inertialmõõtur

An inertial measurement unit, often abbreviated as IMU, is an electronic device that measures and reports a body's specific force, angular rate, and sometimes the magnetic field, using a combination of accelerometers and gyroscopes. An IMU can also include a magnetometer.

Accelerometers are used to measure the rate of change of velocity, essentially detecting linear acceleration. They work by sensing the displacement of a proof mass along one or more axes. Gyroscopes, on the other hand, measure angular velocity, which is the rate at which an object rotates. They typically operate based on the principle of conservation of angular momentum or the Sagnac effect.

By integrating the data from accelerometers and gyroscopes over time, an IMU can estimate the orientation and position of an object. However, this integration process is prone to drift, meaning that small errors accumulate over time, leading to inaccuracies in the estimated state. To mitigate drift, IMUs are often combined with other sensors, such as GPS receivers or magnetometers, in a process known as sensor fusion. Magnetometers measure the Earth's magnetic field, providing an absolute reference for heading.

IMUs have a wide range of applications, including navigation systems for aircraft, spacecraft, and drones, as well as in smartphones, gaming controllers, and virtual reality headsets. They are essential components in systems that require precise motion tracking and stabilization.