A Fast and Low-Impact Embedded Orientation Correction Algorithm for Hand Gesture Recognition Armbands

Hand gesture recognition is a prominent topic in the recent literature, with surface ElectroMyoGraphy (sEMG) recognized as a key method for wearable Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs). However, sensor placement still significantly impacts systems performance. This study addresses sensor displacement by introducing a fast and low-impact orientation correction algorithm for sEMG-based HMI armbands. The algorithm includes a calibration phase to estimate armband orientation and real-time data correction, requiring only two distinct hand gestures in terms of sEMG activation. This ensures hardware and database independence and eliminates the need for model retraining, as data correction occurs prior to classification or prediction. The algorithm was implemented in a hand gesture HMI system featuring a custom seven-channel sEMG armband with an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) capable of recognizing nine gestures. Validation demonstrated its effectiveness, achieving 93.36 % average prediction accuracy with arbitrary armband wearing orientation. The algorithm also has minimal impact on power consumption and latency, requiring just an additional 500 µW and introducing a latency increase of 408 µs. These results highlight the algorithm’s efficacy, general applicability, and efficiency, presenting it as a promising solution to the electrode-shift issue in sEMG-based HMI applications.