DESIGNING OF MOTORIZED WHEELCHAIR WITH BRAIN COMPUTER INTERFACE SYSTEM TO FULLY CONETROL IT FOR ALS PATINTS.

Abstract Brain?computer interfaces (BCIs) or mind machine interface (MMI) is the direct communication path between brain and external devices. Currently it is difficult for the persons suffering from stokes, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) which leads to complete paralys

Project Title

DESIGNING OF MOTORIZED WHEELCHAIR WITH BRAIN COMPUTER INTERFACE SYSTEM TO FULLY CONETROL IT FOR ALS PATINTS.

Project Area of Specialization

NeuroTech

Project Summary

Abstract

Brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) or mind machine interface (MMI) is the direct communication path between brain and external devices. Currently it is difficult for the persons suffering from stokes, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) which leads to complete paralysis to communicate with the real world. In this project, we will develop a cost effective Brain Computer Interface system to control the motorized wheel chair for physically disabled people using EEG signals obtained from the human brain. The NeuroSky product i.e. Brainwave headset mobile device is used to measure the human brainwave signals. The signals are then mapped and compared with the reference value of attention and meditation level along with blinking eye signal. The wheelchair moves in different directions and can be controlled effectively using thoughts of the individual precisely. So the human ability is used effectively to control the given wheelchair using accuracy of about 95%.

Project Objectives

Objectives

The proposed system uses “Neuro-Sky Mindwave” headset or device to acquire EEG signals from human brain. The signal is then directed to microcontroller attached to the wheelchair via Bluetooth. The project intends to achieve following objectives after completion:

• The project aim is to design a smart wheelchair using inexpensive hardware and open source software.
• The designed system would be portable for the user.
• The designed system would reduce user’s effort in controlling the wheelchair and help ALS patients to communicate with the world.
• It ensure the safety during movement.

Project Implementation Method

Methodology 

The wheelchair is designed to be automatic by using DC gear motors and VNH2SP30 Monster motor shield to control the motors through micro controller i.e. Arduino UNO for this project. The arduino took command through Brain EEG signals via HC005 Bluetooth module.

The user’s brain activity is sensed by EEG device called “NeuroSky Mind Wave” head-set. It consists of an electrode positioned in frontal position of the user scalp. The electric activity of brain is sensed by the electrode and the corresponding values are recorded. These signals are mapped at a rate of 512 SPS (samples per second). The recorded values are then transmitted in two ways, via USB cable and through Bluetooth.

Analysis of this EEG signal is done using Lab VIEW software. It is possible to collect and store data from NeuroSky Mind Wave head set and applying signal conditioning techniques to obtain the brain waves like beta waves(12-30Hz), alpha waves(8-12Hz), theta waves (5-7Hz) and delta (0.16-4Hz). These signals are analysed in FFT power spectrum. A suitable algorithm is applied to identify the command for the wheel chair depending upon the attention and meditation level. The Lab VIEW software in the laptop, after performing the above process and identifying the command, generates corresponding data signal. This signal is level shifted using Max 232 IC to interface with microcontroller.

Motor control circuitry initiates corresponding activity of the motor driven wheel chair. Thus the user is able to manoeuvre the wheel chair safely. To ensure the safety of the user, Ultrasonic sensors, mounted on Servo motor are used. Also, the Arduino is programmed in such a way that the wheelchair will never speed up against the set limit.

Benefits of the Project

Beneficits

• To reduce user’s effort in controlling the wheelchair and help ALS patients to communicate with the world. 
• This will be advancement in medical technology.
• Will definitely try to ensure safety of user during movement.
• System will be potable for user.
• Aim is to design wheelchair using inexpensive hardware and oper source. 

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

This project is about motorized wheelchair with BCI system. In this project,  a simple wheelchair has been fabricated with 24V 300W motors and two 12V 50Ah rechargable lead acid batteries. Wheelchair has been controlled with Arduino UNO, bluetooth module HC-05 and neurosky mind wave headset.The HC-05 has frequency of 2.4GHz ISM band, modulation GFSK(Gaussian Frequency Shift Keying) and speeds Asynchronous: 2.1Mbps(Max) / 160 kbps while Synchronous is 1Mbps/1Mbps.The neurosky mind wave headset provides MMI(mind machine interface).

The MindWave headset safely measures and outputs the EEG power spectrums (alpha waves, beta waves, etc), NeuroSky eSense meters (attention and meditation) and eye blinks. The device consists of a headset, an ear-clip, and a sensor arm. The headset’s reference and ground electrodes are on the ear clip and the EEG electrode is on the sensor arm, resting on the forehead above the eye (FP1 position). It uses a single AAA battery with 8 hours of battery life.

Final Deliverable of the Project

Hardware System

Core Industry

Medical

Other Industries

Core Technology

NeuroTech

Other Technologies

Robotics, Wearables and Implantables

Sustainable Development Goals

Good Health and Well-Being for People, Quality Education

Required Resources

If you need this project, please contact me on contact@adikhanofficial.com