What is the influence of metals and magnetic fields on the orientation measurement?
The orientation software uses the earth magnetic field as a global reference for North/heading (just like a compass). If the STATIC earth magnetic field is distorted, this will influence the orientation calculation. Any ferromagnetic material, such as iron or nickel, will distort the earth magnetic field, however, most metals do NOT influence the earth magnetic field (e.g. most stainless steels, aluminum). The MTx / MTi is also not sensitive to oscillating EM-fields. The degree of distortion in the earth magnetic field is dependent on the amount (mass) of ferromagnetic material present and the distance between the sensor and the disturbing mass. Small amounts of iron, e.g. present in an office chair, will cause the MTx / MTi to sense a disturbed magnetic field typically within a distance of 20-30 cm, larger masses such as e.g. a car will have a stronger influence over longer distances. Furthermore, the algorithms developed by Xsens, have different options to strongly reduce any negativ
