Smartphones as pocketable labs: visions for mobile brain imaging and neurofeedback

Int J Psychophysiol. 2014 Jan;91(1):54-66. doi: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2013.08.007. Epub 2013 Aug 29.

Abstract

Mobile brain imaging solutions, such as the Smartphone Brain Scanner, which combines low cost wireless EEG sensors with open source software for real-time neuroimaging, may transform neuroscience experimental paradigms. Normally subject to the physical constraints in labs, neuroscience experimental paradigms can be transformed into dynamic environments allowing for the capturing of brain signals in everyday contexts. Using smartphones or tablets to access text or images may enable experimental design capable of tracing emotional responses when shopping or consuming media, incorporating sensorimotor responses reflecting our actions into brain machine interfaces, and facilitating neurofeedback training over extended periods. Even though the quality of consumer neuroheadsets is still lower than laboratory equipment and susceptible to environmental noise, we show that mobile neuroimaging solutions, like the Smartphone Brain Scanner, complemented by 3D reconstruction or source separation techniques may support a range of neuroimaging applications and thus become a valuable addition to high-end neuroimaging solutions.

Keywords: Brain monitoring; Brain-computer interface; EEG; Mobile sensor; Neuroimaging; Real-time; Source reconstruction.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Brain Mapping*
  • Brain-Computer Interfaces
  • Cell Phone*
  • Electroencephalography
  • Emotions
  • Female
  • Fingers
  • Functional Laterality
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Male
  • Neurofeedback / instrumentation*
  • Neurofeedback / methods*
  • Neuroimaging*
  • Photic Stimulation
  • Psychomotor Performance
  • Young Adult