Similarity Function for One-Shot Learning to Enhance the Flexibility of Myoelectric Interfaces

Objective: This study aims to develop a flexible myoelectric pattern recognition (MPR) method based on one-shot learning, which enables convenient switching across different usage scenarios, thereby reducing the re-training burden. Methods: First, a one-shot learning model based on a Siamese neural network was constructed to assess the similarity for any given sample pair. In a new scenario involving a new set of gestural categories and/or a new user, just one sample of each category was required to constitute a support set. This enabled the quick deployment of the classifier suitable for the new scenario, which decided for any unknown query sample by selecting the category whose sample in the support set was quantified to be the most like the query sample. The effectiveness of the proposed method was evaluated by experiments conducting MPR across diverse scenarios. Results: The proposed method achieved high recognition accuracy of over 89% under the cross-scenario conditions, and it significantly outperformed other common one-shot learning methods and conventional MPR methods (p < 0.01). Conclusion: This study demonstrates the feasibility of applying one-shot learning to rapidly deploy myoelectric pattern classifiers in response to scenario change. It provides a valuable way of improving the flexibility of myoelectric interfaces toward intelligent gestural control with extensive applications in medical, industrial, and consumer electronics.