An Optimized Selection Method of Channel Numbers and Electrode Layouts for Hand Motion Recognition

The channel numbers and electrode layouts are usually determined empirically that would reduce robustness when acquiring surface electromyography (EMG) signals for prosthetic hand systems. It is necessary to study how they can be exploited effectively for a more accurate extraction. In response to the problem, an experiment is designed that establishes the relationship between sEMG signals and forearm muscles based on signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The SNR of sEMG signals in different sampling channels can be calculated and compared, and then the potential contribution of each channel during different hand motions will be evaluated comprehensively. The active muscle regions can be obtained from the established relationship that is a useful reference for feature extraction. Finally, the relations between the computational cost, channel numbers and electrode layouts are explored. The findings of this paper support the idea that the accuracy of pattern recognition will not be affected when reducing the redundant electrodes.