Penso and Brain Computer Interfaces

Progress in the Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) foundational disciplines (neurology, engineering, IT, etc) have produced the first systems beneficial to people with disabilities (Wolpaw, Birbaumer et al. 2002). In particular, more advanced electrophysiological recording techniques are offering further options. Research in subdural and intracortical electrodes has resulted in EEGs with high topographical resolution. Because these methods are invasive they would always have an impact on a more limited number of people than scalp-recorded EEG activity.

In this project we are investigating flexible ‘user-friendly’ BCI system. In this project we are developing hardware and software to support BCI applications that reduce workload and discomfort when used over extended periods of time.

We are combining Hardware and Software development.

We are developing new hardware with a focus on the development of screened ‘dry’ electrodes (Searle and Kirkup 2000) in which we eliminate the need for scalp preparation and electrolytic gel.

We are developing a configurable bio-amplifier capable of acquiring EKG, EMG and EEG data. In Penso, the system was configured to record up to 8 EEG derivations using a single PCMCIA ADC card. A major innovation in our design is the ultra high input impedance that allows us to use non-standard, insulated and contact-less electrodes for long term recording in real environments. The combination of high-impedance amplifier and novel electrodes is an innovation that provides cleaner data than any known commercially-available system. Furthermore, the new electrode solution was developed utilising a conductive rubber where an array of electrodes can be moulded in liquid form to any customisable shape. For wireless communications we have interfaced the system with a very low power Bluetooth module that will allow a more mobile system.

We are also developing new software that will learn faster and better how to recognize the subject's brain signal.

We have integrated the hardware with BCI2000 (Schalk, McFarland et al. 2004) and have started evaluating it using the two dimensional Pong application in BCI2000 and by comparing signals with those obtained with commercial equipment using standard metal electrodes.

Sneak previews

Mobile BCI: Playing Breakout on the mobile phone. (AVI)

Preparing the subject (AVI), Using the dry electrodes to play Pong (AVI)

Publications

• Rafael A. Calvo, Gaetano Gargiulo, André van Schaik, Craig Jin. "Penso: towards a wearable BCI." MAIA BCI Workshop. Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, June 2007. [PDF]

• Gargiulo, G., Bifulco, P., Calvo, R. A., Cesarelli, M., Fratini, A., Jin, C. (2008, 23-27 November). A wearable dry-electrode-capable Bluetooth personal monitoring system. Paper presented at the 4th European Conference for Medical and Biomedical Engineering, Antwerp, Belgium.

People

• Rafael A. Calvo
• Craig Jin
• Andre Van Schaik
• Gaetano Gargiulo
• Payam Aghaeipour
• Omar Alzoubi
• Irena Koprinska