Authors:
Ritwik Raj Saxena, Stanley Sujith Nelavala, Ritcha Saxena

Addresses:
1Department of Physics, Astronomy and Computer Science, University of Minnesota, Duluth, United States of America.  2Department of Computer Science, University of Minnesota, Duluth, United States of America. 3Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, Duluth, United States of America. saxen130@d.umn.edu1, nelav002@d.umn.edu2, rsaxena@d.umn.edu3, 

Abstract:

This paper describes a device that enables a human to interact with a vehicle without using one’s hands. The device that we propose acquires the surface electromyogram signal of the muscles of the forearm that allow the flexion and extension of the fingers and the palm. We call this device MuscleDrive. MuscleDrive can classify flexion and extension motions of the hand and their intensity. The strength of flexion or extension exerted by the user can be estimated by analyzing the electromyogram. Motions of different intensities can be used as unique input signals that would perform distinct functions about manipulating a vehicle without any obvious movement of the upper arm, as is the case with isometric contraction of the biceps or the triceps that is used to create motion in the forearm. Using the strength of muscle contraction as a measure of intensity, the user can propel a vehicle forward, apply brakes to it, reverse it, and make it turn. An algorithm to map the electromyogram signal to the desired input has been developed and explained in this paper. The results show that the device can allow a user to navigate a vehicle without explicitly using the palm, the fingers, or the upper arm. The neural signal from the user’s brain that enables the user to make motions in the palm alone can be used to control a vehicle.

Keywords: Electromyography; Human-Computer Interface; Myoelectric Activity; Navigation of a Vehicle; MuscleDrive; Needle Electromyography; Guillain-Barre Syndrome; Microprocessors and Microcontrollers.

Received on: 07/01/2023, Revised on: 12/03/2023, Accepted on: 14/06/2023, Published on: 02/12/2023

FMDB Transactions on Sustainable Health Science Letters, 2023 Vol. 1 No. 2, Pages: 107-117

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