Wearable EMG Controller With Self-Calibrating Sensor Placement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional Electromyography (EMG) systems are impractical for human-computer interaction due to their requirement for precise sensor placement, expert setup, and constraints on user movement, making them unsuitable for everyday applications where hands are occupied or unobtrusive interaction is needed.

Innovation Solution

A Wearable Electromyography-Based Controller with multiple EMG sensors that undergo automated positional localization, allowing general placement on the body and self-selection of appropriate sensors for muscle electrical signal capture, enabling users to interact with computing devices without extensive setup or expertise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional EMG systems use precise sensor placement and expert setup, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor placement precisionVSAvoidsetup complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automated sensor placement and configuration without requiring expert intervention. The controller automatically identifies muscle locations and configures sensors based on initial placement, eliminating the need for expert setup while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses initial rough placement parameters and automatically adjusts sensor positions and configurations through automated algorithms. This allows the system to transition from imprecise initial placement to precise final configuration without expert involvement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If conventional EMG systems require static sensor placement, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal capture accuracyVSAvoiduser movement freedom

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static sensor placement to dynamic adaptation. Sensors are initially placed in general positions and then automatically repositioned or reconfigured based on detected muscle activity and user movement, maintaining precision while enabling freedom of movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors muscle electrical signals and uses this feedback to automatically adjust sensor placement and configuration. This closed-loop approach maintains measurement precision while adapting to user movements and changing conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If conventional EMG systems use multiple sensors for precise measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemuscle signal detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor array complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts and processes only the essential sensor signals needed for accurate measurement, eliminating redundant sensors and complex processing. This reduces device complexity while maintaining measurement precision by focusing on critical data

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a sufficient number of sensors for accurate measurement without over-engineering. It implements the minimum necessary sensor array and processing complexity to achieve required precision, avoiding unnecessary complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 users to control computing devices and applications with minimal preparation, allowing for hands-free or unobtrusive interaction while providing ergonomic feedback and supporting complex muscular activities through muscle electrical signal-based input mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

Electromyography (EMG) measures the muscle electrical activity during muscle contractions as an electrical potential between a ground electrode and a sensor electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromyography (EMG): Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20090326406A1Wearable electromyography-based controllers for human-computer interface

Publication Date: 2009.12.31 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

A “Wearable Electromyography-Based Controller” includes a plurality of Electromyography (EMG) sensors and provides a wired or wireless human-computer interface (HCl) for interacting with computing systems and attached devices via electrical signals generated by specific movement of the user's muscles. Following initial automated self-calibration and positional localization processes, measurement and interpretation of muscle generated electrical signals is accomplished by sampling signals from the EMG sensors of the Wearable Electromyography-Based Controller. In operation, the Wearable Electromyography-Based Controller is donned by the user and placed into a coarsely approximate position on the surface of the user's skin. Automated cues or instructions are then provided to the user for fine-tuning placement of the Wearable Electromyography-Based Controller. Examples of Wearable Electromyography-Based Controllers include articles of manufacture, such as an armband, wristwatch, or article of clothing having a plurality of integrated EMG-based sensor nodes and associated electronics.