Issues and Challenges of Sensor Technologies in Microelectromechanical System (MEMS) in Smartphones for Motion Tracking Applications

Abstract

Following the popularity of smartphone, the needs for accurate motion tracking have grown rapidly. Microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensor has been commonly used in smartphones. Inertia Measurement Unit (IMU) usually functions in motion sensing. In this review, we explained the concept of MEMS accelerometer, gyroscopes and magnetometer. We discussed the issues and challenges of MEMS sensor in smartphones for motion tracking application and ways to improve it. noise-full and drifting are issues related to angle estimation in IMU. Many types of the filter were applied to improve the angle estimation. Challenges in navigation and motion tracking are stated. The combination of IMU, a global positioning system (GPS) and MEMS pressure sensor can increase the accuracy of motion tracking efficiently. The conclusion of issues and challenges of MEMS sensor and improvements were also presented.