Optimizing user experience in SSVEP-BCI systems

• Published in: Progress in brain research Vol. 290; p. 105
• Main Authors: Chang, Chih-Tsung, Pai, Kai-Jun, Huang, Chun-Hui, Chou, Chia-Yi, Liu, Kun-Wei, Lin, Hong-Bo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands 2024
• Subjects: Adult; Brain-Computer Interfaces; Electroencephalography; Evoked Potentials, Visual - physiology; Female; Humans; Male; Photic Stimulation - methods; Signal-To-Noise Ratio; Visual Perception - physiology; Young Adult; Brain-computer interface; Critical fusion frequency; Steady-state visually evoked potentials; Fast Fourier transform; LED stimulator
• ISSN: 1875-7855; 1875-7855
• DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2024.05.010

The emergence of brain-computer interface (BCI) technology provides enormous potential for human medical and daily applications. Therefore, allowing users to tolerate the visual response of SSVEP for a long time has always been an important issue in the SSVEP-BCI system. We recruited three subjects and conducted visual experiments in groups using different frequencies (17 and 25Hz) and 60Hz light. After recording the physiological signal, use FFT to perform a time-frequency analysis on the physiological signal to check whether there is any difference in the signal-to-noise ratio and amplitude of the 60Hz light source compared with a single low-frequency signal source. The results show that combining a 60Hz light source with low-frequency LEDs can reduce participants' eye discomfort while achieving effective light stimulation control. At the same time, there was no significant difference in signal-to-noise ratio and amplitude between the groups. This also means that 60Hz can make vision more continuous and improve the subject's experience and comfort. At the same time, it does not affect the performance of the original SSVEP-induced response. This study highlights the importance of considering technical aspects and user comfort when designing SSVEP-BCI systems to increase the usability of SSVEP systems for long-term flash viewing.