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Monopolar and Bipolar Electrode Settings for SSVEP-Based Brain-Computer Interface

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Abstract

This study ranks twelve electroencephalogram (EEG) electrodes, located in the parieto-occipital and occipital regions of the human scalp, according to their relevance in the detection of steady-state visually evoked potential (SSVEP). Monopolar and bipolar arrangements were used to evaluate the capability of these electrodes to improve the signal detection performance in SSVEP-based brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). EEG signals were acquired from 18 volunteers, 8 of whom had disabilities. The signals were analyzed using four EEG signal processing methods commonly used for SSVEP-based BCIs, namely independent component analysis, lock-in analyzer system, multiple channel detection, and spectral F test. The results show that Oz is the most suitable electrode in SSVEP detection. However, further investigation should be conducted for other EEG paradigms. The five most highly suitable bipolar settings are POz-Oz, POz-O1, POz-O2, PO3-Oz, and PO4-Oz.

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Correspondence to Sandra Mara Torres Müller.

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Müller, S.M.T., Bastos-Filho, T.F. & Sarcinelli-Filho, M. Monopolar and Bipolar Electrode Settings for SSVEP-Based Brain-Computer Interface. J. Med. Biol. Eng. 35, 482–491 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40846-015-0056-1

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