LUKOtronic - MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS:
1. real-time, active 3D-Infrared-camera-systems
2. Portable Force Plates
3. Capturing and Analysis Software

The measurement systems are used in the fields of MEDICINE , REHABILITATION , SPORTS , ANIMATION , FILM , INDUSTRY, BIOMECHANICS, etc.

Straightforward operation of the AS200/300
System operation is straightforward and uncomplicated, in line with everyday use. The system is self-calibrating, the software self-explanatory without superfluous overhead. The system is detected by the computer via plug-and-play and the software is installed automatically together with the driver. The system can be installed and commissioned within three minutes.

Straightforward commissioning
Fold measuring beam apart, position it and connect it to the computer via the USB cable; attach the markers and connect them. Start the program. The system is calibrated automatically after commissioning, without user intervention. During system operation, the measuring beam must not be moved, as otherwise the Measurands would not be correct.

Activating markers
Affix the IR markers to the patient or test item (e.g. robot, ...) and connect them to the controller box. Windows initializes the measurement system automatically, similar to a printer. The markers are glued to the test object (person or item) and the marker chains connected to the controller box. The box is switched ON automatically on insertion, and switched OFF accordingly on removal.

Immediate data evaluation
Due to the real-time capability of the measurement system, data analysis is already effected during recording immediately after the program start, which provides the results directly after the measurements have been performed. Thus, time-consuming and tedious post-processing of Measurands is a thing of the past.

Operation of software
The software is self-explanatory and can be configured by the customers themselves. The software can be learned within just a few hours.

The system settings, type and representation of the results can be configured and saved once in advance for repetitive measurements, in order to avoid the necessity of setting them for each recording. This saves considerable time if a series of identical measurements is to be performed. Once the measurements have been completed, the system is dismantled and stowed in the case.

Representation of the results
Figures, Tables, graphics, text boxes etc. can be combined in a „Report“ and either be printed directly at the push of a button or saved in html format as a file.

System specificities of the AS 200/300
The system features a number of outstanding specificities.
1. Thanks to its weight of just 2.5 kg, it is easily portable and can be mounted everywhere
2. Can be folded and stowed in a simple attaché-case
3. Real-time analysis of motions and thus no post-processing times
4. Data saving in comparison with other measuring results
5. Self-calibrating after commissioning
6. Self-explanatory, problem-focused user software for straightforward operation
7. Analysis software for the system is user-programmable
8. Can be connected to any standard PC via USB using the plug-and-play feature
9. Only one cable per marker chain to avoid cable clutter

Enhancements of the AS 200/300
Additional hardware components can be connected to the system to record simultaneously other Measurands of interest. The following hardware can be connected.
1. Up to eight camera units to increase the measurable spatial volume
2. Digital video camera for image superimposition and visualization
3. Acceleration meter for additional motion data
4. EMG systems for measurement of the muscular activities
5. ECG electrodes for measurement of the cardiac activity
6. EEG electrodes for measurement of neural activities
7. Force plates (e. g. by Lutz-MT, etc.)
8. Systems with an analogue output

System design of the AS 200/300
The recording unit consists of a folding measuring beam which is connected to a commercially available computer or laptop.

The system is completed by a radio-controlled controller box and marker chains with active markers affixed to the patient‘s body.

The components of the measurement system
1. Measuring beam with infrared cameras (IR cameras) Optionally equipped with folding mechanism and three infrared cameras. Especially easy-to-stow in a small transport case.
2. Controller box with radio transmission incl. rechargeable batteries for activation of the IR markers Borne on the body, the matchbox-sized controller box controls the active infrared markers and supplies them with energy. The controller box is activated via radio from the measuring beam.
3. Active infrared markers on cable chain (arrangement optional) With its own integrated electronics: this „internal logic“ permits to apply markers in series on a single cable. Thus, the indi- vidual marker does not require a separate supply cable, which prevents cable clutter.
4. USB transmission cable between system and PC with appropriate driver software For connection to any commercially available PC or to any commercially available laptop.
5. System control and data recording on any computer Any commercially available computer with USB port can be used.
6. Basic software for system control, data acquisition and visualization Compatible with Windows 98, 2000, ME and XP, Vista, 7 – and in future also with Linux: The basic software controls the measurement system and calculates in a next step the spatial coordinates of the markers from the Measurands. The data can be exported as text files for post-processing in other programs.
7. Analysis software for evaluation of the motion data They can be represented in terms of figures, Tables, graphs or animations, which the users are free to configure according to their requirements.

AS 200/300: How it works
Measurement
During the measurement, the LEDs issue light pulses within the band of infrared radiation. Only one diode is active at a time, and thus unambiguousness of the markers is ensured, even if an LED is temporarily covered and not measured.

Activation, energy supply and measurement
The markers are activated via a radio link between measuring beam and controller box, and the system‘s energy supply via a USB cable. The active markers are supplied by a rechargeable battery in the controller box, and the cameras measure the marker positions.
The computer calculates from these Measurands the precise spatial 3D coordinates which are used for motion analysis.

An extended measurement permits determination of a sequence of the spatial marker positions over time. The trajectories of the spatial marker positions are used to calculate the movements of the measuring object (item or person).

Visualization, evaluation and processing of the measuring results
The data are used for visualization and analytical evaluation of the movements. They can be saved for subsequent post-processing and the movements can be represented in real-time mode by computer animation on the screen.

Measured movements can also be represented graphically via a video camera connected to the system. The marker points can be superimposed on the represented video image, which illustrates the motion sequences.

Data processing should preferably be performed by standard analysis software or, in the case of special issues, programming of user routines by the users themselves. These routines can be integrated in the recording software.

LUKOtronic AS200/300 Motion Capture System