Robust Foot Clearance Estimation Based on the Integration of Foot-Mounted IMU Acceleration Data

This paper introduces a method for the robust estimation of foot clearance during walking, using a single inertial measurement unit (IMU) placed on the subject’s foot. The proposed solution is based on double integration and drift cancellation of foot acceleration signals. The method is insensitive...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Mourad Benoussaad, Benoît Sijobert, Katja Mombaur, Christine Azevedo Coste
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2015-12-01
Series:Sensors
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/16/1/12
Description
Summary:This paper introduces a method for the robust estimation of foot clearance during walking, using a single inertial measurement unit (IMU) placed on the subject’s foot. The proposed solution is based on double integration and drift cancellation of foot acceleration signals. The method is insensitive to misalignment of IMU axes with respect to foot axes. Details are provided regarding calibration and signal processing procedures. Experimental validation was performed on 10 healthy subjects under three walking conditions: normal, fast and with obstacles. Foot clearance estimation results were compared to measurements from an optical motion capture system. The mean error between them is significantly less than 15 % under the various walking conditions.
ISSN:1424-8220