High-Precision, Expendable, Six Degree-of-Freedom Sensor

The development of Six Degrees-of-Freedom Inertial Measurement Units has traditionally been dominated by the use of MEMS based accelerometers and gyroscopes packaged together into a single, small form factor unit which provides linear acceleration and angular velocity feedback. Although generally accepted as the answer to such problems MEMS based products have well known disadvantages: they have a natural increase in inaccuracy related to decreases in size, are difficult to manufacture reliably, and are costly. For this reason the US Army is looking for alternative solutions in several applications including the One Tactical Engagement Simulation System (OneTESS). OneTESS is developing a system for training which requires a high-precision, low cost, low power six degree-of-freedom sensor which can be embedded within the weaponry of soldiers able to track accurately the location and pointing vector of the weapons in order to take the place of traditional laser based systems used in army tactical training exercises. Innalabs’ unique six degree-of-freedom inertial measurement unit makes use of a sensor design that is based on the sensing of movement of a single proof mass suspended in a ferrofluid. Through our Phase I effort we were able to show its ability to act as an angular and linear accelerometer in 6 degrees-of-freedom (DOF). In this Phase II effort the product will be optimized for size, power consumption, performance, and cost to meet or exceed the requirements for OneTESS and to produce a unit ready for entry into commercial applications.