Article

A brain-computer interface (BCI) is a communication system that can help users
interact with the outside environment by translating brain signals into machine
commands. The use of electroencephalographic (EEG) signals has become the most
common approach for a BCI because of their usability and strong reliability. Many
EEG-based BCI devices have been developed with traditional wet- or
micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS)-type EEG sensors. However, those
traditional sensors have uncomfortable disadvantage and require conductive gel
and skin preparation on the part of the user. Therefore, acquiring the EEG
signals in a comfortable and convenient manner is an important factor that should
be incorporated into a novel BCI device. In the present study, a wearable,
wireless and portable EEG-based BCI device with dry foam-based EEG sensors was
developed and was demonstrated using a gaming control application. The dry EEG
sensors operated without conductive gel; however, they were able to provide good
conductivity and were able to acquire EEG signals effectively by adapting to
irregular skin surfaces and by maintaining proper skin-sensor impedance on the
forehead site. We have also demonstrated a real-time cognitive stage detection
application of gaming control using the proposed portable device. The results of
the present study indicate that using this portable EEG-based BCI device to
conveniently and effectively control the outside world provides an approach for
researching rehabilitation engineering.

Langue : ANGLAIS