Comparison of calibration methods for accelerometers used in human motion analysis

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Medical Engineering
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) accelerometers are vital for activity recognition, motion tracking, and orientation estimation in medicine and biomechanics.
• Accurate acceleration measurement is crucial for applications like calculating speed, position, and body segment orientation.
• Numerous calibration methods exist, leading to confusion and challenges in selecting the optimal approach for specific applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and evaluate the primary measurement models and calibration techniques for MEMS accelerometers.
• To provide practical recommendations for selecting appropriate calibration processes.
• To highlight the trade-offs between accuracy, implementation requirements, algorithmic complexity, and time investment.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of existing literature on MEMS accelerometer measurement models.
• Evaluation of various sensor calibration methodologies.
• Comparative analysis of calibration methods based on key performance indicators.

Main Results:

• Identified and categorized the main measurement models and calibration techniques for MEMS accelerometers.
• Demonstrated that the choice of calibration method significantly impacts accuracy and applicability.
• Established a framework for understanding the compromise between accuracy, installation effort, algorithm complexity, and time.

Conclusions:

• Selecting the right MEMS accelerometer calibration method is critical for achieving desired accuracy in biomechanical and medical applications.
• Users should carefully consider application-specific requirements to balance performance with practical constraints.
• This review offers guidance for informed decision-making in MEMS accelerometer calibration.