Objective
MAPS will develop an interface for amputees. The project will develop and test a "sensor socket" (SES) that can be used to monitor amputee progress remotely. Rehabilitation centres and industrial companies will co-operate on the project. Rehabilitation centres will define what parameters give the most relevant information on how the patient is doing, then the industrial companies will develop sensors (and/or sensormats), connect them to a specially developed data link and incorporate these devices in a socket that acts as interface between limb and prosthesis. The socket will retrofit conventional sockets and can thus be used without changing prosthesis. The SES will finally be validated by testing it on patients and comparing the results with those obtained with conventional methods. Data transfer by telecommunication will also be tested. A validated prototype of SES will be the main deliverable from the project. Results will be presented in reports and articles in relevant magazines.
Objectives:
MAPS is to develop an interface for amputees where physical data for the stump can be gathered over a period of time in normal situations. The data will be sent using telecommunication methods to rehab doctors and/or CPO for evaluation. Another possibility is a system sending real time information. The concept is called the Sensor Socket (SES) and aims to incorporate relevant sensors into sockets that are used as the interface between stump and the prosthesis. The system includes telecommunications equipment needed for sending and receiving data from the SES remotely. The SES approach is a vehicle to assist amputees to be integrated into society and to maximise the comfort and use of their prosthesis. Another objective is to gather statistical medical information about amputees, leading to improved treatment.
Work description:
To achieve the project goals the work is divided into three main phases:
1. SES specification.
2. Design and prototyping of key parts of the SES.
3. Validation of SES measurements and procedures.
In the first phase, the functionality of SES is defined. This involves deciding which parameters are to be measured, setting references, and defining how much information is needed from the SES. This will be done by interviewing patients and through statistical analysis of patient data. The deliverable from this phase will be the design criteria for the SES.
The second phase of the project will be the actual making of the SES to meet the already defined design criteria. Deliverables from this phase will be a prototype of the SES for fitting and telecommunications equipment for data transfer Measuring techniques and sensors will de developed for use in the SES.
In the third phase, the prototypes will be tested and the results compared with data obtained using conventional methods. Validation will be based on statistical comparison of these results. The deliverable from this phase will be a tested and validated prototype of SES.
The aim is to market the SES within nine months of project conclusion. It is also expected that results will be published in relevant magazines and to the media in general.
Milestones:
There are three major milestones in the project.
1. Design criteria for the sensor socket (SES). Ten months after the start of the project, a report will be produced containing information about the parameters to be measured.
2. A prototype of the SES. This prototype will be ready after 18 months and will include the relevant sensors needed to measure the specified parameters.
3. A validated prototype of the SES will be ready in month 29 together with procedures on how to use it. Reports and articles will publicise the results of the project.
Fields of science
- medical and health sciencesclinical medicinephysiotherapy
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensors
- medical and health sciencesmedical biotechnologyimplants
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringinformation engineeringtelecommunications
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
CSC - Cost-sharing contractsCoordinator
110 REYKJAVIK
Iceland