Digital Actuality Headset Takes EEG Measurements

Researchers on the College of Texas at Austin have developed an electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor that’s included right into a digital actuality headset. The expertise can measure mind exercise whereas somebody is present process an immersive digital actuality expertise. The gadget could help in enhancing medical digital actuality interventions, reminiscent of these used to deal with post-traumatic stress dysfunction or phobias, by revealing mind exercise throughout completely different duties or experiences that assist clinicians to tailor remedy plans to maximise efficacy. The electrodes are tender and spongy, which makes them comfy in opposition to the pinnacle, and so they can get an excellent studying even when there may be hair in the way in which.    

Digital actuality has loads to supply the medical area. Not solely can or not it’s used for neuroscience analysis, however it additionally has potential in medical interventions, reminiscent of these designed to help individuals with post-traumatic stress dysfunction to show themselves to triggering stimuli in a protected area. Comparable publicity remedy could also be useful for these with phobias. Digital actuality may be helpful for bodily rehabilitation for these with neurological circumstances, aiding in motor studying.

Nevertheless, up to now, assessing a VR person’s mind exercise whereas they’re immersed in a digital world has not been that straightforward. The normal electrode-covered cap would intrude with using a VR headset. Whereas mixed VR/EEG techniques have been designed earlier than, they’ve been expensive and uncomfortable, utilizing the normal inflexible comb-shaped electrodes that may penetrate by hair, however that are uncomfortable to put on for lengthy intervals.     

“All of those mainstream choices have important flaws that we tried to beat with our system,” mentioned Hongbian Li, a researcher concerned within the examine. As a substitute that might match right into a VR headset, however which additionally supplied consolation, the researchers created tender and spongy electrodes that have been comfy in opposition to the scalp, however which might nonetheless get hold of an excellent sign by hair.

The electrodes are included in each the brow pad and prime strap of the headset, whereas an EEG recording gadget rests in the back of the headset. To date, the researchers have examined the system by measuring the mind exercise of volunteers whereas they performed a driving simulator recreation.

Right here’s a video from the College of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus:

Research in journal Smooth Science: Hair-compatible sponge electrodes integrated on VR headset for electroencephalography

By way of: University of Texas at Austin