A prototype design for wireless EMG capturing system with stimulation feedback

In this paper, the authors propose a new wireless EMG measuring device for watching over human. The authors has developed a unique wireless EMG monitoring device called “VAMPIRE-BAT”, which is an acronym that stands for “Variables Adjustable Multi-Purpose Intelligent Remote-controlled Electrode for Bio-signal Amplification and Transmission”, in their previous works. The most remarkable feature of the device is on-line parameter adjustment ability, which means an operator can tune various parameters including analog constants remotely and dynamically thanks to bi-directional communication between the device and receiver PC. This time they newly applied a new major upgrade electric stimulus feedback. The new device can stimulate human electrically using the same electrodes as those for measuring. In other words, pin-point precision stimulus feedback can be applied at the measuring point. The authors consider that such a feedback may be useful for helping people working for a certain task by prompting to or not to do some action intuitive and reflective way. However, there are several concerns to be clarified. For example, the way to apply electric stimulus, energy supply, potential device size, effects of electric impulse on CPU and wireless communication, and so on. The authors show a prototype design and some preliminary experiments and their results to argue these issues.