The SocketSense project is halfway through!
Dear Colleague, Partner or Supporter
Welcome to the third SocketSense newsletter.
We are now in the second phase of the project. The work has been focused on the finalization of component design and the technology integration. However, due to various restrictions caused by current COVID-19 pandemics and the worldwide lockdown, the original project timeline has been adjusted. This means in practice we postpone all upcoming project milestones in 6 months.
Nevertheless, the SocketSense consortium has actively sought new ways of cooperation and for alternative technological solutions in order to mitigate the negative impacts. For example, we have adapted the telco and video conferences to compensate for the lack of face-to-face meetings and workshops. The new design of sensor electronics has been identified to replace some inaccessible commercial components. In particular, I’d like to highlight the following technological advances that occurred during this challenging period:
- On the senor design: Lab tests have been continued for collecting QTSS sensor data for the performance characterization despite restricted accessibility of facilities. The tests cover also an initial “in-socket” testing with QTSS sensor strips deployed inside prosthetics sockets;
- On the embedded system platform: A technical report on the design of an embedded system platform for sensor signal processing, data collection, and treatment has been finalized and submitted as a deliverable;
- On the data analysis: We have started the work on establishing appropriate models and algorithms for the inference of dynamic load conditions inside socket;
- On the comfort assessment and socket optimization: The work on virtual socket generation has been finished. An initial design of an AI centric algorithm for socket adaptation and optimization has been defined and communicated with prosthetists;
- On the overall system integration: The design of a database and a software-based HMI for prosthetic clinics has also been continued. The results from the first integration experiment are analyzed. The results indicate necessary design improvements for coping with signal noises and other practical disturbances.
As a generic strategy, we aim to tackle the possible problems with lab tests, clinical trials with patients by enhanced virtual simulation and physical test-rig.
In case you would like to contact the SocketSense, please use info@socketsense.eu. We are looking forward to your critics, innovations and suggestions! And please forward this newsletter to anyone that you might think have an interest in this project.
Summer Greetings!
DeJiu Chen
Project Coordinator & Associate Professor, KTH