EMG Signal Control for Wearable Map Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable mobile devices with small screens face challenges in precise control due to finger occlusion and diminished voice recognition accuracy in noisy environments, necessitating a more efficient and precise control method.
Innovation Solution
A presentation device that utilizes electromyographic (EMG) signals and acceleration signals to control a field of view (FOV) window on a map, adjusting speed and zooming based on signal magnitude and direction, allowing for efficient navigation and detail control despite limited arm motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a wearable mobile device with a small screen is used, then portability and wearability are improved, but control precision deteriorates due to finger occlusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical touch control with EMG-based muscle signal detection. Electromyographic sensors detect electrical signals from muscle contractions, allowing users to control the device through subtle hand gestures without physically touching the screen, thereby eliminating finger occlusion issues while maintaining portability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces EMG sensors as an intermediary between the user and the device interface. These sensors detect muscle signals from the hand wrist area and translate them into control commands, serving as a mediator that enables precise control without direct finger contact with the small screen
2Ease of operation
If voice recognition is used to control the wearable device, then hands-free operation is improved, but recognition accuracy deteriorates in noisy environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from acoustic signals (voice) to electromyographic signals (muscle electrical activity). EMG signals provide a different modality for hands-free control that is not affected by ambient noise, maintaining ease of operation while improving recognition accuracy in noisy environments
3Productivity
If the FOV window moves quickly to distant map areas, then navigation efficiency is improved, but control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of FOV window movement by adjusting the movement speed based on the magnitude of EMG signals. Stronger muscle contractions produce faster FOV movement for efficient navigation, while weaker signals provide finer control for precise positioning, allowing the system to adapt its response characteristics to the user's input intensity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise and efficient map navigation and search on wearable devices by quickly moving to distant areas and providing detailed views of nearby areas, even with limited arm motion, while maintaining control accuracy in noisy environments.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor unit configured to contact a measurement target and to obtain an electromyographic (EMG) signal from the measurement target; The first sensor unit may be configured to obtain the EMG signal generated in response to at least one of a muscular contraction or a muscular relaxation of the measurement target
Implementation Method 2
a second sensor unit configured to obtain an acceleration signal by sensing a motion of the measurement target
Data Source
AI summary
A presentation device and an method of operating the presentation device may quickly move to a desired area on a map by adjusting a level of an electromyographic (EMG) signal even though a range of a motion of an arm is limited when searching the map using a wearable mobile device. The presentation device includes a first sensor unit configured to contact a measurement target and to obtain an electromyographic (EMG) signal from the measurement target; and a display controller configured to control a field of view (FOV) window for displaying a map area based on the EMG signal.