Communication-assistive technology using P300-based Brain-Computer Interface(BCI) by auditory stimulation

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26350657
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Rehabilitation science/Welfare engineering
• Research Institution: Nagoya University (2015-2016); Shinshu University (2014)
• Principal Investigator: Makoto CHISHIMA 名古屋大学, 医学系研究科(保健), 教授 (80252112)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 身体障害系作業療法学 / 支援技術 / 意思伝達支援システム / 事象関連電位P300 / brain-computer interface / BCI / ヒユーマン・インタフェース / リハビリテーション工学

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) that progress to the total locked-in state (TLS) cannot use alternative devices for communication, which depend on motor functions. These devices are often used in occupational therapy for patient support, but are not applicable in such cases. We have engaged in basic studies for the development of BCI that use P300 ERP elicited by auditory stimulus, because users do not require particular trainings for eliciting P300, and eliciting P300 does not depend on visual function. The results of the present study suggested that bone conductive sounds were useful for BCI. There are some advantages of using bone conductive sound. For example, the bone conductive headphones do not need to cover the external auditory canals, which would allow the user to listen to conversations with other people while wearing these headphones. In addition, it is sufficient to use a bone conductive transducer at only one location for excitation.

Free Research Field

身体障害系作業療法学