Towards a Portable Magnetoencephalography Based Brain Computer Interface with Optically-Pumped Magnetometers

Andrew Y. Paek, Atilla Kilicarslan, Branislav Korenko, Vladislav Gerginov, Svenja Knappe, Jose L. Contreras-Vidal

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Brain Computer Interfaces (BCIs) allow individuals to control devices, machines and prostheses with their thoughts. Most feasibility studies with BCIs have utilized scalp electroencephalography (EEG), due to it being accessible, noninvasive, and portable. While BCIs have been studied with magnetoencephalography (MEG), the modality has limited applications due to the large immobile hardware. Here we propose that room-temperature, optically-pumped magnetometers (OPMs) can potentially serve a portable modality that can be used for BCIs. OPMs have the added advantage that low-frequency neuromagnetic fields are not affected by volume conduction, which is known to distort EEG signals. In this feasibility study, we tested an OPM system with a real-time BCI where able bodied participants controlled a cursor to reach two targets. This BCI system used alpha and beta-band power modulations associated with hand movements. Our preliminary results show significant alpha and beta-band desynchronization due to movement, as found in previous literature.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication42nd Annual International Conferences of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society
Subtitle of host publicationEnabling Innovative Technologies for Global Healthcare, EMBC 2020
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages3420-3423
Number of pages4
ISBN (Electronic)9781728119908
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2020
Event42nd Annual International Conferences of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, EMBC 2020 - Montreal, Canada
Duration: Jul 20 2020Jul 24 2020

Publication series

NameProceedings of the Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, EMBS
Volume2020-July
ISSN (Print)1557-170X

Conference

Conference42nd Annual International Conferences of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, EMBC 2020
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityMontreal
Period7/20/207/24/20

Keywords

  • This work explores the feasibility of using OPMs in a BCI
  • limb amputation
  • stroke
  • which can help restore motor function to survivors of spinal cord injury

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Signal Processing
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition
  • Health Informatics

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