Characterization of Inertial Measurement Units Placement on the Human Body Upon Repeated Donnings
Morris Vanegas, MVL
Abstract: Accurate estimations of variability in multiple donnings of sensor suites may aid algorithm development for wearable motion capture systems that make use of Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs). The accuracy of any algorithm incorporating these sensors is limited by the accuracy of the sensor to segment calibration. When either sensor placement (use by a non-expert) or limb motion during calibration (natural human variation) vary, the estimations are affected. In this study, 22 participants self-placed IMUs on three locations and performed six prescribed motions during each of these five donnings. The results presented in this study examined the effects of self-donning on IMU distance, orientation, and rotation at the chest, bicep, and forearm. This research was the first to characterize the way users vary placement of sensors on the human body. Relating mounting locations, motions, and number of donnings to IMU placement provides data to assist in designs for housing sensors and can aid the development of quick don and doff sensor suites that can be reliably used by a non-expert for real-time decision making.