Demos Technologies Inc.

	ASCENSION TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION			ASCENSION LINE OF PRODUCTS

Demos Technologies is proud to offer products from one of the world's leading manufacturers of 3D tracking devices - Acsension Technology Corporation.

Ascension makes 3D tracking devices for medical guidance, minimally invasive surgery, real-time visualization, and target acquisition. Their position and orientation tracking devices navigate, localize, and guide medical instruments for image-guided procedures. They also digitize real-world objects, track pilot's helmets, and capture human motions for interaction with 3D graphical worlds.

trakSTAR

driveBAY

laserBIRD 2

Flock of Birds

MotionSTAR Wireless LITE

MotionSTAR(Tethered Model)

medSAFE

Product Videos

Free Software for Ascension's
3D Guidance Trackers

Family of drivers and translators simplify interface to trackers

	3D Guidance trakSTAR		3D Guidance trakSTAR

trakSTAR Now Supports Wide-Range Tracking of Up to 16 Sensors at Once!
PDF Brochure for Wide-Range Model (8mm Sensor only)
PDF Brochure for Mid-Range Model (1.5 mm, 2 mm, and 8 mm Sensors)

• Fast, dynamic tracking - 240 to 420 updates per second.
• Miniaturized passive sensors - outputs unaffected by “power-line” noise sources.
• All attitude tracking - no inertial drift or optical interference.
• High metal immunity - no distortion from non magnetic metals.

Components

• Electronics unit
• DC magnetic field transmitter
• 8 mm, 2.0 mm, and 1.5 mm sensors (outer diameters)

New Features

• Compact transmitter: light enough to mount on body or head.
• Sleek Desktop Electronics Unit with Internal Power Module (No External Power Supply)
• Mix and Match Miniaturized Sensors

Transmitter Options

Short-Range Transmitter 46 cm (18 inches)		Set-Up & Use: 6.3 cm (2.5 inch) transmitter that weighs just 230 grams. It generates pulsed DC magnetic fields for high accuracy tracking in short range applications.
Mid-Range Transmitter 78 cm (31 inches)		Set-Up & Use: 9.6 cm (3.8 inch) cube that generates pulsed DC magnetic fields for high accuracy tracking over medium ranges.

Electronics unit with multiple interfaces to host medical computers.

Interchangeable sensor sizes for full six degrees-of-freedom tracking.

3D Guidance trakSTAR flyer and specification sheet.

Compare trakSTAR with other products

	3D Guidance driveBAY		3D Guidance driveBAY

• Fast, dynamic tracking - as many as 420 updates per second.
• Miniaturized passive sensors - outputs immune to
"power-line" noise sources.
• Compact packaging - electronics conveniently fit into drive bay of your PC.
• All attitude tracking - no inertial drift or optical interference.
• High metal immunity - no distortion from non-magmnetic metals.

Components

• Electronics unit
• DC magnetic field transmitter
• 8 mm, 2.0 mm, and 1.5 mm sensors (outer diameters)

New Features

• Compact transmitter: light enough to mount on body or head.
• No external electronics unit on power supply.
• Mix and match miniaturized sensors.

Transmitter Options

Short-Range Transmitter 46 cm (18 inches)		Set-Up & Use: 6.3 cm (2.5 inch) transmitter that weighs just 230 grams. It generates pulsed DC magnetic fields for high accuracy tracking in short range applications.
Mid-Range Transmitter 78 cm (31 inches)		Set-Up & Use: Mid-range transmitter is ideal for desktop applications in environments containing conductive metals.

Electronics unit with multiple interfaces to host medical computers.

Interchangeable sensor sizes for full six degrees-of-freedom tracking.

3D Guidance driveBAY flyer and specification sheet.

Compare driveBAY with other products

Tracker electronics fit into the drive of a PC chassis and uses its power. No power supply required.

	laserBIRD 2		laserBIRD 2

A precise optical tracker for the most demanding tracking environments. Designed for head and object tracking in simulator, emmiters and 3D visualization applications. laserBIRD 2 continuously scans the work space enabling its sensor to instantly sense emitted laser beams. Signals are then directed back to the scanner's DSP electronics for processing and output of position and orientation data to a host computer.

Flexible prediction capability:
As with any prediction algorithm, the more you predict into the future, the more noise introduced into the data stream. laserBIRD's unique prediction capability allows a user to select individual prediction parameters (X, Y, Z, Azimuth, Elevation, Roll). Prediction can thus be specified along a single axis of interest with minimal data degradation.

Features & Benefits

Scanning laser beam technology	No metallic distortion, drift, noise or acoustic interference. Excellent for use in high metal, high noise environments where magnetic and inertial technologies cannot perform well. Ambient light resistant. Works equally well on fixed and motion-based platforms.
Sub-degree and sub-millimeter accuracy	High precision for most realistic tracking experience.
Prediction up to 50 ms	Customizable prediction parameters. Only predicts motion along axis of interest to minimize noise associated with prediction.
Measurement rate of 240 meas/sec	Instantaneous tracking solution without discernable lag.
Low Lag	Tight sync of head location with image generation. Helps alleviate "“motion sickness” in virtual environments by minimizing tracker lag in image generators exhibiting significant latency.

Applications

• Head/object tracking in simulators & virtual/augmented reality systems
• Instrument tracking in surgical applications
• Guidance & control of robotic devices
• Biomechanical measurement and feedback

Miniaturized Scanner with Head-mountable Sensor in Front at Right.

Download laserBIRD2 brochure.

	Flock of Birds		Flock of Birds

The Flock is Ascension's most popular tracker. Researchers, developers and end-users alike use it in all real-time visualization and interactive applications.

Key features include:

• Pulsed DC magnetic technology for six degrees-of-freedom tracking with a universal interface.
• Immunity from distortion from non-magnetic conductive metals. You can use this tracker around stainless steel (300 series), titanium, and aluminum without measurement errors.
• Freedom from blocking and occlusion errors. No need to keep a clear line-of sight between sensors and transmitter.
• Simultaneous tracking of all sensors without degradation in measurement rates. Track head and hands at the same time without delay or lag.
• Long-range coverage is easily added by "clicking in" our Extended- Range Transmitter (ERT/ERC).
• Multiple options to address most tracking requirements.

Components

• Electronics units
• DC magnetic field transmitter
• 25 mm sensors
• Power supply

Transmitter Options

Short-Range Transmitter		Set-Up & Use: This small, lightweight transmitter is often mounted on an articulated arm that can be brought close to the sensors. Especially useful for high accuracy medical applications.
Mid-Range Transmitter Up to +4 ft (1.2 m) coverage		Set-Up & Use: Mid-range transmitter is ideal for desktop applications in environments containing conductive metals.
Extended-Range Transmitter 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.

Ascension's most versatile, and easy-to-use tracker, shown with several available options, instantly tracks the motion of multiple sensors over medium and long ranges.

Download Flock of Birds brochure.

	MotionStar (Tethered Mode)		MotionStar (Tethered Mode)

Affordable, tethered tracker for capturing human motions. Developed with animators world-wide, MotionSTAR is a "turn-key" motion-capture solution when purchased with appropriate animation software and workstation. It comes in a fully-integrated enclosure with a fast Ethernet interface to your computer.

Transmitter Options

Extended-Range Transmitter

Range:

Up to + 10 ft
(3.0 m)
coverage

Set-up & Use: 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.

Applications

• 3D Character Animation for TV, Movies, & Games
• Live Performance Animation
• CAD Simulation of Human Motions
• Virtual Prototyping
• Sports & Medical Analysis
• Biomechanical Analysis
• Human Performance Assessment
• Interactive Game Playing
• Rehabilitative Assessment/Feedback

Regulatory

• FCC Part 15, Class A

PC base-station hauses all electronics and a high speed interface to your host computer. Each sensor is connected to the chassis by a 35-foot cable and can be bundled together for unhindered performance.

Download Motion Star brochure.

	MotionStar Wireless LITE		MotionStar Wireless LITE

MotionSTAR Wireless LITE with new and improved Advanced DC Tracking Technology lets you capture the full-body motions of as many as five performers in real time for multiple character interaction. Without occlusion or perceptible lag. No other motion-capture system in the world captures as many performers as quickly and accurately.

Transmitter Options

Extended-Range Transmitter

Range:

Up to + 10 ft
(3.0 m) coverage

Set-up & Use: 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.

Applications

• Biomechanical Analysis
• Human Performance Assessment
• Sports and Medical Analysis
• Rehabilitative Assessment/Feedback
• 3D Character Animation for TV, Movies, & Games
• Live Performance Animation
• Simulation of Human Motions
• Virtual Prototyping

Regulatory

• FCC Part 15, Class A

Dual Transmitter Setup

LITE's two standard set-up configurations are side by side or facing each other.
Click here to see diagrams showing how to set up dual transmitter capture areas.

PC base station (left), extended range transmitter and controller (rear right), performer mounted electronics pack, sensors and RF transmitter (right foreground).

Download MotionStar Wireless Lite brochure.

Watch MotionSTAR Wireless LITE in Action!

	pciBIRD		pciBIRD

DC Magnetic tracker with an electronics card powered by the PCI bus on your personal computer. pciBIRD works with 1 or 2 sensors, either 8mm or 25 mm in diameter.

Transmitter Options

Mid-Range Transmitter		Range: Up to + 4 ft (1.2 m) coverage	Set-up & Use: Mid-range transmitter is ideal for desktop applications in environments containing conductive metals.
Short-Range Transmitter		Range: Up to + 3 ft (0.9 m) coverage	Set-up & Use: This small, light-weight transmitter is often mounted on an articulated arm that can be brought close to its sensors. Especially useful for high accuracy medical applications.

Applications

• Head/Hand/Object Tracking
• Virtual Reality
• Telerobotics/Telepresence
• Simulation & Training
• Scientific Visualization
• Medical Imaging
• Biomechanical/ Human Factors Analysis
• 3D Reconstruction of Ultrasound Images
• Surgical Planning & Intervention
• Intra-body navigation
• 3D Graphics Control & Manipulation

Regulatory

•EMC:
- EN60601-1-2
· CISPR 11 Class B limit
- FCC
· 47 CFR: Part 15; Subpart B; Class B limit
•Safety
- EN60601-1
· Class I medical device
· Type B Applied part

pciBIRD is a general-purpose motion tracker suitable for many applications. Biomedical references in this document are examples of what medical companies have done with Ascension trackers after obtaining all necessary medical certifications. Ascension trackers are not certified for use in medicine without the end user/OEM complying with all pertinent FDA/CE regulatory requirements.

Download pciBIRD brochure.

	3D Guidance medSAFE		3D Guidance medSAFE

• Track up to four miniaturized 6 DOF sensors simultaneously.
• Localize in 3D without ionizing radiation.
• Guide flexible tools without line-of-sight restrictions.
• Overcome limitations of earlier generation medical trackers.
• Navigate catheters, probes, and scopes with low cost, disposable sensors.

Components

• Electronics unit
• DC magnetic field transmitter
• 8 mm, 2.0 mm, and 1.5 mm sensors (outer diameters)
• Preamps

Sensor miniaturization

Ascension supports a full range of sensors for minimally invasive procedures. Its custom 0.3 mm sensor, pictured at right, is the smallest magnetic sensor in the world. It is available to medical device companies only developing vascular, urological and cardiac procedures.

Transmitter Options

Short-Range Transmitter 20-36 cm X 8-15 cm Y, Z coverage		Set-Up & Use: This small, lightweight transmitter is often mounted on an articulated arm that can be brought close to the sensors. Especially useful for high accuracy medical applications.
Mid-Range Transmitter 20-61cm X 15-30 cm Y, Z coverage		Set-Up & Use: Mid-range transmitter is ideal for desktop applications in environments containing conductive metals.
Flat Transmitter “Metal-Immune” ±20 cm X, Y -10--46 cm Z coverage		Set-Up & Use: Flat transmitter is unobtrusively placed beneath a patient to negate any possible distortion of measurements by ferrous metal in an OR or procedural table beneath its flat surface.

Electronics unit with multiple interfaces to host medical computers.

Download 3D Guidance medSAFE brochure.

Download 3D Guidance medSAFE pamphlet.

	"Class B" FLOCK		"Class B" FLOCK

Ascension's “Class B” Flock is a regulatory-compliant version of our popular DC magnetic tracker. Electronics are housed in a metallic enclosure with appropriate modifications to fully meet IEC 60601 part 1 and part 2.

Use it to track the position and orientation in real-time of instruments including ultrasound probes. Tracking accuracy is unaffected by the nearby presence of conductive metals including aluminum, titanium and stainless steel 300.

Components

• Electronics unit
• DC magnetic field transmitter
• 25 mm sensor
• Power supply

Transmitter Options

Short-Range Transmitter		Set-Up & Use: This small, lightweight transmitter is often mounted on an articulated arm that can be brought close to the sensors. Especially useful for high accuracy medical applications.
Mid-Range Transmitter Up to +4 ft (1.2 m) coverage		Set-Up & Use: Mid-range transmitter is ideal for desktop applications in environments containing conductive metals.

Mid-range transmitter, left
Electronics unit, right rear
and 25 mm sensor in foreground.

Download Class B Flock brochure

	hyBIRD		hyBIRD

Hy-BIRD fuses optical and inertial technologies into one compact tracking solution. Its primary optical technology outputs highly accurate, fast tracking data. A fully integrated inertial tracker seamlessly continues tracking whenever the optical scanner is blocked or its field of view exceeded.

• Fused data streams for flawless 360° tracking
• Wide operational temperature range for inertial sensors
• High speed tracking with minimal lag
• Robust inertial sensor with embedded microprocessor

			Hy-BIRD is composed of an optical scanning unit with embedded electronics (above) and two head-mounted sensors - optical and inertial. The optical sensor can be seen in the right foreground. Optical and inertial data streams are fused and transmitted to a host computer via a USB serial adapter.

Critical Features	Key Benefits
240 optical measurements/second; 70-75 measurements/second in hybrid mode	Fast updates with no discernable lag
Full 360° coverage; no FOV limits	Smooth, continuous orientation tracking even when optical detector is occluded or its FOV exceeded
IR laser scanning technology with temperature compensated, calibrated inertial sensors	Accurate, undistorted tracking in fixed, motion-based and mobile environments
Built-in optical correction for inertial drift	Constant data flow without jumps or interruptions
Small footprint for emitter and detectors	Easy set-up with minimal impact on cockpit/vehicle real-estate
Fast, one-time calibration for misalignments	Flexible placement of optical and inertial sensors on helmet

Applications

• Helmet Tracking
• Simulators & Trainers
• Virtual Reality
• Military Vehicles
• Situational Awareness Systems
• Biomedical Instrument Registration and Gating
• Biomechanical Measurement and Analysis

Regulatory

• EMC: EN 61326-1: 1998; 47 CFR: Part 15; Subpart B; Class A limits
• Safety EN 61010-1: 1995
• Laser Safety FDA/CDRH: 21 CFR 1040.10-11 Laser Hazard Classification: Class 1 CE: EN 60825-1 laser Hazard Classification: Class 1

All-Attitude Helmet Tracking Without Occlusions

Download hyBIRD brochure.

	miniBIRD 500 & 800		miniBIRD 500 & 800

miniBIRD offers full functionality of our other DC magnetic trackers, while tracking the instant position and orientation of sensors, 5 mm and 8 mm wide.

Components

• Electronics unit
• DC magnetic field transmitter
• 8 mm and 5 mm sensors
• Power supply

Transmitter Options

Mid-Range Transmitter
Up to ±76.2 cm in any direction

Coverage Set-Up & Use: Mid-range transmitter is ideal for desktop applications in environments containing conductive metals.

Applications

• 3D image rendering in ultrasound
• Measurement of anatomical structure and function
• Laproscope, endoscope, and surgical instrument tracking and placement
• Intrabody navigation, localization and guidance
• Real-time simulation and visualization
• Monitoring of human and animal motion for biomechanical analysis

miniBIRD is a general-purpose motion tracker suitable for many applications. Biomedical references in this document are examples of what medical companies have done with Ascension trackers after obtaining all necessary medical certifications. Ascension trackers are not certified for use in medicine without the end user/OEM complying with all pertinent FDA/CE/IRB regulatory requirements.

Download miniBIRD brochure.

	3D Navigator		3D Navigator

Untethered 3D Tracker for Navigating Through Immersive Environments

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

• 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

Components

• Electronics unit
• DC magnetic field transmitter
• 8 mm and 5 mm sensors
• Power supply

Transmitter Options

Extended-Range Transmitter
Up to ±76.2 cm in any direction

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.

Applications

Industries

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

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

Features & Benefits

Advanced DC Magnetic Technology	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.

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)

3D Navigator's magnetic field transmitter includes a mounting pedestal.

• 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

Regulatory

FCC Part 15, Class A

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

Download 3D Navigator brochure.

	Space Pad		Space Pad

Low-cost, six degrees-of-freedom tracker with a flat transmitter for ease of use and placement. Designed specifically for itegration into OEM products.

Components

• Electronics unit
• DC magnetic field transmitter
• 8 mm and 5 mm sensors
• Power supply

Transmitter Options

Planar (Flat) Transmitter

Short Range:

Up to 1.6 ft (0.5 m) coverage

Set-up & Use: Planar transmitter lies flat on the floor or can be embedded in either a horizontal or vertical structure for ease of use.

Applications

• Virtual Reality Games
• Virtual Reality Simulations

Features & Benefits

Flexible transmitter design	Accommodates your transmitter layout.
Multiple sensor tracking with single electronics unit	Tracks up to 4 sensors per electronics unit.
OEM designed	We supply you with boards, sensors and instructions to integrate into your product.

Low-cost, six degrees-of-freedom tracker with a flat transmitter for ease of use and placement. Designed specifically for itegration into OEM products.

Download Space Pad brochure.

Product Videos

Free Software for Ascension's 3D Guidance Trackers

Free Software for Ascension's
3D Guidance Trackers