L. Kirkup et al., EEG-BASED SYSTEM FOR RAPID ON-OFF SWITCHING WITHOUT PRIOR LEARNING, Medical & biological engineering & computing, 35(5), 1997, pp. 504-509
Details are reported of an EEG-based system that permits a person rapi
dly and reliably to switch on and off electrical devices without prior
learning. The system detects and utilises increases in the amplitude
of the alpha component of the EEG spectrum that occur when people clos
e their eyes for more than 1 s. In addition to conventional signal-pro
cessing elements, the system incorporates a module for suppressing swi
tching at the output of the system when predetermined noise threshold
levels (such as those due to sources of EMG) are exceeded. This work i
ndicates that a majority, perhaps in excess of 90%, of the adult popul
ation can demonstrate the control necessary to operate an electrical d
evice or appliance using this system. It is indicated that multilevel
switching and quasi-continuous control options are feasible with furth
er development of the system. This work has implications for the desig
n of a system that could be used, for example, to assist the infirm or
severely physically disabled to effect greater control over their env
ironment.