Prototype of an auto-calibrating, context-aware, hybrid brain-computer interface.
We present the prototype of a context-aware framework that allows users to control smart home devices and to access internet services via a Hybrid BCI system of an auto-calibrating sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) based BCI and another assistive device (Integra Mouse mouth joystick). While there is extensive literature that describes the merit of Hybrid BCIs, auto-calibrating and co-adaptive ERD BCI training paradigms, specialized BCI user interfaces, context-awareness and smart home control, there is up to now, no system that includes all these concepts in one integrated easy-to-use framework that can truly benefit individuals with severe functional disabilities by increasing independence and social inclusion. Here we integrate all these technologies in a prototype framework that does not require expert knowledge or excess time for calibration. In a first pilot-study, 3 healthy volunteers successfully operated the system using input signals from an ERD BCI and an Integra Mouse and reached average positive predictive values (PPV) of 72 and 98% respectively. Based on what we learned here we are planning to improve the system for a test with a larger number of healthy volunteers so we can soon bring the system to benefit individuals with severe functional disability.
Institute for Knowledge Discovery, Graz University of Technology, 8010 Graz, Austria. josef.faller@tugraz.at
J
J
Faller
S
S
Torrellas
F
F
Miralles
C
C
Holzner
C
C
Kapeller
C
C
Guger
J
J
Bund
G R
GR
Müller-Putz
R
R
Scherer
D000328:Adult; D062207:Brain-Computer Interfaces; D002138:Calibration; D003344:Cortical Synchronization; D005071:Evoked Potentials; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis