The effect of video distraction on a visual P300 BCI

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of distraction induced by videos on the operation of a visual P300-based brain-computer interface (BCI). A visual P300 BCI designed for controlling home appliances was used in the experiment. Participants used the BCI in two conditions: 1) being presented with visual stimuli on top of a background video including various motions and changes of scenery; and 2) being presented only with visual stimuli. The visual distraction in P300 BCI resulted in the reduction of P2, N2 and P3 absolute peak amplitudes ( ), It also lowered average target detection accuracy (70.37%) compared to the no distraction condition (78.52%), which was more prominent in several participants. This study suggests that a visual P300 BCI can be used under visual distraction without a significant decrease of performance, while individual influences may vary.