Wrist EMG Sensor Pod Layout for Versatile Gesture Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable EMG devices are hard-coded to control specific pre-defined functions of specific electronic devices, limiting their versatility and requiring reprogramming for different uses, and traditional smart watches lack functional diversity beyond timekeeping.
Innovation Solution
A wearable electronic device design featuring a set of pod structures with sensor pods and a processor pod, connected by communicative pathways, allowing for adaptable signal routing and processing of user inputs, including EMG sensors, to enable versatile control of multiple devices without reprogramming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wearable EMG devices are hard-coded to control specific pre-defined functions, then device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability and versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple independent pod structures, each containing specific sensors or processors. This segmentation allows individual pods to be configured for different functions while maintaining a standardized overall architecture, thus improving versatility without significantly increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable device incorporates multiple sensor types (EMG sensors, capacitive touch sensors, accelerometers) within a single unified platform that can detect various user inputs and control different electronic devices. This multi-functional design enables the device to adapt to diverse control needs while maintaining a consistent structural framework
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional smart watches are designed with simple timekeeping functions, then manufacturing cost is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but functional diversity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing technologies (EMG, capacitive touch, acceleration sensing) and processing capabilities into a single integrated wearable device platform. This merging approach enables diverse functions to be achieved through one unified device rather than requiring separate devices for each function, thereby improving functional diversity while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through standardized production processes
3Adaptability or versatility
If wearable devices require reprogramming for different uses, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation is reduced and user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically detects the type of user input (EMG signal, touch, or acceleration) and autonomously determines the appropriate control function to execute. This self-service capability eliminates the need for users to manually reprogram or configure the device for different uses, as the system automatically adapts based on the detected input type, thereby maintaining high adaptability while preserving ease of operation
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 hands-free operation and versatile control of various electronic devices through adaptable signal processing, enhancing user interaction and functionality without compromising affordability.
Implementation Method 1
Each sensor pod in the set of sensor pods may include an electromyography sensor to in use detect muscle activity and provide signals in response to the detected muscle activity
Implementation Method 2
Each sensor pod in the set of sensor pods may include a capacitive touch sensor to in use detect physical contact and provide signals in response to the detected physical contact
Implementation Method 3
Each sensor pod in the set of sensor pods may include an accelerometer sensor to in use detect motion and provide signals in response to the detected motion
Data Source
AI summary
Wearable devices for sensing neuromuscular signals using a small number of sensor pairs are disclosed. One example wrist-wearable device includes eight pairs of neuromuscular-signal sensors. Each pair of neuromuscular-signal sensors is positioned over a portion of a wrist of a user while the wrist-wearable device is worn by the user. Each pair of neuromuscular-signal sensors further includes a first and second electrodes configured to be used as a differential sensor of neuromuscular signals travelling through the wrist of the user, and electrical signal-processing circuitry configured to amplify and filter neuromuscular signals received from the first and second electrodes to produce processed neuromuscular signals. The wrist-wearable device also includes a shared ground electrode configured to ground both the first and second electrodes. The processed neuromuscular signals are provided to one or more processors that are configured to analyze the processed neuromuscular signals to detect one or more gestures.