mirrors in a plane are used.
  • Glass balls (with appropriate refraction index) focus incoming light onto the opposite surface of the ball. A layer of microscopic glass balls, carried by a reflecting material, acts as a retro reflector. These foils can be fabricated on a flexible carrier material, thus they are widely used for equipping spherical markers with retroreflecting surfaces.
Spherical Markers

Spherical markers are plastic spheres with a precisely centric M3 threaded insert, which are hand-coated with a highly retro-reflective film, for the most accurate optical tracking possible (see picture above).

They are also available as a coated version with a robust surface. We provide these coated markers in the following sizes: 14 mm and 16 mm.

Available sizes (mm/inch): 12 (30.2), 14 (35.3), 16 (40.3), 20 (50.4), 30 (75.6).

Flat Markers

Flat markers are pre-cut circular pieces of self-adhesive retro-reflective film.
Available sizes (mm/inch): 10 (25.2), 12.5 (31.5), 15 (37.8), 20 (50.4).

Ring Markers

Ring markers can be fitted on almost any cylindrical object such as torque wrenches or screw drivers.
Sometimes tracking of tools with flexible parts is required, in order to find the exact position of the tool tip. With special calibration and tracking algorithms it is possible to account for the motion of the extension and track the tool tip with a precision of less than 5 mm.

More Information
Markers Technical Data

Specifications and other information are subject to change without notice. All brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. The information on this webpage is provided by the respective named manufacturer and is for general information purposes. These data constitute a concrete indication of properties and condition only if they are expressly indicated by EST or have been agreed upon as a condition in writing.

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