Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
3
Contemporary Approaches to Music
BCI Using P300 Event Related
Potentials
Mick Grierson and Chris Kiefer
Abstract
This chapter is intended as a tutorial for those interested in exploring the use of
P300 event related potentials (ERPs) in the creation of brain computer music
interfaces (BCMIs). It also includes results of research in re
ning digital signal
processing (DSP) approaches and models of interaction using low-cost, portable
BCIs. We will look at a range of designs for BCMIs using ERP techniques.
These include the P300 Composer, the P300 Scale Player, the P300 DJ and the
P300 Algorithmic Improviser. These designs have all been used in both research
and performance, and are described in such a way that they should be
reproducible by other researchers given the methods and guidelines indicated.
The chapter is not intended to be exhaustive in terms of its neuroscienti
c detail,
although the systems and approaches documented here have been reproduced by
many labs, which should be an indication of their quality. Instead, what follows
is a basic introduction to what ERPs are, what the P300 is, and how it can be
applied in the development of these BCMI designs. This description of ERPs is
not intended to be exhaustive, and at best should be thought of as an illustration
designed to allow the reader to begin to understand how such approaches can be
used for new instrument development. In this way, this chapter is intended to be
indicative of what can be achieved, and to encourage others to think of BCMI
problems in ways that focus on the measurement and understanding of signals
that reveal aspects of human cognition. With this in mind, towards the end of the
chapter we look at the results of our most recent research in the area of P300
BCIs that may have an impact on the usability of future BCI systems for music.
