Using Spectral Analysis to Extract Frequency Components from Electroencephalography: Application for Fatigue Countermeasure in Train Drivers

Train accidents can have a massive impact towards the surrounding area as well as the general community. Most train accidents can be attributed to fatigue, and hence, development of fatigue countermeasure devices that can warn drivers of fatigue status and prevent accidents can greatly benefit train drivers, passengers, society and general community. Electroencephalography (EEG) has been proven to be one of the most reliable indicators of fatigue. This study investigated the change of brain activity during fatigue-instigating monotonous driving session, by extracting the four frequency components (delta, theta, alpha, and beta) using FFT spectral analysis at different brain sites (frontal, central, temporal, parietal, and occipital). Results identified some statistically significant differences between early and later stages of driving in delta, theta and beta activities at different brain sites. The results of the current study may be used for future development of fatigue countermeasure by targeting specific frequency component and brain sites.