EEG Based Communication Device

Introduction

In order to achieve clinically desirable effectiveness of related computerized systems, a harmonic and comprehensive integration of corresponding medical and computer and knowledge has to be performed. Very little attention is being given to the above combination of knowledge towards the severely handicapped persons who have lost the ability to control their muscle activity. The only way of communication for them is to develop a communication system based on the analysis of the EEG activity. Once the computer is programmed to recognize a subjects actions, it can be used as an effective communication aid for the handicapped. The possibility of a subject interaction system implemented in a personal computer with a digital signal processing board will be explored. Spatio-temporal multi channel patters will be collected from a subject through the international 10-20 systems of electrode placement for measuring the eeg. This analog signals are digitized and forwarded to a neural networking set up for their use in instantaneous classification and pattern recognition. This classification result can be used to control any applications like activating a functional electrical stimulation device, movement of cursor for menu selection, selection of letters etc. A potential benefit of EEG based systems is that people who are severely disabled or have little or no reliable motor function could use it.

Special Features:

Single user interface control. Design and fabrication of H/w. Development of S/w. Feedback mechanism for improvement. Focus on rehabilitation.

Prospective Users:

Severely handicapped persons/spastic children

Keywords:

EEG - electroencephalogram, ANN - artificial neural network, BCI - Brain computer interface, Communication Device

Type of Technology:

Hardware, Software

Status of IPR Protection:

None

Glossary:

EEG - electroencephalogram (brain signals associated with all/any kind of process]; ANN - artificial neural network (a system which test emulates a biological network); ERS/ERD - Event Related Synchronization/Desynchronization

Contact:

Managing Director
Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT)
Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi
Hauz Khas, New Delhi-110016, INDIA
Tel : 91-011-26597167, 26857762, 26581013, 26597153
Fax : 91-011-26851169
E-mail : drkdpn@gmail.com