BCI System using a Novel Processing Technique Based on Electrodes Selection for Hand Prosthesis Control

Abstract

This work proposes an end-to-end model architecture, from feature extraction to classification using an Artificial Neural Network. The feature extraction process starts from an initial set of signals acquired by electrodes of a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI). The proposed architecture includes the design and implementation of a functional six Degree-of-Freedom (DOF) prosthetic hand. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) translates electroencephalography (EEG) signals into movements in the prosthesis. We also propose a new technique for selecting and grouping electrodes, which is related to the motor intentions of the subject. We analyzed and predicted two imaginary motor-intention tasks: opening and closing both fists and flexing and extending both feet. The model implemented with the proposed architecture showed an accuracy of 93.7% and a classification time of 8.8y«s for the FPGA. These results present the feasibility to carry out BCI using machine learning techniques implemented in a FPGA card.