EOG and EMG based virtual keyboard: A brain-computer interface

This paper discusses a brain-computer interface through electrooculogram (EOG) and electromyogram (EMG) signals. In situations of disease or trauma, there may be inability to communicate with others through means such as speech or typing. Eye movement tends to be one of the last remaining active muscle capabilities for people with neurodegenerative disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Thus, there is a need for eye movement based systems to enable communication. To meet this need, we proposed a system to accept eye-gaze controlled navigation of a particular letter and EMG based click to enter the letter. Eye -gaze direction (angle) is obtained from EOG signals and EMG signal is recorded from eyebrow muscle activity. A virtual screen keyboard may be used to examine the usability of the proposed system.