To develop a homebased neurofeedback system using EEG

Project Title

To develop a homebased neurofeedback system using EEG

Project Area of Specialization NeuroTechProject Summary INTRODUCTION

Our project is to design a portable home based neurofeedback system with the alongside development of Interfacing soft wares for the record and analysis of EEG waves.

With the ongoing advancements in the fields of medicine and engineering, neuroscience (also known as neural science) serves as a connecting link to bridge the gap between these diversified disciplines. 

Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary field that refers to the study of physiology, anatomy, neurology – briefly biological sciences of the nervous system with the incorporation of mathematics, computers, engineering etc.

Today, neuroscience is amongst the leading fields. In our project we mainly restrict our work to cognitive neurosciences (one of the many sub branches of neuroscience).

Cognitive sciences highlights various aspects of cognition and involves the regulation of cognitive functions. Manipulation and enhancement of these cognitive activities is our driving source to design such a neural network that fits for this purpose.

Neurofeedback is a sort of biofeedback that allows for the inculcation of restraint and self-control of cognitive/brain functions using feedback method. The raw data of the brain is taken in the form of EEG waves that undergo further processing by the application of specified algorithms that yields a data that is well suited for human interpretation and visualization.

This EEG based neurofeedback system we wish to develop  involves incorporation of two interfaces; a brain computer interface (BCI) and a graphic user interface (GUI).

Project Objectives

1. Enhancement and manipulation of the cognitive functions according to the specified parameters as per the requirement of the subject.
2. Development of a neurofeedback system and BCI along with the integration of a GUI to monitor, process and regulate cognitive activities.

Project Implementation Method

To achieve our ultimate goal the following steps are required:

• Study the EEG waveforms of subjects as cognitive areas of brain are stimulated.
• Interfacing of EEG headgear with GUI for transmission of raw brain signals.
• Development of BCI for processing of raw signals and analysis of processed signals.
• Development of a GUI to provide a user friendly environment that confers easier interpretation of data by the user.
• Establishment of cognitive test/games to implement the process of neurotherapy.

Benefits of the Project

The development of a portable neurofeedback system integrated with EEG will provide a surfeit of applications for cognitive enhancement with minimized risk and cost.

In this currently advancing world. Pakistan lacks resources to keep up with the modern technological trends consequently providing no effective/long-term treatment of cognitive impairment.

Sufficient knowledge and proper guidelines are not provided to psychologists and other health care personnel to make them aware of the use of technology in their field. Furthermore, neurofeedback equipment is expensive to import, and proper funding constituting of thousands of dollars is required; that in comparison to its usage does not curate a cost-effective deal.

A finite control of able-bodied humans over cognition, restrict brain functions within a specified range lagging them behind in this technological era. Impairment of cognitive functions due to any injury or prevailing disease if left untreated might lead to disabilities.

 Methods that have gained significance in the western world include artificial Intelligence and pharmacological neurotherapies. 

We have used the procedure of neurotherapy along with development of software programs to monitor and regulate voluntary cognitive functions as per the subject’s requirement.

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

Our project is fragmented into three parts:

1) Signal Acquisition via an EEG headgear namely EPOC Plus 

2) Formation of a Graphical User Interface to display data and monitor progrees

3)Construction of  a Brain Computer Interface that allows us to peform neurofeedback training.

The product's main desired deliveraabe is neurofeedback training using GUI as an outpout device that helps uptrain and downtrain EEG waves thus allowing neurotherapy to occur. The output is in the form of bar graphs, videos, images etc, it allows for neurotherapy to be removed from its location in the hospital and become more accessible and economical for the masses. 

Final Deliverable of the Project HW/SW integrated systemType of Industry Medical Technologies Wearables and ImplantablesSustainable Development Goals Good Health and Well-Being for PeopleRequired Resources

Item Name	Type	No. of Units	Per Unit Cost (in Rs)	Total (in Rs)
			Total in (Rs)	70000
EPOC	Equipment	1	40000	40000
Ganglion Board	Equipment	1	30000	30000