PyTHang: an open-source wearable sensor system for real-time monitoring of head-torso angle for ambulatory applications. Issue 9 (11th August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gürkan, Güray
• Is Part Of: Computer methods in biomechanics and biomedical engineering. Volume 24:Issue 9(2021)
• Page Start: 1003
• Page End: 1018
• Publication Date: 2021-08-11
• Subjects: Accelerometer -- head-torso angle -- wearable devices -- open-hardware -- open-source software; Biomechanics -- Data processing -- Periodicals; Biomedical engineering -- Periodicals; Biomechanics -- Periodicals; Biomedical Engineering -- methods -- Periodicals; Computing Methodologies -- Periodicals; 612.7
• DOI: 10.1080/10255842.2020.1864822
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1025-5842

Abstract

Abstract: This article presents the realization of a low-cost wearable sensor system and its Python-based software that can measure and record relative head-torso angle, especially in sagittal plane. The system is mainly developed to track head-torso angle during walk in a clinical study. The open-hardware part of the system is composed of a pair of triaxial digital accelerometers, a microprocessor, a Bluetooth module and a rechargeable battery unit. The reception of the transmitted acceleration data, visualization, interactive sensor alignment, angle estimation and data-logging are realized by the developed open-source graphical user interface. The system is tested on a tripod for verification and on a subject for practical demonstration. Developed system can be constructed and used for ambulatory monitoring and analysis of relative head-torso angle. Open-source user interface can be downloaded and developed for further (different) algorithms and device hardware.