Myoelectric prosthetics are an advanced type of prosthetic that can be controlled by the wearer based on electromyography signals. These signals are the electrical activity produced by muscles and can be used to control prosthetics. This past week, COAPPT LLC. received an application (U.S. App. No. 20200265948) which teaches a method that uses AI to continually calibrate a myoelectric prosthetic controller.
Prior to this application, a myoelectric prosthetic wearer would be required to go to a prosthetist and have an in-person appointment to calibrate the control mechanism for their prosthetic. Often, wearers would be required to go to the prosthetist every few weeks for recalibration as the signal from the muscle to the prosthetic can degrade or change over time. App. No. '5948 teaches a method to prevent these reoccurring trips to the prosthetist. The application teaches a system called Complete Control, which uses a pattern recognition technology system that can be built directly into a myoelectric prosthesis. It uses modern machine learning techniques to learn the personal muscle patterns of the wearer and translates those into prosthesis movements that comply with the wearer's intended movements. As the wearer's muscles change over time, the system automatically calibrates, meaning the wearer will always have exact control over their prosthetic. This promising technology is sure to improve the lives of many current prosthetic wearers. If you haven't already, make sure to check out Magic Number® AI Biotech/Diagnostic Patent Forecast® to stay up to date with the most recent patent activity involving emerging treatments and new players to the sector!
