Custom IMU-Based Wearable System for Robust 2.4 GHz Wireless Human Body Parts Orientation Tracking and 3D Movement...

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Wearable Technology
• Sensor Systems

Background:

• Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)-based systems are applicable for human motion analysis.
• High-end IMU systems are expensive and complex, limiting widespread adoption.
• Existing entry-level commercial solutions have limitations, while custom DIY systems lack detailed design guidance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the feasibility of an affordable custom IMU system for multi-body part orientation tracking.
• To provide a detailed guide for building a DIY IMU system, including hardware, tools, and mathematical operations.
• To introduce a custom 2.4 GHz communication protocol with channel hopping to enhance reliability in crowded wireless environments.

Main Methods:

• Development of a custom Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)-based system.
• Implementation of a bottom-up hardware and software design approach.
• Integration of a custom 2.4 GHz communication protocol with channel hopping for wireless data transmission.

Main Results:

• Successful development of an affordable custom IMU system capable of simultaneous multi-body part orientation tracking.
• Real-time 3D movement estimation and representation using up to 10 custom sensors at a minimum of 50 Hz.
• Demonstrated reliable motion data acquisition in environments crowded with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi signals.

Conclusions:

• The proposed custom IMU system is a feasible and affordable solution for human motion analysis.
• The custom communication protocol enhances data acquisition reliability, addressing limitations of entry-level commercial systems.
• This system serves as a foundation for developing accessible human motion analysis tools without requiring precise kinematic analysis.