Impact Localization Using Vibration Sensors

Overview

This project attempts to design a method for detecting an impact and estimate its location on an irregular surface, using non-intrusive sensors and offline processing. Motivated by a need for impact localization on helmets following a skiing accident, the platform for the proof of concept is a biking helmet. Piezoelectric sensors are mounted along the inside of a helmet and are connected to an Arduino Uno for monitoring vibrations. A peak detection algorithm strives to identify an impact. Following a peak detection, samples are stored on arduino and later transferred to a computer for offline processing. Since the sensor placement is non uniform, a nonlinear interpolation using radial basis function is applied over a fine coordinate grid. The location corresponding to the maximum interpolated value is identified as the predicted impact point. For testing, controlled impacts are delivered at random locations. Predicted coordinates are compared to true coordinates to calculate errors. Across multiple trials, the system achieves an average localization error of approximately 3 inches. While this does not meet the criteria that were originally set for the project, results show that consistent contact between sensors and rigid surfaces is critical for accuracy. Overall, this study demonstrates that distributed piezoelectric sensing combined with interpolation can provide meaningful spatial impact information. Beyond the core objective, the study also provided valuable insight into how impact waves propagate over curved surfaces, which could inform future research. Ultimately, this technology has broad applications in vehicle safety, machinery monitoring, smart sports equipment etc.

Competition history

• CSEF 2026 Electronics & Electromagnetics (Junior Division) · Entry J-10-19

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