Technology

MotionNode is possible thanks to recent advances in Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) sensor technology. Our products use the highest quality MEMS accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers available for a robust and precise orientation reference system.

The MotionNode software package is the culmination of extensive internal research and development, implementing an accurate and drift free orientation tracking algorithm.

Our company's goal is to make 3-DOF motion sensing technology available to a wider audience. MotionNode, the low-cost, easy to use orientation tracking sensor, is just such a product.

Please download the MotionNode Specification Sheet for more detailed information.

Sensor data

Read real-time MotionNode orientation data in the following formats:

  • Quaternion
  • Euler angles
  • Calibrated accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer signals
  • Raw accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer signals

Export orientation data tracks to standard file formats:

  • Autodesk FBX
  • COLLADA Digital Asset Exchange Schema
  • Comma Separated Values (CSV)

Import MotionNode data tracks or access real-time sensor data with included software tools and adapters:

  • MathWorks MATLAB
  • National Instruments LabVIEW
  • GNU Octave
  • Microsoft Excel
  • OpenOffice.org Calc
  • ANSI C
  • C++
  • C#
  • Java
  • Python

Onboard

MotionNode uses a total of nine high quality sensors to compute an accurate and stable orientation. One accelerometer, one gyroscope, and one magnetometer contribute data for each of the three axes.

Sensor Measures Range/Sensitivity Example usage
Accelerometer linear acceleration ±2 g or ±6 g Measure acceleration due to gravity plus dynamic acceleration.
  • Estimate inclination or tilt.
  • Estimate position with a dead reckoning system.
  • Gesture based input system, like the Nintendo Wii.
Gyroscope angular velocity ±500 °/second Measure angular rate.
  • Detect jitter. Stabilize the lens on a handheld camera.
  • Estimate local 3D orientation with a numerical integration system.
Magnetometer magnetic field strength ±80 μT (microtesla) Measure the magnetic field of the earth, or the geomagnetic field.
  • Estimate azimuth or compass direction.
  • Detect local disturbances in the geomagnetic field.
  • In conjunction with an inclination value, estimate global 3D orientation.

System Requirements

MotionNode requires a PC with a USB port.

  • Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Mac OS 10.4+, Linux
  • USB port
  • Web browser
  • CD-ROM drive
  • Internet connection recommended

Platforms

The software package includes native 64-bit applications on all supported operating systems. The applications are targeted for the x86-64 architecture.

We provide limited support for embedded devices running 32-bit ARM processors with the Linux or Windows CE operating systems. Note that these devices still require a USB port with host capability.

Please contact us to verify that your target device is supported.