Proxy Robot Biocontrol via Myoelectric and Neuroelectric Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current proxy robotics systems rely on software-coded motor systems and external controls, limiting the ability of humans to remotely control robots through biologically derived signals, especially for physically disabled individuals.
Innovation Solution
The development of methods and apparatus that enable human handlers to control proxy robots using myoelectric, neuroelectric, and combined myoelectric-neuroelectric signals, allowing for remote operation through biocontrol means, including brain wave patterns, to replicate the handler's movements and actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If software-coded motor systems and external controls are used for proxy robots, then the robot can operate with traditional control methods, but physically disabled individuals cannot effectively control the robot
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control interfaces (joysticks, buttons, keyboards) with biological signal detection systems that directly interface with the user's nervous system through EMG sensors and EEG headsets, enabling control without physical movement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces biological signals (EMG and EEG) as an intermediary between the user's intent and the robot's motor system, translating neural and muscular electrical activity into control commands that the robot can execute
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional external controls are used, then the control system is simple to implement, but the ability to replicate handler's movements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses motion capture technology to create a digital copy of the handler's movements, capturing spatial coordinates and joint angles that are then transmitted to the proxy robot to replicate the exact same movements remotely
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple control methodologies (EMG biocontrol, EEG biocontrol, motion capture) into a unified system that can operate independently or in combination, allowing the most appropriate method to be selected for each specific application
3Adaptability or versatility
If biocontrol methods are implemented, then disabled individuals can control the robot, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the biocontrol system into separate modular components (EMG detection module, EEG detection module, motion capture module, signal processing module) that can be independently configured and activated based on the user's needs
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 physically disabled individuals to control proxy robots, providing vocational opportunities and enhancing their quality of life by allowing them to perform tasks through biocontrol methods, effectively acting as their own caregivers, and enabling remote operation over long distances.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of electrodes pick up myoelectric signals from a human handler's body
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of electrodes pick up neuroelectric signals from a human handler's body
Implementation Method 3
The signals are sent to a signal amplifier which amplifies the signals
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for controlling the movements of a proxy robot utilizing electrical signals from the nervous system of a user are presented; including identifying signal pickup points on the body of the user; connecting electrodes to the pickup points; amplifying and processing the signals from each pickup point; aggregating and encoding the processed signals for transmission to a proxy robot; receiving and decoding the processed electrical signals at the location of the proxy robot into their original component electrical signals corresponding to an electrical signal from a particular pickup point on the body of the user; processing each component electrical signal by a driver configured for an individual motion-producing element in the proxy robot; addressing by the component electrical signals each motion-producing element in the motor system of the proxy robot surrogate; and causing the proxy robot surrogate to emulate every movement of the user.