A real-time brain-computer interface based on steady-state visual evoked potentials

Abstract

Steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP)-based BCIs take advantage of the stereotypical response to flicker in the visual cortex. They offer the possibility of high performance non-invasively and with minimal training time. A real-time SSVEP BCI system was developed and tested on 14 control subjects. While intersubject variability existed, the results were promising, proving that the stimulation frequency of gaze can be detected in under five seconds. This detection can be made even when nine or more flickering stimuli are simultaneously present.