Evaluation of a low-cost alternative communication device with brain control

This study seeks to evaluate the performance reliability of a prototype of AAC(Augmentative and alternative communication) device with BCI technology. Ten subjects were required to control cursor movements and activate switches from the AAC by using mental focus control and eye-winking directional control. Focus levels were monitored through EEG data extracted from the frontal cortical location. Attention shifts from low to high attention levels correlating with each task-onset were analyzed. Results showed positive performance reliability for controlling the AAC device using these parameters. No significant correlations were shown between test performance and familiarity with the device. The results of this study provide evidence that brain-focus and eye-winks could be useful and reliable tools to incorporate into AAC technology developments.