August 2007, Vol. 16, No. 4, Pages 352-366
Posted Online July 25, 2007. (doi:10.1162/pres.16.4.352)

Correction of Location and Orientation Errors in Electromagnetic Motion Tracking John G. Hagedorn,  * Steven G. Satterfield, ­ John T. Kelso  

Abstract

We describe a method for calibrating an electromagnetic motion tracking device. Algorithms for correcting both location and orientation data are presented. In particular, we use a method for interpolating rotation corrections that has not previously been used in this context. This method, unlike previous methods, is rooted in the geometry of the space of rotations. This interpolation method is used in conjunction with Delaunay tetrahedralization to enable correction based on scattered data samples. We present measurements that support the assumption that neither location nor orientation errors are dependent on sensor orientation. We give results showing large improvements in both location and orientation errors. The methods are shown to impose a minimal computational burden.

National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8951, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8951

Whitney Austin

Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 39217

­ Judith E. Terrill, ­ Adele P. Peskin

National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8951

*Correspondence to mailto:john.hagedorn@nist.gov