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AbstractA simulation framework could decrease the burden of attending long and tiring experimental sessions on the potential users of brain-computer interface (BCI) systems. Specifically during the initial design of a BCI, a simulation framework that could replicate the operational performance of the system would be a useful tool for designers to make design choices. In this manuscript, we develop a Monte Carlo-based probabilistic simulation framework for electroencephalography (EEG) based BCI design. We employ one event-related potential (ERP) based typing and one steady-state evoked potential (SSVEP) based control interface as testbeds. We compare the results of simulations with real-time experiments. Even though over- and underestimation of the performance is possible, the statistical results over the Monte Carlo simulations show that the developed framework generally provides a good approximation of the real-time system performance.

One of the principal application areas for brain-computer interface (BCI) technology is augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), typically used by people with severe speech and physical disabilities (SSPI). Existing word- and phrase-based AAC solutions that employ BCIs that utilize electroencephalography (EEG) are sometimes supplemented by icons. Icon-based BCI systems that use binary signaling methods, such as P300 detection, combine hierarchical layouts with some form of scanning. The rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) IconMessenger combines P300 signal detection with the icon-based semantic message construction system of iconCHAT. Language models are incorporated in the inference engine and some modifications that facilitate the use of RSVP were performed such as icon semantic role order selection and the tight fusion of language evidence and EEG evidence. The results of a study conducted with 10 healthy participants suggest that the system has potential as an AAC system in real-time typing applications. Ability to construct messages with reduced physical movement demands due to RSVP and increased message construction speed and accuracy due to the incorporation of an icon-based language model in the inference process are the significant findings of this study.