Classification of motor imagery tasks for brain-computer interface applications by means of two equivalent dipoles analysis.

We have developed a novel approach using source analysis for classifying motor imagery tasks. Two-equivalent-dipoles analysis was proposed to aid classification of motor imagery tasks for brain-computer interface (BCI) applications. By solving the electroencephalography (EEG) inverse problem of single trial data, it is found that the source analysis approach can aid classification of motor imagination of left- or right-hand movement without training. In four human subjects, an averaged accuracy of classification of 80% was achieved. The present study suggests the merits and feasibility of applying EEG inverse solutions to BCI applications from noninvasive EEG recordings.     

Improving the separability of motor imagery EEG signals using a cross correlation-based least square support vector machine for brain-computer interface

Although brain-computer interface (BCI) techniques have been developing quickly in recent decades, there still exist a number of unsolved problems, such as improvement of motor imagery (MI) signal classification. In this paper, we propose a hybrid algorithm to improve the classification success rate of MI-based electroencephalogram (EEG) signals in BCIs. The proposed scheme develops a novel cross-correlation based feature extractor, which is aided with a least square support vector machine (LS-SVM) for two-class MI signals recognition. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed classifier, we replace the LS-SVM classifier by a logistic regression classifier and a kernel logistic regression classifier, separately, with the same features extracted from the cross-correlation technique for the classification. The proposed approach is tested on datasets, IVa and IVb of BCI Competition III. The performances of those methods are evaluated with classification accuracy through a 10-fold cross-validation procedure. We also assess the performance of the proposed method by comparing it with eight recently reported algorithms. Experimental results on the two datasets show that the proposed LS-SVM classifier provides an improvement compared to the logistic regression and kernel logistic regression classifiers. The results also indicate that the proposed approach outperforms the most recently reported eight methods and achieves a 7.40% improvement over the best results of the other eight studies.     

Utilizing gamma band to improve mental task based brain-computer interface design.

A common method for designing brain-computer Interface (BCI) is to use electroencephalogram (EEG) signals extracted during mental tasks. In these BCI designs, features from EEG such as power and asymmetry ratios from delta, theta, alpha, and beta bands have been used in classifying different mental tasks. In this paper, the performance of the mental task based BCI design is improved by using spectral power and asymmetry ratios from gamma (24-37 Hz) band in addition to the lower frequency bands. In the experimental study, EEG signals extracted during five mental tasks from four subjects were used. Elman neural network (ENN) trained by the resilient backpropagation algorithm was used to classify the power and asymmetry ratios from EEG into different combinations of two mental tasks. The results indicated that ((1) the classification performance and training time of the BCI design were improved through the use of additional gamma band features; (2) classification performances were nearly invariant to the number of ENN hidden units or feature extraction method.     

Cognitive tasks for driving a brain-computer interfacing system: a pilot study

Different cognitive tasks were investigated for use with a brain-computer interface (BCI). The main aim was to evaluate which two of several candidate tasks lead to patterns of electroencephalographic (EEG) activity that could be differentiated most reliably and, therefore, produce the highest communication rate. An optimal signal processing method was also sought to enhance differentiation of EEG profiles across tasks. In ten normal subjects (five male), aged 29-54 years, EEG activity was recorded from four channels during cognitive tasks grouped in pairs, and performed alternately. Four imagery tasks were: spatial navigation around a familiar environment; auditory imagery of a familiar tune; and right and left motor imagery of opening and closing the hand. Signal processing methodology included autoregressive (AR) modeling and classification based on logistic regression and a nonlinear generative classifier. The highest communication rate was found using the navigation and auditory imagery tasks. In terms of classification performance and, hence, possible communication rate, these results were significantly better (p < 0.05) than those obtained with the classical pairing of motor tasks involving imaginary movements of the left and right hands. In terms of EEG data analysis, a nonlinear classification model provided more robust results than a linear model (p < 0.01), and a lower AR model order than those used in previous work was found to be effective. These findings have implications for establishing appropriate methods to operate BCI systems, particularly for disabled people who may experience difficulty with motor tasks, even motor imagery.     

The use of EEG modifications due to motor imagery for brain-computer interfaces

The opening of a communication channel between brain and computer [brain-computer interface (BCI)] is possible by using changes in electroencephalogram (EEG) power spectra related to the imagination of movements. In this paper, we present results obtained by recording EEG during an upper limb motor imagery task in a total of 18 subjects by using low-resolution surface Laplacian, different linear and quadratic classifiers, as well as a variable number of scalp electrodes, from 2 to 26. The results (variable correct classification rate of mental imagery between 75% and 95%) suggest that it is possible to recognize quite reliably ongoing mental movement imagery for BCI applications.     

Comparison of linear, nonlinear, and feature selection methods for EEG signal classification

The reliable operation of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) based on spontaneous electroencephalogram (EEG) signals requires accurate classification of multichannel EEG. The design of EEG representations and classifiers for BCI are open research questions whose difficulty stems from the need to extract complex spatial and temporal patterns from noisy multidimensional time series obtained from EEG measurements. The high-dimensional and noisy nature of EEG may limit the advantage of nonlinear classification methods over linear ones. This paper reports the results of a linear (linear discriminant analysis) and two nonlinear classifiers (neural networks and support vector machines) applied to the classification of spontaneous EEG during five mental tasks, showing that nonlinear classifiers produce only slightly better classification results. An approach to feature selection based on genetic algorithms is also presented with preliminary results of application to EEG during finger movement.     

A time-series prediction approach for feature extraction in a brain-computer interface.

This paper presents a feature extraction procedure (FEP) for a brain-computer interface (BCI) application where features are extracted from the electroencephalogram (EEG) recorded from subjects performing right and left motor imagery. Two neural networks (NNs) are trained to perform one-step-ahead predictions for the EEG time-series data, where one NN is trained on right motor imagery and the other on left motor imagery. Features are derived from the power (mean squared) of the prediction error or the power of the predicted signals. All features are calculated from a window through which all predicted signals pass. Separability of features is achieved due to the morphological differences of the EEG signals and each NNs specialization to the type of data on which it is trained. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) is used for classification. This FEP is tested on three subjects off-line and classification accuracy (CA) rates range between 88% and 98%. The approach compares favorably to a well-known adaptive autoregressive (AAR) FEP and also a linear AAR model based prediction approach.     

基于TRCSP和L2范数的脑电通道选择方法

脑-机接口（BCI）系统常用高密度电极通道来获取较高空间分辨率的脑电（EEG）信号，但同时也会引入过多的噪声通道，影响脑电的解码性能。为了消除无关的噪声通道，提出了一种基于Tikhonov正则化共空间模式（TRCSP）和L2范数的运动想象脑电通道选择方法。首先基于TRCSP和分类器得到最优的空间滤波器，接着基于L2范数对空间滤波器得到的各通道的权重值进行排序。选择前K个通道的数据进行CSP特征提取，根据分类器的分类准确率确定最优K值，进而得到最优的通道数和通道组合。在实验中，使用6种分类器分别在BCI竞赛III（2005）数据集IVa和实验室自采集数据上验证所提出的通道选择方法的有效性。所提出的方法在两个数据集上的平均分类准确率分别达到了87.57%和74.32%，优于其它现有的方法。     

A parametric feature extraction and classification strategy for brain-computer interfacing.

Parametric modeling strategies are explored in conjunction with linear discriminant analysis for use in an electroencephalogram (EEG)-based brain-computer interface (BCI). A left/right self-paced typing exercise is analyzed by extending the usual autoregressive (AR) model for EEG feature extraction with an AR with exogenous input (ARX) model for combined filtering and feature extraction. The ensemble averaged Bereitschafts potential (an event related potential preceding the onset of movement) forms the exogenous signal input to the ARX model. Based on trials with six subjects, the ARX case of modeling both the signal and noise was found to be considerably more effective than modeling the noise alone (common in BCI systems) with the AR method yielding a classification accuracy of 52.8+/-4.8% and the ARX method an accuracy of 79.1+/-3.9 % across subjects. The results suggest a role for ARX-based feature extraction in BCIs based on evoked and event-related potentials.     

Current trends in Graz Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) research.

This paper describes a research approach to develop a brain-computer interface (BCI) based on recognition of subject-specific EEG patterns. EEG signals recorded from sensorimotor areas during mental imagination of specific movements are classified on-line and used e.g. for cursor control. In a number of on-line experiments, various methods for EEG feature extraction and classification have been evaluated.     

Rapid prototyping of an EEG-based brain-computer interface (BCI)

The electroencephalogram (EEG) is modified by motor imagery and can be used by patients with severe motor impairments (e.g., late stage of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) to communicate with their environment. Such a direct connection between the brain and the computer is known as an EEG-based brain-computer interface (BCI). This paper describes a new type of BCI system that uses rapid prototyping to enable a fast transition of various types of parameter estimation and classification algorithms to real-time implementation and testing. Rapid prototyping is possible by using Matlab, Simulink, and the Real-Time Workshop. It is shown how to automate real-time experiments and perform the interplay between on-line experiments and offline analysis. The system is able to process multiple EEG channels on-line and operates under Windows 95 in real-time on a standard PC without an additional DSP board. The BCI can be controlled over the Internet, LAN or modem. This BCI was tested on 3 subjects whose task it was to imagine either left or right hand movement. A classification accuracy between 70% and 95% could be achieved with two EEG channels after some sessions with feedback using an adaptive autoregressive model and linear discriminant analysis     

特征可分性显式建模的跨数据库脑电解码方法

目前,在运动想象解码领域,研究主要集中在被试依赖和被试独立解码两种方法上。然而,这两种解码方式在脑机接口（BCI）系统的实际使用中存在较大局限性。被试依赖和被试独立解码都依赖于同一中心数据集,当解码模型应用于其他中心的数据集时,性能将显著下降,无法满足BCI系统跨中心使用的需求。为提升运动想象脑电跨数据库解码性能,基于领域泛化的方法框架,提出了一种基于Fisher准则正则化的稀疏选择模型。在最小绝对值收缩和选择算子（LASSO）模型的基础上,引入Fisher准则正则项,以在特征选择过程中显式建模特征的可分性。这有助于提高领域泛化的表示学习能力,从而增强分类模型在不同数据集上的泛化性能。采用两个公开的运动想象脑电数据集,并使用滤波器组共空间模式（FBCSP）和多时频共空间模式（MTFCSP）两种特征提取方法,验证了所提方法的有效性, 进一步使用自采集的数据也证实了该方法在实际应用中同样有效。与现有的方法相比,所提方法取得了最高平均分类准确率,达到67.26%。实验结果表明,所提方法在运动想象跨数据库解码中具有更好的泛化能力、更高的特征可分性、更好的鲁棒性。所提方法有望促进BCI系统跨中心使用,提高通用性。     

Parallel man-machine training in development of EEG-based cursor control.

A new parallel man-machine training approach to brain-computer interface (BCI) succeeded through a unique application of machine learning methods. The BCI system could train users to control an animated cursor on the computer screen by voluntary electroencephalogram (EEG) modulation. Our BCI system requires only two to four electrodes, and has a relatively short training time for both the user and the machine. Moving the cursor in one dimension, our subjects were able to hit 100% of randomly selected targets, while in two dimensions, accuracies of approximately 63% and 76% was achieved with our two subjects.     

视觉激励调制对脑电信号识别的影响研究

针对不同的视觉激励调制方式导致某些被试分类准确率较低的问题,本文设计了4种频率的4种波形激励诱发范式,并首次提出倒锯齿波激励范式。实验采集了8名被试的脑电信号并通过提取频率能量特征及分类发现不同激励对被试的准确率产生不同的影响。在此基础上,选择诱发被试最高能量的波形组成定制范式,并与各被试的其余范式进行平均分类准确率对比。结果表明,首次提出的倒锯齿波的激励效果要好于传统激励范式,同时,定制范式相比于单一波形激励的平均准确率提高了3%～12%。因此,倒锯齿波及定制视觉激励范式可以提高SSVEP-BCI系统的性能。     

ASMI-BCI 特征调制及分类性能研究

基于运动想象(MI)的脑-机接口(BCI)近年来被应用于肢体运动功能的可塑性康复。采用视觉辅助刺激可以有效增强MI-BCI系统的分类性能,但视觉障碍患者无法使用。因此本文设计了基于听觉辅助刺激的ASMI-BCI,发现动态声音辅助刺激可以提高大脑运动相关皮层的兴奋性,增强系统的可分性特征。10名在校大学生(5男5女,平均22.6岁)3类实验范式(C-SW、C-DA、C-DV)的平均结果表明,C-SW范式分类正确率最低、C-DA次之、C-DV范式正确率最高。听觉辅助刺激范式的最优分类正确率可达76.03%,相比传统MI-BCI范式显著性提升了8.83%,且60%的被试使用该范式的分类正确率可高于70%。使用动态听觉辅助刺激范式可以为视觉障碍患者提供一种特征调制和BCI性能增强的新模式、新方法。     

Application of tripolar concentric electrodes and prefeature selection algorithm for brain-computer interface.

For persons with severe disabilities, a brain-computer interface (BCI) may be a viable means of communication. Lapalacian electroencephalogram (EEG) has been shown to improve classification in EEG recognition. In this work, the effectiveness of signals from tripolar concentric electrodes and disc electrodes were compared for use as a BCI. Two sets of left/right hand motor imagery EEG signals were acquired. An autoregressive (AR) model was developed for feature extraction with a Mahalanobis distance based linear classifier for classification. An exhaust selection algorithm was employed to analyze three factors before feature extraction. The factors analyzed were 1) length of data in each trial to be used, 2) start position of data, and 3) the order of the AR model. The results showed that tripolar concentric electrodes generated significantly higher classification accuracy than disc electrodes.     

Application of Tripolar Concentric Electrodes and Prefeature Selection Algorithm for Brain–Computer Interface

For persons with severe disabilities, a brain-computer interface (BCI) may be a viable means of communication. Lapalacian electroencephalogram (EEG) has been shown to improve classification in EEG recognition. In this work, the effectiveness of signals from tripolar concentric electrodes and disc electrodes were compared for use as a BCI. Two sets of left/right hand motor imagery EEG signals were acquired. An autoregressive (AR) model was developed for feature extraction with a Mahalanobis distance based linear classifier for classification. An exhaust selection algorithm was employed to analyze three factors before feature extraction. The factors analyzed were 1) length of data in each trial to be used, 2) start position of data, and 3) the order of the AR model. The results showed that tripolar concentric electrodes generated significantly higher classification accuracy than disc electrodes.     

Information transfer rate in a five-classes brain-computerinterface

The information transfer rate, given in bits per trial, is used as an evaluation measurement in a brain-computer interface (BCI). Three subjects performed four motor-imagery (left hand, right hand, foot, and tongue) and one mental-calculation task. Classification of the EEG patterns is based on band power estimates and hidden Markov models. We propose a method that combines the EEG patterns based on separability into subsets of two, three, four, and five mental tasks. The information transfer rates of the BCI systems comprised of these subsets are reported. The achieved information transfer rates vary from 0.42 to 0.81 bits per trial and reveal that the upper limit of different mental tasks for a BCI system is three. In each subject, different combinations of three tasks resulted in the best performance     

Unsupervised adaptation of electroencephalogram signal processing based on fuzzy C‐means algorithm

This paper studies an unsupervised approach for online adaptation of electroencephalogram (EEG) based brain–computer interface (BCI). The approach is based on the fuzzy C‐means (FCM) algorithm. It can be used to improve the adaptability of BCIs to the change in brain states by online updating the linear discriminant analysis classifier. In order to evaluate the performance of the proposed approach, we applied it to a set of simulation data and compared with other unsupervised adaptation algorithms. The results show that the FCM‐based algorithm can achieve a desirable capability in adapting to changes and discovering class information from unlabeled data. The algorithm has also been tested by the real EEG data recorded in experiments in our laboratory and the data from other sources (set IIb of the BCI Competition IV). The results of real data are consistent with that of simulation data. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Man-machine communications through brain-wave processing

The possibility of monitoring voluntarily produced changes in the electroencephalogram (EEG) of a subject and translating these changes into a set of commands to be issued to an external device was investigated. Subjects performed five distinct tasks under both eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions. A feature set consisting of the asymmetry ratios and the power values for each lead at four frequency bands-delta (0-3 Hz) theta (4-7 Hz), alpha (8-13 Hz), and beta (14-20 Hz)-was used to characterize the EEG. The feature sets created from an estimate of the spectral density of the EEG for each task were used to test classification accuracy among the various tasks using a Bayes quadratic classifier. The results show that it is possible to distinguish, to a high degree of accuracy, among the various mental tasks studied, using only the EEG.