Audio based brain computer interfacing for neurological assessment of fatigue

Many professions place significant mental and/or physical strain on their workers. Some professionals such as firefighters, soldiers, and pilots have an inherent responsibility for the safety of others. Making sure that workers in these professions remain fit for duty is an important health/safety concern for the workers and those they serve. This paper explores the viability of using a Brain-Computer Interfacing (BCI) system that utilizes an audio based non-invasive method for assessing alertness. Specifically, evoked potentials are generated in response to audio and visual stimuli. Variation in the response characteristics with competing distraction stimuli present has been explored. Preliminary data suggest that an audio based evoked potential evaluation system would be appropriate for real time monitoring of a person´s fatigue status.