OpenBCI equivalent of Emotiv Training software?

Braham01

Hey,
Hope you are doing great. I wanted to ask what could be the equivalent of Emotiv's software's ability to train a particular thought and use it for example in a game or to control an RC car, but with OpenBCI hardware?

I see some people using Mindaffect BCI to do something similar but I think it only supports 4 channels and wet electrodes, though I'm not completely sure. I'm new to programming so any guidance would be appreciated.

I wanted to create a game to help kids with ADHD focus better.

wjcroft

It has been unclear to observers of the Emotiv 'thought recognition' concept -- if it is truly doing that or something else. They are measuring BOTH EEG and EMG activity during the training. So any extremely subtle and unconscious movements you make on your face or scalp, are also part of the training protocol. Thus it is not exclusively EEG 'thought recognition', which is not a realistic BCI paradigm in use by other respected authorities. For example g.tec, see Toolbox list on 2nd page:

https://www.gtec.at/product/bci-system/

Here is a paper on the accuracy of the Emotiv training. In general they are getting success rates from about 40% to 60%. In other words, not much better than chance. See Conclusions section on page 31.

https://www.csse.canterbury.ac.nz/research/reports/HonsReps/2012/hons_1201.pdf

See the recent tutorials on MindAffect on the Communities page. This is much more accurate than Emotiv. It uses visual evoked potentials, VEP, a form utilizing pseudo random codes and light stimulation, cVEP code based VEP.

https://openbci.com/community/

As far as ADHD focus games, there are already a variety of these available, that do not require EEG. They just present a visual challenge / concentration game on screen. Here is one commercial version that runs on iPad:

https://www.akiliinteractive.com/

Regards, William

Braham01

Apologies for the late reply. Thank you for the response, this clears a lot of doubts. I'll go through these links thoroughly and come back if I have something to ask or add. Take care

wjcroft

Below link is not "thought recognition", but may still be relevant for your project.

https://docs.openbci.com/Software/OpenBCISoftware/GUIWidgets/#focus-widget

Braham01

Thanks A LOT.

Braham01

@wjcroft Can we use MindAffect using Opnebci hardware, or do we need to do some modifications? I read somewhere that the scalp connectivity should be good. I also have conscious labs sensors, would they work? Thank you

wjcroft

Hi Braham,

Yes Ganglion and Cyton work just fine with MindAffect cVEP BCI system. See the recent tutorials on the Community page,

https://openbci.com/community/

It is recommended to use wet type electrodes, tutorials covers this. ThinkPulse actives 'probably' work, since Conscious Labs offers a similar cVEP speller package.

https://conscious-labs.com/eeg-devices/11-8-channels-EEG-ConsciousMinds.html

But if the calibration tests are marginal (instead of working strongly), then adding a bit of water to the electrodes can help.

William

Braham01

Hey man,
Thanks for the replies. I've been away due to some personal stuff but now i'm back. I will test the think oulse electrode and see what happens.

I also read in some other post were you mentioned that OpenBCI sensors would also work with a bit of modification. I'm using the modifiction is use the electrodes without the sensor (sorry if these aren't the technical terms). As in wrap the wire from the electrode with that sponge material and adding water to it. Does this sound about right?

wjcroft

@Braham01 said:
...
Thanks for the replies. I've been away due to some personal stuff but now i'm back. I will test the think oulse electrode and see what happens.

Thinkpulse electrode 'probably' works without any wetting, since he offers a package including MindAffect speller and his custom headset.

https://conscious-labs.com/eeg-devices/11-8-channels-EEG-ConsciousMinds.html

I also read in some other post were you mentioned that OpenBCI sensors would also work with a bit of modification.

You may be referring to Pyotr's Community tutorial. In that case he is using the silver chloride comb electrodes with an internal sponge soaked in water or saline.

https://openbci.com/community/mind-controlled-robot-openbci-mindaffectbci-maqueen-v2/

I'm using the modification is use the electrodes without the sensor (sorry if these aren't the technical terms). As in wrap the wire from the electrode with that sponge material and adding water to it. Does this sound about right?

I am not understanding your statement or English translation. In Pyotr's case he is NOT using Thinkpulse. DO NOT put any water near the wires or circuit boards of the Thinkpulse. That could potentially 'short' out the active electrode amplifier board which is behind each Thinkpulse conductive rubber comb.

Regards,

Braham01

Got it. Thanks a lot man. Just one last question, if the tests are marginal with the think pulse electrode, adding some water to the electrodes will help, right? Also I do have dry electrodes that come with the Ultra cortex head set commbo (silver coated ones), can they be modified to work with Mindaffect?

Thanks a lot.
Have a great week ahead.

wjcroft

...
... if the tests are marginal with the think pulse electrode, adding some water to the electrodes will help, right?

Doubt you will need this, because the developer of the Thinkpulse active electrodes is not using any additional water / sponges in his Conscious-Labs headset (with Thinkpulse electrodes). If you do moisten the skin or electrode tips, be extra careful you do not get water on the active electrode amplifier boards, behind the combs, or the wires.

Also I do have dry electrodes that come with the Ultra cortex head set commbo (silver coated ones), can they be modified to work with Mindaffect?

I already pointed you to Piotr's Community post. That is what he has done with the tiny sponges.