A Completely Wireless Multi-channel EMG System

描述(由申请人提供)：我们建议开发一种完全无线的“智能”表面肌电信号(EMG)系统。多通道数字系统将为神经肌肉系统提供可靠、准确和非侵入性的监测，而不会让用户受到电线或身体磨损硬件的困扰。这项创新与目前最先进的系统有很大的不同。目前的技术严重限制了记录EMG信号的可用性和移动自由度，特别是在儿童中以及在许多应用中，其中记录8个甚至16个通道的这种信息并不少见。 第一阶段的原型传感器将完全重新设计，以通过使用当前最先进的组件来降低其尺寸和功率要求。该传感器将在一个由8个单元组成的网络中运行，以延长监测期。将通过实施探测表面几何形状和传感器/皮肤接口的创新，将它们封装起来，以承受强有力的监测活动的要求。传感器的编程将增强I相传感器的“智能”功能，并提供全带宽原始肌电信号、肌电信号的处理幅度参数、“开-关”肌电信号状态，以及用于长期监测的计算参数的车载存储。第一阶段的基站将得到增强，以控制传感器网络，从传感器接收处理后的肌电信号，使其可用于PC，并将在连续采集和传输数据的网络中支持多达8个传感器。传感器控制将包括“启动-停止”功能、配置选项和电源管理等功能。将提供图形用户界面，使研究人员能够操作采集系统，实时查看信号，并提供使用研究小组开发的现有软件分析数据的渠道。该系统将在包括患者在内的儿童和成人目标人群中进行评估，期间将在物理康复、人体工程学和运动/锻炼方面进行模拟和现实应用。 在实现第二阶段的目标后，创新将处于开发阶段，为其商业化做好准备。这个系统的商业可能性远远超出了NL/-I在康复、生物力学、运动控制、人体工程学、运动医学和睡眠研究方面的直接兴趣，扩展到空间对抗(NASA)和陆地战士监测(DOD)领域

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): We propose the development of a completely wireless, "smart" surface electromyographic (EMG) system. The multi-channel digital system will provide reliable, accurate, and noninvasive monitoring of the neuromuscular system without encumbering the user with wires or body-worn hardware. The innovation is a significant departure from current state-of-the-art systems. Current technology severely constrains the usability and freedom of movement of recording EMG signals, particularly in children and in the many applications where it is not uncommon to record 8 or even 16 channels of such information. The Phase I prototype sensor will be completely re-designed to reduce its size and power requirements through the use of current state-of-the-art components. The sensor will function within a network of 8 units for extended monitoring periods. They will be encapsulated to withstand the demands of vigorous monitoring activities through implementation of innovations in detection surface geometry and sensor/skin interface. Programming of the sensor will enhance the "smart" features of the Phase I sensor and provide full-bandwidth raw EMG signals, processed amplitude parameters of the EMG signal, "on-off' EMG signal states, and onboard storage of calculated parameters for long term monitoring. The base station from Phase I will be enhanced to control the sensor network, receive the processed EMG signals from the sensors, make them available to a PC, and will support up to 8 sensors in a network that continuously acquires and transmits data. Sensor control will include such features as "start-stop" functions, configuration options, and power management. A graphical user interface will be provided to enable the researcher to operate the acquisition system, view the signals in real-time, and provide a conduit for analyzing data using existing software developed by the research team. The system will be evaluated among target populations of children and adults, including patients, during simulated and real-world applications in physical rehabilitation, ergonomics, and sports/exercise. Upon achieving the objectives of Phase II, the innovation will be at a stage of development that will prepare it for commercialization. The commercial possibilities for this system extend well beyond Nl/-I's immediate interests in rehabilitation, biomechanics, motor control, ergonomics, sports medicine, and sleep studies, to fields of space countermeasures (NASA), and monitoring of land warriors (DOD)