A brain-computer interface integrating augmented reality and the Internet of things for controlling home appliances by thoughts

Abstract

A brain-computer interface (BCI) using electroencephalography (EEG) presents non-invasive ways for a user to communicate with the external world through brain signals. One of the primary methods used in an EEG-based BCI is to present visual stimuli to the user in order to evoke or induce EEG responses suitable for inferring the user’s intention or state. Augmented reality (AR), where virtual objects are superimposed on real-world environments, makes it possible to lend BCIs real-life friendly visual presentations by providing visual stimuli on a real-world view in real time. The internet of things (IoT) in the smart home environments can facilitate BCIs directly controlling home appliances such as television, air conditioner, etc. Integrating both AR and IoT to BCIs enables a user to flexibly control diverse home appliances only by brain signals. In this study, we demonstrate an EEG-based BCI system integrated with AR and IoT with which people could control a number of different home appliances by their brain signals. We believe that the deployment of this type of BCI in true smart homes will help people with disability gain significant independence.