Progress Report 1 (11/01/18)
Background
Current commercially available myoelectric prostheses operate using a velocity-based controller mechanism, which does not accurately represent the relationship between intact muscle activation and hand motor function. This limits the validity of experimental comparisons between the prosthesis and intact hand. In an intact motor control system, continuous active muscle drive is required for motion and maintained hand positioning, represented by a force-based system. The goal of this project is to integrate a force-based controller into a commercially available myoelectric prosthesis to more accurately mimic an intact motor control system for experimental comparison.
Work Accomplished
Due to IP issues with our previous project, we just established and moved forward with a new project and advisor group on 10/29/18. We are currently working with an academic research group from the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Case Western Reserve University to tackle the project described above. We have been in communication with them regarding their IP requirements, general expectations regarding the basis of the project, and setting up weekly meeting points with the primary advisor. We have also communicated to the group a description of our team and individual areas of strength. We have received some feedback on subject matters we will need to study and gain proficiency in, in order to tackle the problem. As a group we have discussed outside resources and contacts we could use to move this project forward and aid in learning the aspects of the project we do not have background information on.
Work Backlog
Going forward, we will use this section to make note of pending tasks from earlier progress reports and track our progress with broader tasks that cannot be accomplished in a single week.
Plans for Next Week
In the next week, we intend to:
- Schedule and have a video call with our main point of contact
- Confirm how we are receiving a prosthesis from their lab (mail vs. direct pick-up)
- Complete further research into hardware/software linkage as it relates to this project
- Begin compiling relevant background information (previous work on the project, broader scope, etc.)
- Understand the long-term goals of the project
- Establish weekly check-in time with advisor
- Submit purchase forms for electrodes and search Vanderbilt resources for EMG recordings
- Create draft Gantt chart for design process