A high performance multichannel FES system with self-learning capabilities

Multichannel functional electrical stimulation (FES) is very efficient for the restoration of the hand function of the quadriplegic patient. Recently the authors succeeded in realizing a rather complicated hand which works by an FES system, e.g. extending the elbow, opening the hand, grasping a cup, flexing the elbow, and then drinking water. Because the patient sometimes wishes to modify or improve the induced finger/wrist/elbow movements in daily usage, it is desirable to equip the FES system with learning capabilities. In the authors´ master-slave-type FES system, the master microcomputer can have interactive communication with the patient by means of CRT, while the pulse-generation task is accomplished by the slave microcomputer. With this self-learning system, patients can actively participate in realizing fine control of their paralyzed upper extremities.<>