Motor imagery controlled wheelchair system

The motor imagery (MI) component of electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings has a substantial role in scientific applications. It is one of the commonest methodologies adopted by brain-computer interface (BCI) researchers. However, many MI based device is expensive and bulky due to the dependence on complex EEG sensing system. To overcome the drawbacks, a low-cost prototype is developed, leveraging on motor imagery component of EEG signal and Electromyography (EMG) signal. Based on signals from 14 channels, the system with friendly GUI, efficient algorithm, and easy-to-use dry sensors can detect and determine at least 4 movement directions of intention of a user: left, right, forward, backward. The proposed system is cost-effective and easy to use. The system has been successfully incorporated into a wheelchair control platform. The application of the system can extend to not only people who are suffering from spinal cord injuries, but also elderly or people suffering from limb muscle disorder.