An Intuitively Controllable System for a Power Wheelchair using a Simple EEG Recorder and a Smart Glass: Investigation of an Induction Method for a β/α ratio by Visual Feedback

Abstract

Techniques using electroencephalography (EEG) based brain computer interfaces (BCIs) have been developed and are eagerly anticipated as novel interfaces for controlling some electric devices including power wheelchair. In addition, smart glass technology also has been developed and anticipated as new wearable interfaces. In this study, we proposed an intuitive control system for a power wheelchair which is composed of a simple EEG recorder, a smart glass and a microcontroller. In this system, the power wheelchair moves straight ahead when a user concentrates, stops when the user blinks, and turns left or right tilt his/her neck to the left or right, respectively. A β/α ratio as an indicator of the concentration and a blinking are detected from a raw EEG signal, and the tilting neck is detected by an acceleration sensor in the smart glass. Furthermore, the β/α ratio is induced by a visual feedback which is displayed on the smart glass. Our results show that the system successfully worked for twelve subjects, and the visual feedback have the effect to induce the β/α ratio in specific concentrating states.