free fall detection

[bobfun]

Hi, 

I want to add a free fall detection to my prototype using myDAQ and LabVIEW. I need to come out with a program. How do i do it using what VIs and what kind of fall detection sensor/hardware do i need? i am a student and doing a low cost project.  As i have no knowledege on any of this. Thank you very much!

best regards,

bobfun

[Dennis_Knutson]

You don't have any knowledge of your prototype? Certainly no one here does.

[Henrik_Volkers · Accepted solution]

get the x,y, and z  acceleration from your MEMS triax acc. sensor , calculate the resulting acceleration vector, if the magnitude of the vector is below a threshold (0.1g?) assume freefall.

Why not zero g?  well, if your device is rotating your sensor migth read an acceleration while falling :D...  and you always have noise 😉

If you are lucky, your MEMS sensor already has an interupt output dedicated to freefall...

get an app for your smartphone like Physics Toolbox Accelerometer and juggle your phone.