Orientation estimation in mobile virtual environments with inertial sensors

The purpose of this study is to contribute to orientation sensing technology in mobile virtual environments based on inertial sensors and to show the possibility of its application as a motion interface in mobile environments. The proposed orientation estimation algorithm is cost-effective utilizing only a tri-axis accelerometer and a dual-axis angular rate sensor. The data shows that the roll and pitch estimates are accurate to about five degrees under dynamic motion. As an application, it is shown that the algorithm can be used for intelligent motion-based navigation of large images spread out on a virtual space in front of the user through a mobile display.