Brain Computer Interface-Controlling Devices Utilizing The Alpha Brain Waves

Abstract

This paper describes the development and testing of an interface system whereby one can control external devices by voluntarily controlling alpha waves, that is through eye movement. Such a system may be used for the control of prosthetics, robotic arms and external devices like wheelchairs using the alpha brain waves and the Mu rhythm. The response generated through the movement of the eye (detecting and controlling the amplitude of the alpha brain waves) is interfaced and processed to control Robotic systems and smart home control. In order to measure the response of alpha waves over different lobes of the brain, initially I measured these signals over 32 regions using silver chloride plated electrodes. By the opening and the closure of the eyes and the movement in the up-down, left-right directions and processing these movements, measuring them over the occipital region I was able to differentiate the amplitude of the alpha waves generated due to these several movements. In the First session (testing period), subjects were asked to close and open their eyes and they were able to control limited movements of a Robot and a prosthetic arm. In the Second 2session the movement of the eyes was also considered (left-right, up-down) along with the opening and closure, during this time span they were able to control more dimensions of the robot, several devices at the same time using different eye movements.