Optimization of Semiautomated Calibration Algorithm of Multichannel Electrotactile Feedback for Myoelectric Hand Prosthesis

The main drawback of the commercially available myoelectric hand prostheses is the absence of somatosensory feedback. We recently developed a feedback interface for multiple degrees of freedom myoelectric prosthesis that allows proprioceptive and sensory information (i.e., grasping force) to be tran...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied bionics and biomechanics 2019-01, Vol.2019 (2019), p.1-9
Main Authors: Kostić, Miloš, Keller, Thierry, Malešević, Jovana, Isaković, Milica, Štrbac, Matija
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Algorithms
Amplitudes
Amputation
Calibration
Communication
Electrical stimuli
Electrodes
Feedback
Grasping force
Hands
Myoelectricity
Optimization
Proprioception
Prostheses
Prosthetics
R&D
Rehabilitation
Research & development
Spatial distribution
Temporal distribution
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Summary:The main drawback of the commercially available myoelectric hand prostheses is the absence of somatosensory feedback. We recently developed a feedback interface for multiple degrees of freedom myoelectric prosthesis that allows proprioceptive and sensory information (i.e., grasping force) to be transmitted to the wearer instantaneously. High information bandwidth is achieved through intelligent control of spatiotemporal distribution of electrical pulses over a custom-designed electrode array. As electrotactile sensations are location-dependent and the developed interface requires that electrical stimuli are perceived to be of the same intensity on all locations, a calibration procedure is of high importance. The aim of this study was to gain more insight into the calibration procedure and optimize this process by leveraging a priori knowledge. For this purpose, we conducted a study with 9 able-bodied subjects performing 10 sessions of the array electrode calibration. Based on the collected data, we optimized and simplified the calibration procedure by adapting the initial (baseline) amplitude values in the calibration algorithm. The results suggest there is an individual pattern of stimulation amplitudes across 16 electrode pads for each subject, which is not affected by the initial amplitudes. Moreover, the number of user actions performed and the time needed for the calibration procedure are significantly reduced by the proposed methodology.
ISSN:1176-2322
1754-2103
DOI:10.1155/2019/9298758