Prediction of the Upper Limb Motion Based on a Geometrical Muscle Changes for Physical Human Machine Interaction

Estimation methods of motion intention from bio-signal present challenges in man machine interaction(MMI) to offer user's command to machine without control of any devices. Measurements of meaningful bio-signals that contain the motion intention and motion estimation methods from bio-signal are important issues for accurate and safe interaction. This paper proposes a novel motion estimation sensor based on a geometrical muscle changes, and a motion estimation method using the sensor. For estimation of the motion, we measure the circumference change of the muscle which is proportional to muscle activation level using a flexible piezoelectric cable (pMAS, piezo muscle activation sensor), designed in band type. The pMAS measures variations of the cable band that originate from circumference changes of muscle bundles. Moreover, we estimate the elbow motion by applying the sensor to upper limb with least square method. The proposed sensor and prediction method are simple to use so that they can be used to motion prediction device and methods in rehabilitation and sports fields.