A self-developed indoor three-dimensional pedestrian localization platform based on MEMS sensors

Sensor Review ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 157-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shengbo Sang ◽  
Ruiyong Zhai ◽  
Wendong Zhang ◽  
Qirui Sun ◽  
Zhaoying Zhou

Purpose – This study aims to design a new low-cost localization platform for estimating the location and orientation of a pedestrian in a building. The micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) sensor error compensation and the algorithm were improved to realize the localization and altitude accuracy. Design/methodology/approach – The platform hardware was designed with common low-performance and inexpensive MEMS sensors, and with a barometric altimeter employed to augment altitude measurement. The inertial navigation system (INS) – extended Kalman filter (EKF) – zero-velocity updating (ZUPT) (INS-EKF-ZUPT [IEZ])-extended methods and pedestrian dead reckoning (PDR) (IEZ + PDR) algorithm were modified and improved with altitude determined by acceleration integration height and pressure altitude. The “AND” logic with acceleration and angular rate data were presented to update the stance phases. Findings – The new platform was tested in real three-dimensional (3D) in-building scenarios, achieved with position errors below 0.5 m for 50-m-long route in corridor and below 0.1 m on stairs. The algorithm is robust enough for both the walking motion and the fast dynamic motion. Originality/value – The paper presents a new self-developed, integrated platform. The IEZ-extended methods, the modified PDR (IEZ + PDR) algorithm and “AND” logic with acceleration and angular rate data can improve the high localization and altitude accuracy. It is a great support for the increasing 3D location demand in indoor cases for universal application with ordinary sensors.

1998 ◽  
Vol 120 (2) ◽  
pp. 353-357 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dae-Eun Kim ◽  
Jae-Joon Yi

In this paper a novel and economical method of generating three-dimensional micro-patterns on single crystal silicon without the need for a mask is presented. The technique is based on the fundamental understanding of frictional interaction at light loads. Micro-patterning is done through a two-step process that comprises mechanical scribing and chemical etching. The basic idea is to induce micro-plastic deformation along a prescribed track through frictional interaction between the tool and the workpiece. Then, by exposing the surface to a chemical under controlled conditions, preferential chemical reaction is induced along the track to form hillocks about 5 μm wide and 1 μm high. This method of micro-machining may be used for making patterns in micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) at low cost. Furthermore, this process demonstrates how microtribological processes can be utilized in the fabrication of micro-structures.


2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 1020-1031 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miguel Fernandez-Vicente ◽  
Ana Escario Chust ◽  
Andres Conejero

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe a novel design workflow for the digital fabrication of custom-made orthoses (CMIO). It is intended to provide an easier process for clinical practitioners and orthotic technicians alike. It further functions to reduce the dependency of the operators’ abilities and skills. Design/methodology/approach The technical assessment covers low-cost three-dimensional (3D) scanning, free computer-aided design (CAD) software, and desktop 3D printing and acetone vapour finishing. To analyse its viability, a cost comparison was carried out between the proposed workflow and the traditional CMIO manufacture method. Findings The results show that the proposed workflow is a technically feasible and cost-effective solution to improve upon the traditional process of design and manufacture of custom-made static trapeziometacarpal (TMC) orthoses. Further studies are needed for ensuring a clinically feasible approach and for estimating the efficacy of the method for the recovery process in patients. Social implications The feasibility of the process increases the impact of the study, as the great accessibility to this type of 3D printers makes the digital fabrication method easier to be adopted by operators. Originality/value Although some research has been conducted on digital fabrication of CMIO, few studies have investigated the use of desktop 3D printing in any systematic way. This study provides a first step in the exploration of a new design workflow using low-cost digital fabrication tools combined with non-manual finishing.


2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 857-867 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miyeon Lee ◽  
Dong Il Yoo ◽  
Sungmin Kim

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a relatively inexpensive and easily movable three-dimensional (3D) body scanner. Design/methodology/approach Multiple depth perception cameras and a turntable were used to form the hardware and a client-server computer network was used to control the hardware. Findings A portable and inexpensive yet quite accurate body scanner system has been developed. Research limitations/implications The turntable mechanism and semi-automatic model alignment caused some error. Practical implications This scanner is expected to facilitate the acquisition of 3D human body or garment data easily for various research projects. Social implications Many researchers might have an easy access to 3D data of large object such as body or whole garment. Originality/value Inexpensive yet expandable scanning system has been developed using readily available components.


Sensor Review ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 270-281 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaochun Tian ◽  
Jiabin Chen ◽  
Yongqiang Han ◽  
Jianyu Shang ◽  
Nan Li

Purpose This study aims to design an optimized algorithm for low-cost pedestrian navigation system (PNS) to correct the heading drift and altitude error, thus achieving high-precise pedestrian location in both two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) space. Design/methodology/approach A novel heading correction algorithm based on smoothing filter at the terminal of zero velocity interval (ZVI) is proposed in the paper. This algorithm adopts the magnetic sensor to calculate all the heading angles in the ZVI and then applies a smoothing filter to obtain the optimal heading angle. Furthermore, heading correction is executed at the terminal moment of ZVI. Meanwhile, an altitude correction algorithm based on step height constraint is proposed to suppress the altitude channel divergence of strapdown inertial navigation system by using the step height as the measurement of the Kalman filter. Findings The verification experiments were carried out in 2-D and 3-D space to evaluate the performance of the proposed pedestrian navigation algorithm. The results show that the heading drift and altitude error were well corrected. Meanwhile, the path calculated by the novel algorithm has a higher match degree with the reference trajectory, and the positioning errors of the 2-D and 3-D trajectories are both less than 0.5 per cent. Originality/value Besides zero velocity update, another two problems, namely, heading drift and altitude error in the PNS, are solved, which ensures the high positioning precision of pedestrian in indoor and outdoor environments.


Author(s):  
Ding-jian Huang ◽  
Li-gang Yao ◽  
Wen-jian Li ◽  
Jun Zhang

Purpose The purpose of this research is to achieve a novel magnetic nutation drive for an industry robotic wrist reducer. Design/methodology/approach A novel magnetic nutation drive is proposed, and the structure and principle of the designed magnetic nutation drive are described in this study. Three-dimensional finite element analysis is used to compute the magnetic and torque of the magnetic nutation drive. Furthermore, a prototype of this novel magnetic nutation drive device is developed with 3D printing technology and tested to verify the feasibility of the proposed structure and principle. Findings The simulation and experimental results indicated that the proposed magnetic nutation drive device could meet the desired specifications, and that this novel magnetic nutation drive device successfully realized the non-contact transmission ratio of 105:1 required for a robotic wrist reducer. Practical implications This novel magnetic nutation drive is low-cost and easy to make and use, and which provides the non-contact transmission ratio of 105:1 required for a robotic wrist reducer. Originality/value For the first time, this research applies the permanent magnet drive technology to nutation drive and puts forward a new non-contact nutation drive mode. The novel drive mode can solve some problems of the traditional mechanical contact nutation drive, such as vibration, friction loss, mechanical fatigue and necessity of lubrication. The proposed non-contact nutation drive device can achieve a high reduction ratio with compact structure and can be suitable for industry application.


Sensor Review ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 225-230 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Bogue

Purpose This paper aims to provide details of MEMS (micro-electromechanical system) sensors produced from materials other than silicon. Design/methodology/approach Following a short introduction, this first considers reasons for using alternatives to silicon. It then discusses MEMS sensor products and research involving sapphire, quartz, silicon carbide and aluminium nitride. It then considers polymer and paper MEMS sensor developments and concludes with a brief discussion. Findings MEMS sensors based on the “hard” materials are well-suited to very-high-temperature- and precision-sensing applications. Some have been commercialised and there is a strong, on-going body of research. Polymer MEMS sensors are attracting great interest from the research community and have the potential to yield devices for both physical and molecular sensing that are inexpensive and simple to fabricate. The prospects for paper MEMS remain unclear but the technology may ultimately find uses in ultra-low-cost sensing of low-magnitude mechanical variables. Originality/value This provides a technical insight into the increasingly important role played by MEMS sensors fabricated from materials other than silicon.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Weixin Li ◽  
Chen Zheng ◽  
Yicha Zhang

Purpose The purpose of this study is to test the concept of a relatively low cost but biocompatible customized surgical guide printing method using a new composite material for the FDM process to support accurate virtual model reconstruction in CT. Design/methodology/approach Current additive manufacturing printed surgical guides have problems of scanning artifacts or low computed tomography (CT) values for virtual model reconstruction in CT-assisted surgical operations. These tools always face difficulties in precise positioning due to the effect of human soft tissues and manually made unstable landmarks. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a modified material, polyetheretherketone powder mixed with barium sulfate powder, for printing customized surgical guides with relatively low cost to support a synchronized scanning strategy, for the accurate reconstruction of human tissues and in vitro models. Findings A set of benchmarking experiments and clinical simulation cases were conducted. The results showed that the proposed solution can be used to print surgical guides to form stable and clear CT graphs for three-dimensional digital model reconstruction. Human tissues and in vitro models can be accurately reconstructed using clear CT graphs without any scanning artifacts or difficulties in image segmentation for virtual model reconstruction, thus facilitating accurate operation guidance and positioning. Originality/value This method has wide application potential for printing modular or customized surgical guides with low cost and reusability, especially for surgical operations using CT-assisted navigation systems in underdeveloped regions where medical device costs are a critical issue.


Author(s):  
Quentin Kevin Gautier ◽  
Thomas G. Garrison ◽  
Ferrill Rushton ◽  
Nicholas Bouck ◽  
Eric Lo ◽  
...  

PurposeDigital documentation techniques of tunneling excavations at archaeological sites are becoming more common. These methods, such as photogrammetry and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), are able to create precise three-dimensional models of excavations to complement traditional forms of documentation with millimeter to centimeter accuracy. However, these techniques require either expensive pieces of equipment or a long processing time that can be prohibitive during short field seasons in remote areas. This article aims to determine the effectiveness of various low-cost sensors and real-time algorithms to create digital scans of archaeological excavations.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used a class of algorithms called SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) along with depth-sensing cameras. While these algorithms have largely improved over recent years, the accuracy of the results still depends on the scanning conditions. The authors developed a prototype of a scanning device and collected 3D data at a Maya archaeological site and refined the instrument in a system of natural caves. This article presents an analysis of the resulting 3D models to determine the effectiveness of the various sensors and algorithms employed.FindingsWhile not as accurate as commercial LiDAR systems, the prototype presented, employing a time-of-flight depth sensor and using a feature-based SLAM algorithm, is a rapid and effective way to document archaeological contexts at a fraction of the cost.Practical implicationsThe proposed system is easy to deploy, provides real-time results and would be particularly useful in salvage operations as well as in high-risk areas where cultural heritage is threatened.Originality/valueThis article compares many different low-cost scanning solutions for underground excavations, along with presenting a prototype that can be easily replicated for documentation purposes.


Author(s):  
Manuel Bandala ◽  
Tomás Salgado ◽  
Ramón Chávez

Purpose – This paper presents the results of a heading estimation method for a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). The output rate of commercially available underwater compasses is typically in the order of a few Hz. Heading frequencies of at least 1 KHz are desirable for navigation and control purposes. Design/methodology/approach – The estimation was performed by fusioning the signals of three inertial sensors: the ROV’s own underwater compass (which operates roughly at 10 Hz or less), the ROV’s embedded gyro and an additional angular rate sensor that provides readings from 1 to 3 KHz. The output signal of the additional angular rate sensor is not part of the proposed Kalman filter. Nonetheless a five-point Newton-Cotes closed integration of such signal is fed into the Kalman filter implementation that performs the required heading estimation at 1 KHz or more. Findings – The proposed Kalman filter implementation is a suitable approach to estimate heading position even though the original compass signal rate is significantly slower than the signal required for both assisted and autonomous control. Research limitations/implications – The estimated heading yield good results in both simulation and experimental environments. Originality/value – The method was embedded in a dedicated 16-bit DSP that handles both the acquisition of the three signals and the heading estimation, hence resulting in a very low-cost solution. The embedded solution was tested in the developed submarine and the obtained high-rate heading parameter is now used by the control system of the ROV.


Author(s):  
Chien-Hung Ho ◽  
Kan-Ping Chin

To upgrade the electrostatic force, movable devices in micro-electro-mechanical systems may require three-dimensional microstructures with large capacitive areas and vertical sidewalls with several hundred micrometers in height. The photoresist, NANO™ XP SU–8, can be implemented in the fabrication of high-aspect-ratio microstructures in low-cost MEMS production. In this study, using SU-8 as an electroplating mold, an improved method for consolidating the adhesion of the plated microstructures to the substrate is utilized. By constructing an embedded root as the substructure, this novel technique can greatly increase the thickness of the metal components, and simultaneously, the hard-to-strip crosslinked SU-8 may be removed completely. The fabrication of stators and bearing post for an electrostatic micro motor is used here to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, where the structural height and the minimum gap of the stators are 300 μm and 50 μm, respectively. For comparison, some fabricated results of typical approaches by a heated remover to strip the cured SU-8 mold are also shown in this paper.


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