Mesh of SSVEP-Based BCI and Eye-Tracker for Use of Higher Frequency Stimuli and Lower Number of EEG Channels

Abstract

Steady-State Visually Evoked Potential (SSVEP) is widely used in Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) systems. However, the use of flickering stimuli at low frequencies causes visual fatigue for users. The visual fatigue increases when multiple stimuli are used, flickering at different frequencies. To overcome this problem, this paper present a solution by using single high frequency (30 Hz) stimulus interface with 30 targets. In the proposed system, the initial recognition of the target was achieved through the eye gaze position using an eye-tracker, and the selection/classification of command was provided by EEG. As only a single stimulating frequency was used (i.e. 30 Hz), thus, only two EEG electrodes (at positions Pz and Oz) were used along with g.USBamp amplifier. This reduced the setup-time for the preparation of the users. A new calibration technique for the eye tracker was designed and developed, which resulted in better eye gaze tracking. The results showed that higher classification accuracy can be achieved by using the mesh of SSVEP-based BCI system and eye-tracker as compared to the SSVEP-based BCI system.