The Design of a Layered Brain-Computer Interface System With Target Identification Module to Control Home Service Robot

Brain-computer interface (BCI) systems, a kind of communication channel between human mind and the environment, turn brain activities into control commands. However, disabled people cannot withstand continuously high-tense operation of robots to fulfill complicated tasks. In order to simplify the operating process and strengthen the practicality of services, this letter proposed a layered BCI system integrated with a two-level target identification system to control a home service robot. We recorded single-channel steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEP) to diminish the number of electrodes in use. This hierarchical architecture can enhance the accuracy and sustainability during operation. The target identification system was established to reduce the burden of users and accelerate the service procedures. Subjects recruited in the experiment succeed in operating the robot to provide basic services. The average accuracy of online experiment is 87.38%. These results prove the effectiveness of this hierarchical system in operating a multifunctional home service robot with single-channel SSVEP, which plays an important role in both medical care and daily life.