Abstract
Brain-computer interfaces represent a range of acknowledged technologies that translate brain activity into computer commands. The aim of our research is to develop and evaluate a BCI control application for certain assistive technologies that can be used for remote telepresence or remote driving. The communication channel to the target device is based on the steady-state visual evoked potentials. In order to test the control application, a mobile robotic car (MRC) was introduced and a four-class BCI graphical user interface (with live video feedback and stimulation boxes on the same screen) for piloting the MRC was designed. For the purpose of evaluating a potential real-life scenario for such assistive technology, we present a study where 61 subjects steered the MRC through a predetermined route. All 61 subjects were able to control the MRC and finish the experiment (mean time 207.08 s, SD 50.25) with a mean (SD) accuracy and ITR of 93.03% (5.73) and 14.07 bits/min (4.44), respectively. The results show that our proposed SSVEP-based BCI control application is suitable for mobile robots with a shared-control approach. We also did not observe any negative influence of the simultaneous live video feedback and SSVEP stimulation on the performance of the BCI system.
Highlights
The idea of remotely operated vehicles without the necessity of manual supervision concerns humankind since the end of 19th century
Gergondet et al listed three factors with respect to how the live video feedback in the background can influence the SSVEP stimulation: distraction due to what is happening on the video, distraction due to what is happening around the user, and variation in luminosity below the stimuli shown to the user [30]
brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) key parameters were determined by the Wizard software
Summary
The idea of remotely operated vehicles without the necessity of manual supervision concerns humankind since the end of 19th century. For some people with severe motor impairments like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or spinal cord injury (SCI), traditional control interfaces, such as a 2-axis joystick, a keyboard, or a mouse, are not suitable, as they require precise movement control over the limbs, which in their case is not possible due to nerve cells degradation or spinal nerve damage. For these people, accurate control interfaces can be realized through modern technologies such as brain-computer interfaces (BCIs)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
