BCI inside a virtual reality classroom: a potential training tool for attention

Abstract

Background: A growing population is diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and are currently being treated with psychostimulants. Brain Computer Interface (BCI) is a method of communicating with an external program or device based on measured electrical signals from the brain. A particular brain signal, the P300 potential, can be measured about 300 ms after a voluntary cognitive involvement to external stimuli. By utilizing the P300 potential, we have designed a BCI-assisted exercising tool targeting attention enhancement within an immersive 3D virtual reality (VR) classroom. Methods: Combining a low-cost infrared camera with an "off-axis perspective projection" algorithm to achieve the illusion of 3D, an engaging training environment has been created. The setup also includes a single measurement electrode placed on the scalp above the parietal lobe (Pz). Two sets of experiments have been performed to elicit the P300 potential. One used a system which is a variant of Farwell and Donchin's famous P300 speller and the other used a system where the user is required to search for a specific letter in a series of changing images. A non-linear optimized support vector machine (SVM) classifier has been used to automatically detect the P300 potential. Results: Six subjects have participated in the preliminary experiment to test the prototype system, and an average error rate below 0.30 have been achieved, which is noteworthy considering the simplicity of the scheme. Conclusions:This work has successfully demonstrated a non-intrusive, low-cost, and portable system targeting attention in a motivating and engaging environment.

Playing a P300-based BCI VR game leads to changes in cognitive functions of healthy adults

“…10). This results can be associated with the improvement in evocation of ERPs in some healthy subjects, induced by training and increase in attention (Rohani and Puthusserypady, 2015).…”

“…A study performed by (Rohani and Puthusserypady, 2015) demonstrated the use of P300 speller as attention training system, showing that P300 is connected to attention in the healthy subjects. In the other recent study P300based speller BCI was used in neurofeedback training game, yielding in enhancement of ERP components, changing and increase in spatial attention tasks results (Amaral et al, 2015).…”

Classification of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Considering Diagnosis and Treatment

“…A research [40] is a treatment procedure for ADHD by designing an interface in assistance with P300 and VR, and achieved average error rate below 30%. In VR brain computer interface is a method, in assistance a system is designed with six subjects and achieved error rate below 0.30 [41]. Table 7 gives the Summary of ADHD using Virtual Reality.…”

Comparative Review of BCI Interface for Cognitive Performance

“…The experiment regulates measurement collected from a particular electrode located on the scalp above the parietal lobe (Pz).To evoke P300 potential two arrangements of trials have been executed. One of the trial was operated the features of "P300 speller" and the second system applied in an environment where the user prerequisite was to explore a particular letter in a sessions of altering graphic images [15]. The compilation of results and feedback are accumulated from the healthy individuals who contributed in participating in the P300 based Virtual Reality system.…”