Научная визуализация, 2024, том 16, номер 5, страницы 151 - 163, DOI: 10.26583/sv.16.5.10
Additive Manufacturing of Personalized Brain-Computer Interface Headsets Reinforced by Scientific Visualization
Авторы: Д .А. Чирухин1,A, К.В. Рябинин2,B
A Пермский государственный научн-исследовоательский университет, Пермь, Россия
B Astronomisches Rechen-Institut, Centre for Astronomy of Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
1 ORCID: 0009-0008-7683-6978, chiruhind@gmail.com
2 ORCID: 0000-0002-8353-7641, kostya.ryabinin@gmail.com
Аннотация
Recently, a large attention has been attracted to the brain-computer human-machine interfaces (BCI) based on electroencephalography (EEG). This emerging technology allows touchless control over digital systems, in which the commands are based on human brain activity. In the ideal case, it means controlling the systems virtually by thoughts, but in reality, also simpler approaches are highly demanded like reacting to concentration, relaxation, or specific emotions. Modern BCIs are based on detecting so-called brain waves, the electromagnetic field oscillations induced by brain neurons. These waves are captured by electrodes either intruded into the brain or placed on top of the head. Obviously, placing electrodes on the head is more demanded for non-medical applications of BCI because it is absolutely harmless for the person. To achieve this, special headsets are needed which can be put on the head like a helmet and ensure the correct positions for the electrodes mounted on them. In this regard, wearing comfort and anatomical accuracy of headsets play an important role in ensuring both ergonomics and precision of BCI. This paper focuses on automation of the personalized EEG headset manufacturing for BCI. The technological chain is proposed and corresponding software tools are developed to foster the complete cycle of BCI headset production for a particular person. The production steps include 3D scanning of the head, interactive editing of the electrodes’ location system, and automatic generation of a collapsible head cap model with sockets for EEG electrodes optimized for 3D printing. The performance of the pipeline has been validated in practice. The accuracy of electrodes’ placement has been evaluated by comparison with the head cap from professional medical equipment and is established as sufficient for BCI. The headset model editing and customizing tools are powered with scientific visualization and cognitive graphics techniques to be friendly for a wide range of users including those with no dedicated IT skills.
Ключевые слова: Brain-Computer Interface, 3D Scanning, 3D Printing, Dry Electrodes, Electroencephalography, Cognitive graphics, Scientific Visualization.
