Classification of Distraction Levels Using Hybrid Deep Neural Networks From EEG Signals

Non-invasive brain-computer interface technology has been developed for detecting human mental states with high performances. Detection of the pilots’ mental states is particularly critical because their abnormal mental states could cause catastrophic accidents. In this study, we presented the feasibility of classifying distraction levels (namely, normal state, low distraction, and high distraction) by applying the deep learning method. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first attempt to classify distraction levels under a flight environment. We proposed a model for classifying distraction levels. A total of ten pilots conducted the experiment in a simulated flight environment. The grand–average accuracy was 0.8437 (± 0.0287) for classifying distraction levels across all subjects. Hence, we believe that it will contribute significantly to autonomous driving or flight based on artificial intelligence technology in the future.