A 3D scanning system for biomedical purposes

The use of three-dimensional (3D) scanning systems for acquiring the external shape features of biological objects has recently been gaining popularity in the biomedical field. A simple, low cost, 3D scanning syste

Realtime phase-amplitude coupling analysis of micro electrode recorded brain signals

Objective To demonstrate a method to calculate phase amplitude coupling (PAC) quickly and robustly for realtime applications. Methods We designed and implemented a multirate PAC algorithm with efficient filter bank processing and efficient computation of PAC for many frequency-pair combinations. We tested the developed algorithm for computing PAC on simulated data and on intraoperative neural recording data obtained during deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrode implantation surgery. Results A combination of parallelized frequency-domain filtering and modulation index for PAC estimation provided robust results that could be calculated in real time o

Compression of surface myoelectric signals using MP3 encoding

The potential of MP3 compression of surface myoelectric signals is explored in this paper. MP3 compression is a perceptual-based encoder scheme, used traditionally to compress audio signals. The ubiquity of MP3 compression (e.g., portable consumer electronics and internet applications) makes it an attractive option for remote monitoring and telemedicine applications. The effects of muscle site and contraction type are examined at different MP3 encoding bitrates. Results demonstrate that MP3 compression is sensitive to the myoelectric signal bandwidth, with larger signal distortion associated with myoelectric signals that have higher bandwidths. Compared to other myoelectric signal compression techniques reported previously (embedded zero-tree wavelet compression and adaptive differential pulse code modulation), MP3 compression demonstrates superior performance (i.e., lower percent residual differences for the same compression ratios)

Compression of surface myoelectric signals using MP3 encoding.

The potential of MP3 compression of surface myoelectric signals is explored in this paper. MP3 compression is a perceptual-based encoder scheme, used traditionally to compress audio signals. The ubiquity of MP3 compression (e.g., portable consumer electronics and internet applications) makes it an attractive option for remote monitoring and telemedicine applications. The effects of muscle site and contraction type are examined at different MP3 encoding bitrates. Results demonstrate that MP3 compression is sensitive to the myoelectric signal bandwidth, with larger signal distortion associated with myoelectric signals that have higher bandwidths. Compared to other myoelectric signal compression techniques reported previously (embedded zero-tree wavelet compression and adaptive differential pulse code modulation), MP3 compression demonstrates superior performance (i.e., lower percent residual differences for the same compression ratios)

Spectral analysis of respiratory and cardiac signals using Doppler Radar

Inmate injuries and deaths remain a significant problem for correctional institutions, increasing the need for continuous monitoring of inmates. A Doppler radar device is investigated for use as a contactless method of vital sign monitoring (e.g., breathing and heart rate) in a single cell setting. The recorded radar signal is analysed in both the time domain, and in the frequency domain. The radar signal and its frequency spectrum is compared against the signals and frequency spectrums obtained from an electrocardiogram and a respiratory inductance plethysmography band. The breathing and heart rate estimates obtained from the radar match up with the estimates provided by the respiratory band and electrocardiogram. Results show that the radar device demonstrates good potential for contactless vital sign monitoring

Continuous Classification of Myoelectric Signals for Powered Prostheses using Gaussian Mixture Models

Pattern recognition is a key element of myoelectrically controlled prostheses. Improvements in classification accuracy have been achieved using various feature extraction and classification methodologies. In this paper, it is demonstrated that using a simple and direct approach can achieve high classification accuracy, while maintaining a low computational load; important characteristics for a real-time embedded system. An average classification accuracy of 94.06% was achieved for a six class problem, using a single mixture Gaussian mixture model, along with majority vote post-processing

Promoting Biomedical Engineering through Recruitment

Biomedical engineering is relatively young and rapidly growing field, marked with many outstanding accomplishments. Its continued success is dependent on the recruitment of proficient students into biomedical engineering. Our own experiences with recruitment have revealed that a high proportion of students show an interest in biomedical engineering. Although our recruitment efforts have been effective, their impact is localized and therefore limited In this paper, we present eight recruitment methods, describing how to implement and co-ordinate them locally, nationally, and internationally. In addition, we discuss the role of the IEEE EMBS in facilitating these recruitment efforts

Electrode-skin impedance changes due to an externally applied force

The objective of this research is to analyze the effect of an externally applied force on surface biopotential electrodes. Electrode-skin impedance is an important factor in biopotential measurements. Lower electrode-skin interface impedance is desired because it improves the measurement of biological signals and helps mitigate noise/artifacts. Electrode-skin interface impedance was measured from two subjects (from 1 Hz to 1 MHz) while applying different magnitudes of force (0 N, 8.8 N, and 22.3 N) on Ag/AgCl electrodes that were placed on the ventral side of the forearm. When 8.8 N of force was applied, the impedance at 10 Hz decreased compared to when there was no externally applied force. Increasing the applied force to 22.3 N produced inconsistent results between the two subjects, with one exhibiting an increase in impedance, while the other a decrease. When all applied forces were removed from the electrodes, there was a sustained decrease in impedance, as compared to the initial impedance with no externally applied force. An externally applied force can reduce the electrode-skin impedance, which is maintained even after the force was removed

Design of a gel-less two-electrode ECG monitor

In this paper, an ECG amplifier design, specifically to interface two gel-less electrodes for low-power portable applications, is presented. The goal is to develop a circuit with performance sufficient to extract heart rate information reliably using digital signal processing techniques, when measuring a subject engaging in moderate physical activity (such as walking). This application, having no reference electrode, requires biasing of the input to avoid amplifier saturation, all the while maintaining a sufficiently high common-mode noise rejection. A baseline correction circuit and an isolated circuit ground are included in the proposed design to handle changes in DC voltage drift due to electrode movement as well as to minimize common-mode noise from mains