Inertial proproceptive devices: Self-motion-sensing toys and tools

Christopher James Verplaetse

IBM Systems Journal · 1996 · 111 citations · 6 references

Concepts

TL;DR

Modern technology seeks to embed computation and communication into everyday objects, making motion sensing a key function of smart devices that enables proprioceptive devices such as pens, cameras, and sports equipment to track their own motion and position. This paper proposes inertial sensing as the optimal solution for unobtrusive, fully general motion sensing in such devices. The authors illustrate prototype applications with specified ranges and sensitivities, describe the underlying inertial sensor technologies, and survey commercially available accelerometers and gyroscopes.

Abstract

One of the current goals of technology is to redirect computation and communication capabilities from within the traditional computer and into everyday objects and devices—to make devices. one important function of smart devices is motion sensing. a proprioceptive device has a sense of its own motion and position. this ability can allow pens to remember what they have written, cameras to record their positions along with images, and baseball bats to communicate to batters information about their swing. in this paper, inertial sensing is introduced as the logical choice for unobtrusive, fully general motion sensing. example proprioceptive device applications are presented along with their sensing ranges and sensitivities. finally, the technologies used in implementing inertial sensors are described, and a survey of commercially available accelerometers and gyroscopes is presented.

References

6