Taylor, John2010-01-122010-01-122007http://hdl.handle.net/10092/3369http://dx.doi.org/10.26021/1380A general overview of the hardware and software implementation requirements of an AC magnetic tracking system is presented. The overview includes an analysis of the Polhemus Fastrak, the development of mathematical models and algorithms used for magnetic tracking and the design of test jigs used to verify the results. An original non-iterative tracking algorithm that allows sensor position and orientation to be calculated in rotation matrix form is developed and verified. Future methods of calibration are proposed with results supporting the design methods. It is concluded that the algorithm presented is effective, but that further developments in hardware and software are needed in order for the system to attain the tracking resolution and accuracy specifications of other leading tracking systems.enCopyright John TaylorMagneticTrackingTheses / Dissertations