title: Electrophysiology-based detection of emergency braking intention in real-world driving.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The fact that all human action is preceded by brain processes partially observable through neuroimaging devices such as electroencephalography (EEG) is currently being explored in a number of applications. A recent study by Haufe et al (2011 J. Neural Eng. 8 056001) demonstrates the possibility of performing fast detection of forced emergency brakings during driving based on EEG and electromyography, and discusses the use of such neurotechnology for braking assistance systems. Since the study was conducted in a driving simulator, its significance regarding real-world applicability needs to be assessed.
  
  
  METHODS
  Here, we replicate that experimental paradigm in a real car on a non-public test track.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Our results resemble those of the simulator study, both qualitatively (in terms of the neurophysiological phenomena observed and utilized) and quantitatively (in terms of the predictive improvement achievable using electrophysiology in addition to behavioral measures). Moreover, our findings are robust with respect to a temporary secondary auditory task mimicking verbal input from a fellow passenger.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our study serves as a real-world verification of the feasibility of electrophysiology-based detection of emergency braking intention as proposed in Haufe et al (2011 J. Neural Eng. 8 056001).
authors.affiliation: Fachgebiet Maschinelles Lernen, Technische Universität Berlin, Germany. Bernstein Focus: Neurotechnology, Berlin, Germany. Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of New York, USA.
authors.forename: Stefan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Haufe
authors.forename: Jeong-Woo
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Il-Hwa
authors.initials: IH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sonnleitner
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schrauf
authors.forename: Gabriel
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Curio
authors.forename: Benjamin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Blankertz
mesh_terms: D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000517:prevention & control; D000328:Adult; D059031:Anticipation, Psychological / Q000502:physiology*; D001334:Automobile Driving; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000502:physiology*; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000379:methods*; D004777:Environment; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology*; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology*