Overview

This article introduces a measurement system that connects an acceleration sensor and vibration sensor to a Raspberry Pi, outputting the measured data to a Micro SD card. Using a Raspberry Pi allows for the creation of a compact and power-efficient measurement system, suitable for various measurement targets and locations.
Additionally, a measurement system (see below: Configuration example 2) that connects to a waterproof and dustproof acceleration sensor and vibration sensor can be set up, making it adaptable to specific environments.

This measurement system is compatible with Raspberry Pi 4B and Raspberry Pi 5.

System configuration example

Configuration example 1 (using built-in type sensor)

*An RTC is required to obtain accurate time information when measuring. The equipment and settings required to use an RTC differ between Raspberry Pi 4B and Raspberry Pi 5. Please refer to the manual for details.

Configuration example 2 (using waterproof and dustproof sensor)

*An RTC is required to obtain accurate time information when measuring. The equipment and settings required to use an RTC differ between Raspberry Pi 4B and Raspberry Pi 5. Please refer to the manual for details.

Monitoring app

The vibration measurement system monitoring app is a web application that displays measurement data on a web screen. Users can access the Raspberry Pi from a PC via a web browser and check graphs of sensor status measurement data in real time.
The monitoring app runs on a Raspberry Pi with the following measurement app installed:

Measurement app

* Vibration measurement system using Raspberry Pi products

App image

* If the measurement app determines VC, only the M-A352AD10 or M-A552AR10 sensor can be used in the measurement system.

Web app home screen

Graph screen

* This screen is only displayed when the VC evaluation vibration measurement system is running.

Usage example

Example of use at Mt. Aso

This system was used for long-term earthquake measurement in the volcanic region of Mt. Aso, Kyushu Island, Japan. The system was constructed based on system configuration example 1, and the sensor part was placed in a case and buried underground for measurement. Measurements were successfully completed over two weeks while installed outdoors.

successfully completed over two weeks while installed outdoors.
For more details, please see the case study file "We tried Seismic Vibration Measurements/Analysis in the World's Largest Caldera, Mt. Aso!"

Preparation for measurement

The sensor part was buried in the ground and the Raspberry Pi was covered to protect it from direct sunlight.

* To prevent the Raspberry Pi from overheating, place it out of direct sunlight and consider using a heat sink or fan.

These articles are based on the following technical papers:

• Title:"Quartz Enhanced Micro Electromechanical Systems Accelerometer for Seismic Monitoring: Field Performance in Volcanic Region."
• Publication:IEEE SENSORS JOURNAL
  *Tsuji Laboratory at the University of Tokyo and Seiko Epson, with Dr. R. D. Andajani as the first author.

Long-term measurement in a skyscraper

This system (Configuration Example 1) was used to measure the natural period of a high-rise building. A portable battery was used to secure the power supply, and continuous measurement for 68 hours was possible under the following conditions.
For details, please see the case study file "We tried Measuring a Skyscraper! / We tried Analyzing a Skyscraper!"

When measuring with multiple sensors

Operation has been confirmed under the following measurement conditions.

Documentation

Program

* By using the sample code below, you agree to the license stated in the source file.

* The following sample code is compatible with Raspberry Pi 4B and Raspberry Pi 5.