Device control method
voice
The NuroSleeve can control the linear actuator of the splint and/or the FES unit using any of the following control modes: (1) Manual control. A small joystick is fitted to the device at an accessible location for the user, either attached to the splint or as a separate handheld device; (2) Voice Activation. A voice recognition module that does not require internet connectivity (this was added to the system following user feedback) is incorporated into the MCU. This module uses software that learns voice commands and maps specific spoken phrases onto actions (e.g., “open”, “close”, “stimulate”) during a single calibration session. The voice recognition training takes a few minutes for each voice command. After training, the parameters are stored on the module and the individual can use the voice control option to control the NuroSleeve independently without the use of cloud connectivity; (3) EMG control. The device’s two EMG channels can be set up to control the linear actuator and/or FES with a multi-threshold approach, in which one or two signal thresholds are set up to trigger the effectors. The threshold values and their use in controlling the effectors can be customized via the clinical software suite; (4) IMU control. The NuroSleeve can leverage up to two IMUs for splint and/or FES control. The IMU sensors may be attached to a clip, placed in a band or other fastener and positioned in user-selected places (e.g., shoelaces, contralateral wrist, eyeglasses). In IMU mode, the device can be operated in two different configurations: continuous or discrete. Continuous control configuration uses a multi-threshold approach and makes use of the IMU's 3D orientation data to continuously control the linear actuator and/or FES effectors. The discrete control configuration uses a tap-and-go control approach, in which the system uses the IMU 3D acceleration data to fully open or close the hand; each tap on the IMU sensor toggles an ON/OFF actuation. In other words, the IMU sensors can function as a toggle switch to control a two-state machine based on the status of the effector.