SBIR Phase I: Assistive Control System Harnessing Vestigial Neuromuscular Biosignals

SBIR 第一阶段：利用残留神经肌肉生物信号的辅助控制系统

• 批准号: 1215009
• 负责人: Sandy Heck
• 金额: $ 14.79万
• 依托单位: Reach Bionics
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 2012
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2012-07-01 至 2013-06-30
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1215009&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: SBIR; Phase; Assistive; Control; System

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will explore whether electromyographic (EMG) signals from a vestigial neuromuscular system can serve as a virtual ?controller? for those with spinal cord injuries. Repurposing these unused muscles could open a new channel of innate and intuitive control over a computer cursor, nearby electronics, or a motorized wheelchair. This project will recruit several subjects for a pilot study evaluating the ability to control a computer interface via EMG signals recorded by surface electrodes placed over the muscles. This project will culminate in the development of a headset capable of capturing, processing and wirelessly transmitting the intended EMG signals to any target device. The broader impact/commercial potential of this project will be greatest in the assistive technology space. Limitations of mobility and interpersonal interaction are primary factors determining functional independence and quality of life in people with physical disabilities, yet existing assistive devices remain cumbersome and usurp the individual?s few remaining still-functioning motor systems. This innovation in assistive technology could bring a new computer interface device to those with even the most severe spinal cord injuries and many of the most severe brain lesions, and has the potential to change how anyone interfaces with their environment. Users would, in essence, develop a new mode of command output that can be wirelessly applied to any target device.

这个小企业创新研究（SBIR）第一阶段项目将探讨是否肌电图（EMG）信号从残留的神经肌肉系统可以作为一个虚拟的？控制器？脊髓损伤的人。重新利用这些未使用的肌肉可以打开一个新的渠道，通过计算机光标，附近的电子设备或电动轮椅进行先天和直观的控制。本计画将招募数位受试者进行一项先导性研究，以评估透过置于肌肉上的表面电极所记录的肌电信号来控制电脑介面的能力。该项目最终将开发一款能够捕获、处理并将预期EMG信号无线传输到任何目标设备的耳机。该项目的更广泛影响/商业潜力将在辅助技术领域最大。行动能力和人际互动的限制是决定身体残疾人功能独立性和生活质量的主要因素，但现有的辅助设备仍然笨重，篡夺个人？剩下的几个仍在运作的运动系统。这项辅助技术的创新可以为那些即使是最严重的脊髓损伤和许多最严重的脑部病变的人带来一种新的计算机接口设备，并有可能改变任何人与环境的互动方式。从本质上讲，用户将开发一种新的命令输出模式，可以无线应用于任何目标设备。