Progress Report 4 (1/30/19)
Previous Goals
Our goals from our last progress report to this point included the following: We needed to finalize purchase orders for the hardware to be used in our project (such as the Myoware sensors, Arduino, and Teensy board). Additionally, we were to find contacts at Ottobock to determine how to proceed with repairing our 8E44 Transcarpal Hand prosthesis. In terms of software, we also strived to finalize a block diagram and algorithm to achieve force-based control from EMG signals. Lastly, we needed to 3D print an enclosure for the Teensy and battery pack.
Work Accomplished
We were able to construct a cardboard model designed to the specifications of the intended hardware in order to map the expected size and placement of all objects in the prosthesis. A 3D printed cage was designed along with a wrist strap that will allow for better durability and wearability for the patient. This was printed and received but will require some adjustments for the prosthesis. A meeting with our advisor allowed some final notes on our first round of algorithm design and adjustments were made accordingly to allow better feedback within our system between the EMG acquisition and the PID controller for appropriate control. A basic PID controller was researched and coded in MatLab to allow for some initial observation of behavior and output with a simple step function input. Research regarding the translation of this PID structure from MatLab into the arduino/teensy platform was completed with promising communication abilities directly to the board being found. Our design plan was updated to better define our respective duties within the project for our advisor. We connected with technical specialists both domestically and in Austria to learn more about our specific prosthesis. After extensive troubleshooting and communications with Ottobock, we believe that Ottobock should ultimately service the product. This is due to a knowledge gap on our part which may be proprietary information–Ottobock has been hesitant about aiding us in repairs. Our advisor is getting involved with this issue to allow for quick resolution.
Work Backlog/What Went Wrong
- Continued Ottobock issues
- Arm still does not properly work
- Continuing to have issues contacting and getting information from Ottobock about the device due to the fact that they will only work with a prosthetist
- Hardware purchasing still not updated
- Have not received clear answer on when products will arrive
- Delay in receiving 3D printed part
- Tray was not printed when originally expected
Plans for Next Week/How to Accomplish
- Write protocol for EMG studies with myoware sensors
- Detail a plan for:
- What specifically needs to be tested
- How that will be tested in the lab
- Where electrodes will be placed
- Output signals expected
- Expected results to be obtained from the experiment
- Detail a plan for:
- Continued investigation of EMG signal interpretation and analysis
- Determine expected output signals to be received from EMG sensors
- To be used when writing protocol
- Further research into previous publications that have looked at EMG signal interpretation – use to map expectations of movement
- Determine expected output signals to be received from EMG sensors
- Further investigations into PID behavior with manipulated variables
- Design desired fraction of control desired between proportional, integral, and derivative controls
- Create new input functions using sine and step functions for existing MatLab program to view how output is changed with varying controls
- Coding platform defined and operational for code sharing
- Github setup with appropriate access points and algorithm starting points transferred for easy access
- Continued Ottobock communication
- Will be put into contact with someone at Ottobock who our sponsor has worked with before
- Continued email/telephone communication with the contacts that we have developed