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Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation

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Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research

Brain-Computer Interface application: auditory serial interface to control a two-class motor-imagery-based wheelchair

Authors: Ricardo Ron-Angevin, Francisco Velasco-Álvarez, Álvaro Fernández-Rodríguez, Antonio Díaz-Estrella, María José Blanca-Mena, Francisco Javier Vizcaíno-Martín

Published in: Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation | Issue 1/2017

Abstract

Background

Certain diseases affect brain areas that control the movements of the patients’ body, thereby limiting their autonomy and communication capacity. Research in the field of Brain-Computer Interfaces aims to provide patients with an alternative communication channel not based on muscular activity, but on the processing of brain signals. Through these systems, subjects can control external devices such as spellers to communicate, robotic prostheses to restore limb movements, or domotic systems. The present work focus on the non-muscular control of a robotic wheelchair.

Method

A proposal to control a wheelchair through a Brain–Computer Interface based on the discrimination of only two mental tasks is presented in this study. The wheelchair displacement is performed with discrete movements. The control signals used are sensorimotor rhythms modulated through a right-hand motor imagery task or mental idle state. The peculiarity of the control system is that it is based on a serial auditory interface that provides the user with four navigation commands. The use of two mental tasks to select commands may facilitate control and reduce error rates compared to other endogenous control systems for wheelchairs.

Results

Seventeen subjects initially participated in the study; nine of them completed the three sessions of the proposed protocol. After the first calibration session, seven subjects were discarded due to a low control of their electroencephalographic signals; nine out of ten subjects controlled a virtual wheelchair during the second session; these same nine subjects achieved a medium accuracy level above 0.83 on the real wheelchair control session.

Conclusion

The results suggest that more extensive training with the proposed control system can be an effective and safe option that will allow the displacement of a wheelchair in a controlled environment for potential users suffering from some types of motor neuron diseases.

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Title: Brain-Computer Interface application: auditory serial interface to control a two-class motor-imagery-based wheelchair
Authors: Ricardo Ron-Angevin
Francisco Velasco-Álvarez
Álvaro Fernández-Rodríguez
Antonio Díaz-Estrella
María José Blanca-Mena
Francisco Javier Vizcaíno-Martín
Publication date: 01-12-2017
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1743-0003
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12984-017-0261-y

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Brain-Computer Interface application: auditory serial interface to control a two-class motor-imagery-based wheelchair

Abstract

Background

Method

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Method

Results

Conclusion

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