A framework for collecting data : revising sensor synchronization methods

Abstract

Data collection is frequently carried out in research, as well as in industry for purposes ranging from quality control to assessing system limits. However, several complications may arise to hinder optimal data collection and analysis, including synchronization of different data types from a variety of sensors. A benchtop model was designed with the primary goal of understanding human-spacesuit interactions through the collection and analysis of force, pressure, and internal kinematics data. This thesis addresses shortcomings in the setup that led to difficulty in data analysis and synchronization and presents a revised framework for collecting these data. A system was designed such that the start of each trial of data collection can be synced across the three types of sensors: a load cell, a pressure mat, and inertial measurement units.