Language-Model Assisted Brain Computer Interface for Typing: A Comparison of Matrix and Rapid Serial Visual Presentation

IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng. 2015 Sep;23(5):910-20. doi: 10.1109/TNSRE.2015.2411574. Epub 2015 Mar 11.

Abstract

Noninvasive electroencephalography (EEG)-based brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) popularly utilize event-related potential (ERP) for intent detection. Specifically, for EEG-based BCI typing systems, different symbol presentation paradigms have been utilized to induce ERPs. In this manuscript, through an experimental study, we assess the speed, recorded signal quality, and system accuracy of a language-model-assisted BCI typing system using three different presentation paradigms: a 4 × 7 matrix paradigm of a 28-character alphabet with row-column presentation (RCP) and single-character presentation (SCP), and rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) of the same. Our analyses show that signal quality and classification accuracy are comparable between the two visual stimulus presentation paradigms. In addition, we observe that while the matrix-based paradigm can be generally employed with lower inter-trial-interval (ITI) values, the best presentation paradigm and ITI value configuration is user dependent. This potentially warrants offering both presentation paradigms and variable ITI options to users of BCI typing systems.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Algorithms
  • Brain-Computer Interfaces*
  • Communication Aids for Disabled
  • Electroencephalography / methods*
  • Evoked Potentials, Visual / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Language
  • Machine Learning
  • Male
  • Models, Neurological
  • Natural Language Processing*
  • Pattern Recognition, Automated / methods
  • Photic Stimulation / methods*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Task Performance and Analysis
  • Word Processing*