First Advisor

Alexander Hunt

Date of Publication

Summer 9-11-2019

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.) in Mechanical Engineering

Department

Mechanical and Materials Engineering

Language

English

Subjects

Center of mass, Biomechanics

DOI

10.15760/etd.7146

Physical Description

1 online resource (ix, 54 pages)

Abstract

Wearable motion tracking systems pose an opportunity to study and correct human balance and posture during movement. Currently, these observations are either being conducted in laboratories with the use of camera systems and markers placed on the body, or through the use of suits containing large numbers (15-20) of inertial measurement units. However, to aid with rehabilitation of individuals with impaired balance, there needs to be an option to collect these observations outside of clinics and without incurring much cost from the user. I have focused on three inertial measurement units, one placed on each shank and one placed on the upper torso, to record posture and estimate where an individual's center of mass is located. The use of three inertial measurement units significantly reduces the cost and encumbrance for studying balance in an individual's primary environment. This reduction comes at the cost of accuracy, which is explored further through this thesis. First, I looked at different methods used for determining IMU orientation, such as a biologically inspired orientation algorithm and a gradient descent algorithm. I then incorporated those methods to create a model of the body that calculates an estimate on the center of mass, based on the user's weight and height. Finally, this estimate is compared to a force plate derived method of finding center of mass to determine viability of sensor reduction for practical applications. The created algorithm is able to generate a center of mass location that is able to match the actual location within 3 cm.

Rights

In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/30508

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