Myoelectric Signal Processing: Optimal Estimation Applied to Electromyography - Part I: Derivation of the Optimal Myoprocessor

This paper (Part I of II) describes the development of a novel technique for processing the electrical activity of muscle which uses multiple channels of myoelectric activity. A phenomenological mathematical model of myoelectric activity is formulated. From this model, a mathematical statement of the optimal myoelectric signal processor is derived, and some of its properties are investigated. This mathematical statement encompasses and places in perspective almost all single-channel myoprocessor developments to date, as well as specifying the optimal multiple-channel myoprocessor. An experimental demonstration of the efficacy of this processor is presented in a subsequent paper (Part II).