Emotional state and cognitive load analysis using features from BVP and SC sensors

Abstract

In this paper, our goal is to map the psychophysiological signal features obtained from Blood Volume Pulse (BVP) and Skin Conductance (SC) sensors to each subjects emotional state and cognitive load. The psychophysiological signals are collected under tests (Stroop test, math test, and event recall test) targeting different levels of emotional state and cognitive load. We use the SC and BVP features as skin conductance response (SCR), heart rate (HR), and the spectral power in the low frequency (LF) band of the heart rate variability (HRV) spectrum for emotional state and cognitive load analysis. Our results show that HR and SCR are indicative features for determining the emotional state, and LF and SCR are indicative features for determining the cognitive load.