The Emotiv EPOC neuroheadset: an inexpensive method of controlling assistive technologies using facial expressions and thoughts?

Abstract

Purpose -The EPOC neuroheadset is a commercially available device that allows game players to control a computer using their facial expressions or their thoughts. This paper aims to examine whether it has the potential to be used as an input for assistive technology (AT) devices.Design/methodology/approach -Two experiments were conducted. In the first, 12 non-impaired subjects used the neuroheadset to control a computer with their facial expressions. They also used a simple system of two head switches for comparison. In the second experiment, three non-impaired subjects were trained to use the neuroheadset to control a computer with their thoughts.Findings -In the first experiment, the neuroheadset was slower and less accurate than the head switches ( p , 0.05), and was also harder to use. It is unlikely to be preferred to existing methods of accessing AT for those that retain a small amount of head movement. In the second experiment, by the end of the week, all three subjects achieved accuracy rates greater than chance.Research limitations/implications -All subjects were non-impaired, and the sample size in the second experiment was small. Further research should concentrate on the second experiment, using larger sample sizes and impaired subjects.Practical implications -The EPOC neuroheadset is substantially cheaper than similar specialist devices, and has the potential to allow those with no voluntary muscle control to access AT with their thoughts.Originality/value -The results of these two experiments show that the Emotiv EPOC neuroheadset can be used as an interface for non-impaired users to transfer information to a computer, which could in turn be used to control AT.

The Emotiv EPOC interface paradigm in Human-Computer Interaction

“…Experiments realized by Lievesley and others [1] in 2011, demonstrate that Emotiv EPOC can be used as a communication interface with a computer that, in turn, could control a neuroprotective device. There were, in fact, 2 projects that started from the following assumptions: 1.…”

Brain-computer interface: controlling a robotic arm using facial expressions

“…The EEG signal is acquired from the brain using a wireless Emotiv EPOC headset [9,10] that receives EEG signals via electrodes placed on the human scalp (San Francisco, CA, USA). The Emotiv EPOC headset has 14 electrodes plus 2 reference electrodes that are located at positions AF3, AF4, F3, F4, F7, F8, FC5, FC6, P7, P8, T7, T8, O1, and O2 based on the international 10-20 system [11,12] of electrode placement.…”

Brain Computer Interface for Micro-controller Driven Robot Based on Emotiv Sensors

“…Signals are fetched by an Emotiv EPOC [25] which is a wireless and multiple channeled neuro-head-gear which has 14 sensors to detect electric signals detected from brain. It is used to acquire EEG signals.…”