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An optical brain computer interface for environmental control
Conference paper

An optical brain computer interface for environmental control

Hasan Ayaz, Patricia A Shewokis, Scott Bunce and Banu Onaral
Conference proceedings (IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. Conf.), v 2011, pp 6327-6330
2011
PMID: 22255785

Abstract

Computers Neurons - pathology User-Computer Interface Reproducibility of Results Humans Neurophysiology - methods Imaging, Three-Dimensional - methods Male Models, Statistical Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared - methods Equipment Design Brain - metabolism Hemoglobins - chemistry Self-Help Devices Oxygen - chemistry Brain - pathology Environment Female Optics and Photonics Hemodynamics
A brain computer interface (BCI) is a system that translates neurophysiological signals detected from the brain to supply input to a computer or to control a device. Volitional control of neural activity and its real-time detection through neuroimaging modalities are key constituents of BCI systems. The purpose of this study was to develop and test a new BCI design that utilizes intention-related cognitive activity within the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex using functional near infrared (fNIR) spectroscopy. fNIR is a noninvasive, safe, portable and affordable optical technique with which to monitor hemodynamic changes, in the brain's cerebral cortex. Because of its portability and ease of use, fNIR is amenable to deployment in ecologically valid natural working environments. We integrated a control paradigm in a computerized 3D virtual environment to augment interactivity. Ten healthy participants volunteered for a two day study in which they navigated a virtual environment with keyboard inputs, but were required to use the fNIR-BCI for interaction with virtual objects. Results showed that participants consistently utilized the fNIR-BCI with an overall success rate of 84% and volitionally increased their cerebral oxygenation level to trigger actions within the virtual environment.

Details

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This publication has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#3 Good Health and Well-Being

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Engineering, Biomedical
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
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