A Real-time EMG-based Assistive Computer Interface for the Upper Limb Disabled

This paper presents the design of an assistive real-time system for the upper limb disabled to access a computer via residual muscle activities without standard computer interfaces (e.g. a mouse and a keyboard). For this purpose, electromyogram (EMG) signals from muscles in the lower arm were extracted and filtered using signal statistics (mean and variance). In order to control movement and clicking of a cursor from the obtained signals, six patterns were classified, applying a supervised multi-layer neural network trained by a backpropagation algorithm. In addition, an on-screen keyboard was developed, making it possible to enter Roman and Korean letters on the computer. Using this computer interface, the user can browse the Internet and read/send e-mail. The developed computer interface provides an alternative means for individuals with motor disabilities to access computers. A possible extension of our interface methodology can be incorporated in controlling bionic robot systems for the limb disabled (e.g. exoskeletons, limb prostheses).