Walkway and IMU synchronization

[Dmm]

Hi there,

I am trying to synchronize the data from a Walkway system and IMU sensors. I have seen some options using external trigger device, but not sure how to implement them. It would be great if you could share any working examples/ideas that could be implemented easily.

Thanks much..

[Edmund Cramp]

Re: Walkway and IMU synchronization

I am trying to synchronize the data from a Walkway system and IMU sensors. I have seen some options using external trigger device, but not sure how to implement them. It would be great if you could share any working examples/ideas that could be implemented easily.

Since nobody has responded I'll throw my method into the ring - You could try dropping an IMU sensor onto the walkway, with enough mass attached to generate a walkway signal, at the start of each data collection - this would generate a unique IMU pulse when it lands, and simultaneously generate a walkway signal. This would allow you to synchronize the two data streams post-collection. Keep the mass low enough that you don't damage the walkway or the sensor.

[Dmm]

Re: Walkway and IMU synchronization

Thanks Edmund for sharing your idea.

After appropriate system consideration, I have decided to synchronize theses devices using an external BNC cable, connecting to the TRIGGER/SYN port. I hope this would solve the issue, as I might have additional systems in the future to integrate with the existing set up.

[Edmund Cramp]

Re: Walkway and IMU synchronization

The main issue with synchronizing different devices is that all systems introduce some latency (delay of the signal) into the data that they report so it's necessary to find some way of applying a stimulus to all the systems at the exact same time so that you can measure the signal delay of each system and, if it is significant, compensate for it in your data collection and analysis.

[Dmm]

Re: Walkway and IMU synchronization

Dear Edmund Cramp,

Thanks for pointing out this issue; I didn't really take this into account. I was planning to connect all the devices in the form of a daisy chain. In this case, I realize that it will be difficult to measure the delay that each system introduce.

How about connecting all the devices to a BNC splitter unit, and then using a switch to trigger the same?