Pattern recognition of EMG signals for low level grip force classification

Grasping of the objects is the most frequent activity performed by the human upper limb. The amputations of the upper limb results in the need for prosthetic devices. The myoelectric prosthetic devices use muscle signals and apply control techniques for identification of different levels of hand gesture and force levels. In this study; a different level force contraction experiment was performed in which Electromyography (EMGs) signals and fingertip force signals were acquired. Using this experimental data; a two-step feature selection process is applied for the designing of a pattern recognition algorithm for the classification of different force levels. The two step feature selection process consist of generalized feature ranking using ReliefF, followed by personalized feature selection using Neighborhood Component Analysis (NCA) from the shortlisted features by earlier technique. The classification algorithms applied in this study were Support Vector Machines (SVM) and Random Forest (RF). Besides feature selection; optimization of the number of muscles during classification of force levels was also performed using designed algorithm. Based on this algorithm; the maximum classification accuracy using SVM classifier and two muscle set was achieved as high as 99%. The optimal feature set consisted features such as Auto Regressive coefficients, Willison Amplitude and Slope Sign Change. The mean classification accuracy for different subjects, achieved using SVM and RF was 94.5% and 91.7% respectively.