Hands-free human computer interaction via an electromyogram-based classification algorithm

A four-electrode system for hands-free computer cursor control, based on the digital processing of Electromyogram (EMG) signals is proposed. The electrodes are located over the right frontalis, the procerus, the left temporalis and the right temporalis muscles in the head. This system is meant to enable individuals paralyzed from the neck down (e.g., due to Spinal Cord Injury) to interact with computers using point-and-click graphic interfaces. The intention is to translate electromyograms derived from muscle contractions associated with specific facial movements into five cursor actions, namely: Left, Right, Up, Down and Left-click. This translation is accomplished by a digital signal processing classification algorithm that takes advantage of the divergent spectral nature of the EMG signals produced by the frontalis, temporalis, and procerus muscles, respectively. The effectiveness of the algorithm is evaluated by comparing its performance to that of a previously developed three-electrode EMG-based algorithm, using Matlab simulations. The results indicate that the algorithm classifies with great accuracy and provides a marked improvement over the previous three-electrode system.