The portable P300 dialing system based on tablet and Emotiv Epoc headset

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Brain-computer interfaces (BCI) offer novel communication pathways for individuals with severe motor disabilities.
• Advancements in commercial EEG headsets and mobile platforms enable the development of portable BCI systems.
• Existing BCI solutions often lack portability and real-world applicability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a portable, real-time BCI dialing system for patients with motor diseases.
• To assess the performance of a P300-based BCI using commercial EEG hardware and a tablet.
• To determine the feasibility of using mobile BCI in diverse environments.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a 14-channel Emotiv EPOC headset and a Microsoft Surface Pro 3 tablet.
• Implemented a P300-based speller with a 4x3 alphanumeric character matrix.
• Conducted online performance testing in both laboratory and public (metro) settings.

Main Results:

• Achieved an average classification accuracy of 88.75% in the lab and 73.75% in the metro.
• Reported an average Information Transfer Rate (ITR) of 7.17 bits/min in the lab and 5.05 bits/min in the metro.
• Demonstrated the system's functionality and user performance in realistic environments.

Conclusions:

• Commercial EEG headsets and tablets are viable for developing real-time BCI systems.
• The developed portable BCI system shows promise for improving communication for individuals with motor impairments.
• Mobile BCI technology has significant potential for practical application in everyday settings.