Initial Research/Data Collection

Playing around with sensors to learn how data is obtained!

Initial testing of sensors

Our leg sleeves are designed to collect muscle activity and leg movement data from the user. To do this, we need to attach EMG and IMU sensors at 6 different locations on each leg. The Trigno sensors contain both the IMU and EMG and are able to connect wirelessly. As part of our testing preparation, ethics approval was received from the University of Waterloo.

For initial data collection, the EMG works software was downloaded onto a windows computer. Since our preliminary testing was conducted using just the sensors without the sleeves and the holders, it was preferred to choose a subject with minimal hair on their leg in order to let the sensors connect to the skin better. Aaron was chosen as our test subject for our first experiment. Sensors were connected to his Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis, Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus, Gastrocnemius and Soleus. The same muscles were selected on the software interface and the sensors were calibrated accordingly. A practice test run was initiated to gather data and Aaron was made to jump a few times. A separate software called EMG Analysis is used to process this data. The output data from our test run was presented in the form of a continuous signal with spikes. A noticeable spike was observed when initiating the action of jumping up and a consecutive spike to this was formed as the subject landed their jump.

What’s next?

The next steps will involve conducting controlled experiments and creating a dataset of jumps. The jump data will be in the form of continuous signals with spikes. To get interpretable data, the spikes from the jumps will have to be filtered and processed. For our full prototype testing, we would also have to obtain the sensor data while they are placed in the holders attached to the sleeves. The sensor holders are currently being 3D printed and will need to be sewn onto the sleeves.