Sonification Synthesizer for Surface Electromyography

Abstract

Surface electromyography (sEMG) is a means for measuring muscle activity. sEMG data are typically displayed graphically on a computer screen and while this can be a useful way to display the data, it is not always ideal. This extended abstract details the development of a sonification tool that allows users to sonify sEMG data in real-time. The tool will allow the user to independently control the sound of each channel, similar to a software synthesizer. Independent real-time control of each channel will allow the user to create sonification models, which are mappings of certain sounds to specific muscle groups. A prototype of the tool is currently being developed using SuperCollider in parallel with a Delsys Trigno Wireless sEMG system. This tool will allow users to easily explore various kinds of sEMG sonification models and test them for intuitiveness and effectiveness.