Muscle Activity Recognition via Distributed Inertial Sensor Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring muscle activity, such as electromyography (EMG), are invasive and painful, while mechanomyography (MMG) is less invasive but lacks sensitivity and accuracy in dynamic environments.
Innovation Solution
A network of distributed inertial sensor nodes with accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers is used to detect muscle vibrations and body motion, processing data to identify muscle groups and fatigue levels, and track body motion in real-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electromyography (EMG) is used to monitor muscle activity, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to invasiveness and pain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical measurement system (EMG) with a mechanical vibration detection system using accelerometers and gyroscopes. These inertial sensors detect mechanomyographic (MMG) signals from muscle vibrations during contraction, providing non-invasive muscle activity monitoring while maintaining measurement capability through mechanical rather than electrical means
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces vibration transducers (accelerometers and gyroscopes) as intermediary devices that indirectly measure muscle activity by detecting mechanical vibrations propagated from muscle contractions. This intermediary approach allows non-invasive measurement while still capturing muscle activity data through the vibration signals transmitted through tissue to the skin surface
2Ease of operation
If mechanomyography (MMG) is used to monitor muscle activity, then ease of operation is improved by reducing invasiveness, but measurement precision deteriorates in dynamic environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple inertial sensor types (accelerometers and gyroscopes) into a unified MMG detection system. The accelerometers detect linear vibration components while the gyroscopes detect rotational vibration components, and their combined signals provide comprehensive muscle activity measurement that maintains precision in dynamic environments through multi-axis vibration capture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds rotational dimension detection by incorporating gyroscopes alongside traditional accelerometers. This dimensional expansion allows the system to capture three-dimensional vibration patterns including rotational components, thereby improving measurement accuracy in dynamic environments where multi-directional muscle vibrations occur
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
The system effectively distinguishes muscle groups and determines muscle fatigue with high precision and recall, providing accurate monitoring of muscle activity and body motion without the invasiveness of EMG.
Implementation Method 1
Mechanomyographic methods use vibration transducers to detect skeletal muscle activity. Activating skeletal muscles during physical activity causes the muscle fibers to contract, resulting in mechanical vibrations due to: tremors of the human motor system, muscle fibers sliding against each other and artifacts detected when a muscle belly's circumference increases during muscle contractions and decreases during relaxation.
Implementation Method 2
Each of the inertial sensing nodes comprises at least one sensor configured to sense muscle vibrations and monitor body motion... each unit of which includes at least one accelerometer, one gyroscope and one magnetometer configured to sense muscle vibrations and monitor body motion.
Implementation Method 3
A network of at least two distributed inertial sensor nodes are configured to communicate with each other over a first interface. Each of the inertial sensing nodes comprises at least one sensor configured to sense muscle vibrations and monitor body motion... one gyroscope and one magnetometer configured to sense muscle vibrations and monitor body motion.
Implementation Method 4
Each of the inertial sensing nodes comprises at least one sensor configured to sense muscle vibrations and monitor body motion... one gyroscope and one magnetometer configured to sense muscle vibrations and monitor body motion.
Data Source
AI summary
A muscle activity and skeletal monitoring system and method are disclosed. A network of at least two distributed inertial sensor nodes are configured to communicate with each other over a first interface. Each of the inertial sensor nodes comprises at least one sensor configured to sense muscle vibrations and monitor body motion. A muscle activity recognition and motion tracking and visualization methods also are disclosed.