Can data processing algorithms ensure sufficient accuracy to estimate human body pose via wearable systems with use of IMU sensors? – an experimental evaluation

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study was to answer two questions: 1 – Can data processing algorithms ensure sufficient accuracy for estimating human body pose via wearable systems? 2 – How to process the IMU sensor data to obtain the most accurate information on the human body pose? To answer these questions, the authors evaluated proposed algorithms in terms of accuracy and reliability. Methodology: data acquisition was performed with tested IMU sensors system mounted onto a Biodex System device. Research included pendulum movement with seven angular velocities (10-120°/s) in five angular movement ranges (30-120°). Algorithms used data from accelerometers and gyroscopes and considered complementary and/or Kalman filters with adjusted parameters. Moreover, angular velocity registration quality was also taken into consideration. Results: differences between means for angular velocity were 0.55÷1.05°/s and 1.76÷3.11%. In the case of angular position relative error of means was 4.77÷10.84%, relative error of extreme values was 2.15÷4.81% and Spearman’s correlation coefficient was 0.74÷0.89. Conclusions: Algorithm calculating angles based on acceleration-derived quaternions and with implementation of Kalman filter was the most accurate for data processing and can be adapted for future work with IMU sensors systems, especially in wearable devices that are designated to support human in daily activity.

Keywords

• pose estimation
• wearable electronics
• motion sensors
• inertial measurement unit
• human motion tracking