Validation of a Fast and Accurate Magnetic Tracker Operating in the Environmental Field

We characterize the performance of a system based on a magnetoresistor array. This instrument is developed to map the magnetic field, and to track a dipolar magnetic source in the presence of a static homogeneous field. The position and orientation of the magnetic source with respect to the sensor frame is retrieved together with the orientation of the frame with respect to the environmental field. A nonlinear best-fit procedure is used, and its precision, time performance, and reliability are analyzed. This analysis is performed in view of the practical application for which the system is designed that is an eye-tracking diagnostics and rehabilitative tool for medical purposes, which require high speed (≥100 Sa/s) and sub-millimetric spatial resolution. A throughout investigation on the results makes it possible to list several observations, suggestions, and hints, which will be useful in the design of similar setups.

Validation of a Fast and Accurate Magnetic Tracker Operating in the Environmental Field

We characterize the performance of a system based on a magnetoresistor array. This instrument is developed to map the magnetic field, and to track a dipolar magnetic source in the presence of a static homogeneous field. The position and orientation of the magnetic source with respect to the sensor frame is retrieved together with the orientation of the frame with respect to the environmental field. A nonlinear best-fit procedure is used, and its precision, time performance, and reliability are analyzed. This analysis is performed in view of the practical application for which the system is designed that is an eye-tracking diagnostics and rehabilitative tool for medical purposes, which require high speed ($\ge 100$~Sa/s) and sub-millimetric spatial resolution. A throughout investigation on the results makes it possible to list several observations, suggestions, and hints, which will be useful in the design of similar setups.

Fast, Cheap, and Scalable Magnetic Tracker with an Array of Magnetoresistors

We present the hardware of a cheap multi-sensor magnetometric setup, where a relatively large set of magnetic field components is measured in several positions by calibrated magnetoresistive detectors. The setup is developed to map the (inhomogeneous) field generated by a known magnetic source, which is measured and then discerned from the background (homogeneous) geomagnetic field. The data output from this hardware can be successfully and reliably used to retrieve the position and orientation of the magnetic source with respect to the sensor frame, together with the orientation of the frame with respect to the environmental field. Possible applications of the setup are briefly discussed, and a synthetic description of the methods of data elaboration and analysis is provided.

Novel Endoscope Control Assessment System Using Video and Magnetic Tracking

Colonoscopy procedures are commonly performed to diagnose and prevent colorectal cancer. These procedures require highly trained practitioners to perform complex maneuvers with an endoscope. Extensive training is necessary to become proficient. To improve assessment during endoscope training the novel endoscopic control assessment system (ECAS) is proposed. This device uses a magnetic tracker to track the end of the endoscope in manikin training. In addition, camera imaging is used to track the angle of the control knobs during the training. Experiment 1 demonstrated that the magnetic tracker could sense the full range of motion of the endoscope. Experiment 2 showed that the control knob angle could be accurately tracked through 4 positions to within 0.6° accuracy. The feasibility of the ECAS system was shown and in the future, this can be employed as an effective means of assessing endoscopic training performance.