Development of a concept-based EMG-based speller

Physiological computing is a paradigm of computing that treats users’ physiological data as input during computing tasks in an Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) environment. By monitoring, analyzing and responding to such inputs, Physiological Computing Systems (PCS) are able to respond to the users’ cognitive, emotional and physical states. A specific case of PCS is Neural Computer Interface (NCI), which uses electrical signals governing users’ muscular activity (EMG data) to establish a direct communication pathway between the user and a computer. We present taxonomy of speller application parameters, propose a model of PCS, and describe the development of the EMG-based speller as a benchmark application. We analyze and develop an EMG-based speller application with a traditional letter-based as well as visual concept-based interface. Finally, we evaluate the performance and usability of the developed speller using empirical (accuracy, information transfer speed, input speed) metrics

Support vector machines to detect physiological patterns for EEG and EMG-based human-computer interaction:a review

Support vector machines (SVMs) are widely used classifiers for detecting physiological patterns in human-computer interaction (HCI). Their success is due to their versatility, robustness and large availability of free dedicated toolboxes. Frequently in the literature, insufficient details about the SVM implementation and/or parameters selection are reported, making it impossible to reproduce study analysis and results. In order to perform an optimized classification and report a proper description of the results, it is necessary to have a comprehensive critical overview of the applications of SVM. The aim of this paper is to provide a review of the usage of SVM in the determination of brain and muscle patterns for HCI, by focusing on electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG) techniques. In particular, an overview of the basic principles of SVM theory is outlined, together with a description of several relevant literature implementations. Furthermore, details concerning reviewed papers are listed in tables and statistics of SVM use in the literature are presented. Suitability of SVM for HCI is discussed and critical comparisons with other classifiers are reported

BCI controlled robotic arm as assistance to the rehabilitation of neurologically disabled patients

Purpose: Brain–computer interface (BCI)-controlled assistive robotic systems have been developed with increasing success with the aim to rehabilitation of patients after brain injury to increase independence and quality of life. While such systems may use surgically implanted invasive sensors, non-invasive alternatives can be better suited due to the ease of use, reduced cost, improvements in accuracy and reliability with the advancement of the technology and practicality of use. The consumer-grade BCI devices are often capable of integrating multiple types of signals, including Electroencephalogram (EEG) and Electromyogram (EMG) signals. Materials and Methods: This paper summarizes the development of a portable and cost-efficient BCI-controlled assistive technology using a non-invasive BCI headset “OpenBCI” and an open source robotic arm, U-Arm, to accomplish tasks related to rehabilitation, such as access to resources, adaptability or home use. The resulting system used a combination of EEG and EMG sensor readings to control the arm. To avoid risks of injury while the device is being used in clinical settings, appropriate measures were incorporated into the software control of the arm. A short survey was used following the system usability scale (SUS), to measure the usability of the technology to be trialed in clinical settings. Results: From the experimental results, it was found that EMG is a very reliable method for assistive technology control, provided that the user specific EMG calibration is done. With the EEG, even though the results were promising, due to insufficient detection of the signal, the controller was not adequate to be used within a neurorehabilitation environment. The survey indicated that the usability of the system is not a barrier for moving the system into clinical trials. Implication on rehabilitation For the rehabilitation of patients suffering from neurological disabilities (particularly those suffering from varying degrees of paralysis), it is necessary to develop technology that bypasses the limitations of their condition. For example, if a patient is unable to walk due to the unresponsiveness in their motor neurons, technology can be developed that used an alternate input to move an exoskeleton, which enables the patient to walk again with the assistance of the exoskeleton. This research focuses on neuro-rehabilitation within the framework of the NHS at the Kent and Canterbury Hospital in UK. The hospital currently does not have any system in place for self-driven rehabilitation and instead relies on traditional rehabilitation methods through assistance from physicians and exercise regimens to maintain muscle movement. This paper summarises the development of a portable and cost-efficient BCI controlled assistive technology using a non-invasive BCI headset “OpenBCI” and an open source robotic arm, U-Arm, to accomplish tasks related to rehabilitation, such as access to resources, adaptability or home use. The resulting system used a combination of EEG and EMG sensor readings to control the arm, which could perform a number of different tasks such as picking/placing objects or assist users in eating

P300, Steady State Visual Evoked Potentials, And Hybrid Paradigms For A Brain Computer Interface Speller

The goal of this research was to evaluate and compare two types of brain computer interface (BCI) systems, P300 and steady state visually evoked potentials (SSVEP), as spelling paradigms and combine them as a hybrid approach. There were pilot experiments performed for designing the parameters of the SSVEP spelling paradigm including peak detection for different range of frequencies, placement of LEDs, design of the SSVEP stimulus board, and window time for the SSVEP peak detection processing. The next experiment was to evaluate the SSVEP spelling paradigm. Six subjects participated in the task. The accuracy of each frequency and average accuracy for each subject were considered. The second experiment was designed to compare the performance and accuracy of SSVEP, P300, and the combination of both paradigms as a simultaneous task. Ten subjects were considered for performing this experiment. Overall the average accuracy of the SSVEP spelling paradigm was 80.00 % and higher than the P300 spelling paradigm average accuracy which was 72.50 %, and both of the spelling paradigms have better accuracy than the hybrid paradigm with the average accuracy of 64.39 %