Electrophysiological Feedback in Adaptive Human Computer Interfaces

This paper explores the feasibility of using EEG in the context of Stimulus Rich Reactive Interfaces (SRRI), as a source of feedback on the cognitive state of the user. We have run experiments to evaluate the utility of two potential EEG measures of whether a stimulus has been perceived: 1) reduced EEG power in the alpha band at posterior brain areas and 2) a P3-like positive deflection over parietal areas. Such measures would enable re-presentation of a critical stimulus that has been missed. This paper considers whether, in the context of SRRIs, these measures can be reliably extracted online, i.e. in real-time. To determine this, we have investigated the extent to which online extraction of these measures predicts target report. Our results are positive, particularly with respect to the second approach. we also discuss possible ways in which such a system could be implemented and integrated into a pilot's helmet.