Synchronizing IMU Motion Data with Video via Remote Light Trigger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for synchronizing motion data from inertial measurement units with video recordings from ubiquitous devices like smartphones are challenging due to the lack of direct access to internal control functions, leading to unsynchronized data and video files, which hinders analysis and playback of motion data in educational and analytical contexts.
Innovation Solution
A method is developed to determine a start offset between a video recording device and an inertial measurement unit by using a remote control to initiate a predetermined sequence of timed 'on' and 'off' states for a light source, allowing for synchronization of motion data with video frames without requiring direct access to internal device controls, and embedding this data into video files for synchronized playback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mobile phones are used to record video, then device accessibility and cost are improved, but synchronization capability with motion data is lost due to inability to access internal control functions
Solution Approach 1:
A remote control device serves as an intermediary to simultaneously trigger both the video recording device and the motion data collection device. The remote control sends signals to both devices to start and stop recording at the same time, establishing a reliable temporal relationship between video frames and motion data without requiring access to internal control functions of the mobile phone.
2Measurement precision
If laboratory genlock techniques are used to achieve synchronization, then synchronization precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to requirement of expensive equipment and direct access to internal control functions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replicates the essential function of laboratory genlock systems by using a simple remote control to create synchronized start and stop events. Instead of using complex laboratory equipment to access and coordinate internal device functions, the system copies the synchronization effect by externally triggering both devices simultaneously, achieving adequate precision for educational purposes with minimal equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the approach from internal device parameter control to external event-based synchronization. By using timestamp metadata in video files and correlating these with motion data timestamps from external triggers, the system achieves synchronization through parameter correlation rather than direct device control, simplifying the overall system while maintaining precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different mobile phone brands and models are used, then device versatility is improved, but synchronization consistency deteriorates due to variations in timing and start/stop relationships
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control device and synchronization method are designed to be universal across different mobile phone brands and models. By using external triggers and standard video file metadata (timestamps) that are universally supported, the system achieves consistent synchronization results regardless of the specific phone hardware, making the solution broadly applicable in educational settings.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for determining a start offset between a video recording device and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) for use in synchronizing motion data of an object collected by the IMU attached to the object with video frames captured by an image sensor of the video recording device of the object in motion. The start offset is then used to synchronize subsequently captured video frames to subsequently collected IMU motion data.