Direct Brain Control of Artificial Limb Using Optical Functional Imager

拟议的研究重点是非侵入性感觉和控制系统的可行性分析、设计和原型，该系统检测人类大脑对肌肉骨骼系统运动的意图，并使用这些信号来指挥和控制帮助残疾人的假肢或机器人系统。这种直接的大脑控制系统预计将产生重大影响，特别是对于从战斗中失去手脚、四肢瘫痪和患有肌萎缩侧索硬化症的年轻士兵。这项研究将开创一个新的研发领域，具有重大经济影响的潜力，并可能成为新的生物医学设备的基础，并成立高科技公司。功能近红外成像(FNIR)成像、神经模糊推理引擎和假肢指挥实时控制系统的集成是一种创新的人机系统，可以显著提高残疾人和老年人的生活质量。此外，这种类型的研究还可以激发初中生和教师对工程和技术领域的兴趣。我们计划让8到12年级的学生和3到4名教师轮流参加我们提议的研究。将特别注意选拔女高中生和少数民族高中生。这些学生和教师的参与将对提高他们学习工科的兴趣水平产生深远的影响。

The proposed research is focused on the feasibility analysis, design and prototyping of a non-invasive sensory and control system that detects human brain intentions about the movement of the musculoskeletal system and uses those signals to command and control artificial limbs or robotic systems that assist individuals with disabilities. Such direct brain control systems is expected to have a major impact, especially for young soldiers returning from combat with lost hands and legs, quadriplegic, and people suffering from ALS.This study will pioneer a new field of research and development, has potential for major economical impact, and could become the basis for new biomedical devices, and start up high tech companies. Integration of a Functional Near Infrared (fNIR) Imaging, a neuro-fuzzy inference engine, and a real-time control system for commanding artificial limbs is an innovative man-machine system that could significantly improve the life quality of the disabled and elderly. In addition, this type of research can stimulate interests from middle and high school students and teachers in engineering and technology areas. Plan is made to get a significant sample of 8th through 12th grade students and 3 to 4 teachers on a rotational basis, involved in our proposed research. Special attention will be given to the selection of female and minority high school students. These student and teach involvements will have a profound impact on raising their interest levels for studying engineering.