A real-time SSVEP-based brain-computer interface music player application

Abstract

A real-time Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) music player based on steady-state visually evoked potentials (SSVEPs) is presented. This asynchronous BCI can distinguish up to six simultaneously occurring stimuli in addition to idle states during which the user does not want to execute a command. Distinguishing between an intended and non-intended control signal is an essential element for the seamless integration of BCIs with other user activities. The user-friendly design of the music player is based on typical smart phone applications integrated with flickering stimuli that evoke SSVEPs. In addition, the BCI requires only one bipolar EEG channel thus having an easy and quick setup time. The tests conducted by five subjects resulted in a mean kappa coefficient of 0.87 using the asynchronous BCI. This high performance demonstrates the potential of using the system as an assistive application for people suffering from motor impairments and even as an entertainment application for healthy users.