Beyond visual P300 based brain-computer interfacing paradigms

TL;DR

This paper reviews recent advancements in non-visual brain-computer interfaces using auditory and tactile stimuli, highlighting novel paradigms and their potential applications for users with sensory impairments.

Contribution

It introduces new unimodal and bimodal auditory and tactile paradigms supported by recent research, expanding BCI options beyond visual-based methods.

Findings

New tactile and auditory BCI paradigms developed

EEG responses identified for non-visual BCI applications

Potential for use by paralyzed or hearing-impaired users

Abstract

The paper reviews and summarizes recent developments in spatial auditory and tactile brain-computer interfacing neurotechology applications. It serves as the latest developments summary in "non-visual" brain-computer interfacing solutions presented in a tutorial delivered by the author at the IICST 2013 workshop. The novel concepts of unimodal auditory or tactile, as well as a bimodal combined paradigms are described and supported with recent research results from our BCI-lab research group at Life Science Center, University of Tsukuba, Japan. The newly developed experimental paradigms fit perfectly to needs of paralyzed or hearing impaired users, in case of tactile stimulus, as well as for able users who cannot utilize vision in computer or machine interaction (driving or operation of machinery required not disturbed eyesight). We present and review the EEG event related potential responses useful for brain computer interfacing applications beyond state-of-the-art visual paradigms. In conclusion the recent results are discussed and suggestions for further applications are drawn.