Imaging of residual limbs using motion processing with IMUs

Abstract

Accurate imaging of residual limbs is necessary for the design of well-fitting sockets for prosthesis wearers. Unfortunately, current methods of acquiring residual limb geometry are often expensive and inaccessible. A measurement method is proposed using coordinated IMUs to achieve residual limb imaging through motion processing. The IMUs are fixed to an object which traces the surface of the residual limb. Trajectories are calculated for each IMU, and a correction method is applied using all IMUs fixed to the instrument surface to mitigate measurement drift. The IMU trajectories are then used to generate a triangulated geometry to digitally represent the residual limb. This method was simulated to guide instrument design and provide insight on performance and measurement process. The eventual goal is a glove with IMUs at the fingertips which may be used by an untrained individual, who may simply wear the glove and lightly survey the surface of the residual limb with their hand to produce data which will then be used to generate a digital limb geometry. Using the results of the simulation, a design is proposed for the glove.