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IMU-Data-Capture

Overview​

IMU-Data-Capture is a React Native Android application designed to capture real-time Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensor data. This application aims to provide highly accurate location and orientation information of a mobile device, significantly improving the precision of data collection in the field. While conventional GPS technology typically offers location accuracy within a 5-10m range, IMU-Data-Capture enhances this accuracy to within a few centimeters, making it an invaluable tool for various applications that require precise positioning.

Features​

  • Real-Time Data Capture: Continuously collects IMU sensor data including accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer readings.
  • Enhanced Location Accuracy: Utilizes sensor fusion techniques to refine GPS data, achieving centimeter-level accuracy.
  • Orientation Tracking: Provides detailed orientation information of the device, crucial for applications requiring precise angular positioning.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Designed with a simple and intuitive user interface for easy operation in the field.
  • Data Export: Allows users to export collected data for further analysis.

Technical Details​

IMU Sensors​

IMU-Data-Capture leverages the following sensors available on most modern smartphones:

  • Accelerometer: Measures linear acceleration of the device in three dimensions.
  • Gyroscope: Measures the rotational velocity around the device's three axes.
  • Magnetometer: Measures the magnetic field intensity along the three axes, aiding in orientation determination.

Sensor Fusion​

The application employs advanced sensor fusion algorithms to combine data from the IMU sensors with GPS readings. This process corrects GPS data, significantly enhancing its accuracy.

Data Handling​

Collected data is processed in real-time and can be stored locally on the device. Here’s a more detailed look at how the data handling process works:

  • Real-Time Processing: As soon as the IMU sensors capture data, it is processed in real-time to filter and calibrate the readings. This ensures that only accurate and relevant data is recorded.
  • Data Storage: The processed data is then stored locally on the device. Users can choose between two data collection modes: periodic or continuous. In periodic mode, data is logged at set intervals, while in continuous mode, data is logged continuously until the session is stopped.
  • Session Management: Each data collection session is managed independently. When a session is started, a new log file is created. This log file records all the sensor data, timestamps, and session duration. Once the session is ended, the log file is finalized and saved in the device’s local file manager.
  • File Format: The log files are saved in a structured format (.txt), making it easy to import them into other software for analysis. The files contain detailed information from all available sensors, including the accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer, along with timestamps for each data point.
  • Future Analytics Integration: An analytical dashboard is currently in development, which will provide advanced data visualization and analysis capabilities. This dashboard will allow users to import their log files and gain insights from the collected data.

User Interface​

The IMU-Data-Capture application features a clean and user-friendly interface designed to facilitate ease of use in field conditions. Key interface elements include:

  • Data Collection Modes: Users can choose between periodic data collection or continuous data collection.
  • Session Management: Once data is collected and the session is closed, the log file is saved in the local file manager. This log file can be imported later for analysis.

The log files contain readings from all available sensors on the device, including the accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer, along with timestamps and session durations.

Use Cases​

IMU-Data-Capture is suitable for a wide range of applications where precise location and orientation data are critical, including:

  • Geospatial Surveys: Enhancing the accuracy of geographic data collection for mapping and surveying.
  • Agriculture: Precision farming applications where accurate field positioning is essential.
  • Construction: Ensuring precise placement and measurement in building projects.
  • Research: Collecting detailed movement and orientation data for scientific studies.