Haptic Feedback Device for Increased BCI Learning Rate

Abstract

Using a non-invasive electroencephalography (EEG) skullcap, electrical signals pertaining to mu rhythms (8-12 Hz) and beta rhythms (18-25 Hz) can be acquired from a subject either physically moving or imagining a movement. Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) have been developed to acquire EEG signals and produce useful command signals. To be successful for use with BCI technology, the user must undergo a tedious and time intensive learning process in order to control EEG signals. Dr. Jane Huggins, the principal investigator of the University of Michigan Direct Brain Interface (UM-DBI) project found that it takes a user 20 to 25 sessions of an hour duration to control an on-screen cursor using BCI technology. Currently, the only BCI feedback available at the UM-DBI project is visual. We believe that the addition of a sensory feedback that imitates a natural muscle movement could improve the BCI learning process, making BCI technology available and appealing to a wider range of patients both locally and worldwide. In order to achieve this increased learning rate, we aim to create a device that not only mimics the motion imagined by the user, but also creates this motion in such a way that the user feels a sense of agency. The haptic feedback device designed by ME 450 Team 19 will be incorporated into the UM-DBI project BCI set up to test if the learning rate for BCI mastery is increased.