Thumb-Based Myoelectric Hand Control System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional five-finger type myoelectric hands require additional control signals or devices to change hand motions, increasing complexity, durability issues, and maintenance costs, limiting their widespread adoption.
Innovation Solution
A thumb-based hand motion control system that uses electromyography signals from two sensors to switch between hand motion and grasping modes based on thumb position, enabling diverse hand motions and grips without additional devices, by incorporating a motion mode switching unit, thumb sensor, hand motion controller, and grasping motion controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional control signals or devices are used to change hand motions in five-finger type myoelectric hand, then hand motion diversity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the same two electromyography sensors to control both hand motion modes (grasping and expression) through thumb position-based mode switching. The motion mode switching unit allows a single sensor system to perform multiple functions without requiring additional sensors or control devices, thus improving hand motion diversity while avoiding increased device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional devices such as APP or dongle are added to enable hand motion changes, then hand motion versatility is improved, but durability and convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hand motion control functions into the existing sensor and controller architecture by integrating the motion mode switching unit within the current system. This consolidation eliminates the need for external additional devices like APPs or dongles, thereby improving hand motion versatility while maintaining durability and convenience through a more integrated and reliable system design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional control signals are required for hand motion changes, then hand motion expression capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by utilizing the user's own thumb position to automatically switch between hand motion modes. The thumb sensor detects the thumb's horizontal or vertical position, and the motion mode switching unit automatically selects the appropriate control mode without requiring the user to manually switch modes or learn complex additional control signals. This maintains ease of operation while enabling hand motion expression capability.
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 convenient expression of hand motions and grasping functions using only electromyography signals, simplifying user interaction and expanding the myoelectric hand's utility range without the need for additional devices, thus improving durability and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
an electromyography signal, which is an electric signal output from the muscle of an arm
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a hand motion control system and a control method thereof, and more specifically, to a hand motion control system for a myoelectric hand, and to a control method thereof. The system enables not only grasping motions for grasping an object, but also the expression of hand gestures expressing emotions or intent, based on a limited myoelectric signal transmitted via two myoelectric sensors provided on the myoelectric hand. Furthermore, the system enables a wide variety of hand postures and grasp types that are determined by the position of a thumb, which can be changed by a user, thus easily expanding the range of applications of the myoelectric hand.