Using Brain Computer Interface for Synthesized Speech Communication for the Physically Disabled

Abstract

Brain Computer Interface (BCI) systems have been widely used to develop viable assistive technology for physically disabled persons. In this paper, we present the design and development of a BCI-based system for generation of synthesized speech, which works on eye-blinks detected from the Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals of the user. Such a system is particularly useful for patients suffering from locomotive disorders such as locked-in syndrome, who can use this interface to communicate with their caretakers. This system enables patients to communicate by selecting the desired options from a configured list by performing eye-blinks, which is then converted to synthesized speech by the computer system. The key advantages of our system are that it uses the portable and easy-to-wear Emotiv headset, is built on using an open-source application stack and also does not require training for individual users. The system has been tested on patients who have been able to use it conveniently to communicate with their caretakers in a medical facility.