Application of a multi-processor system for recognition of EEG-activities in amplitude, time and space in real-time

The EEG system BrainScope consists of a special amplifier system for high quality signal detection in open field conditions during communicative situations. A high performance multi-processor system which is capable of processing the huge amounts of data produced by a multichannel EEG record to gain information in real-time has also been developed. Algorithms for recognition of events in single channels are implemented in the first level of the multi-processor system. We use high performance image processing algorithms in the second level, interpreting the sampled values of each channel as pixels of the image, 256 up to 2.000 times per second. This patented method describes the EEG activity as sequences of virtual sources in parameters of amplitude, time and space. Fuzzy logic and methods of Al are used to define and recognise sequences of virtual sources in real-time. The network of two or more Personal Computers (PC's) is co-ordinated through the multiprocessor system for presentation of EEG activity and controlling. Multi-media approaches to the application of psychological tests are possible through the user interface including tests in media of sound, words, pictures and moving pictures. These tests can be arranged and carried out in computer controlled sequences and modified by user interactions. Tools are also provided to allow the user to create his own tests. These methods are integrated into the powerful graphic user interface and uses a database system. Incorporated into this user interface are state of the art EEGSYS algorithms from the NIMH (Washington / USA) for mappings, FFT, etc. The BrainScope demonstrates the impacts and applications of the new strategy for EEG investigation in communicative situations between: - patient and physician for subjective evaluation, - patient and information technology for stimulation and acquisition of signals and reactions, - physician and information technology for quantitative analysis of signals and reactions. The major advantage of this new strategy is that the three processes can be carried out in realtime. It optimises the capacity of humans to interpret information with the capability of modern information technology to manipulate and process data. It therefore requires use with an experienced and trained physician who can make accurate observations during the process of an investigation. The physician can, for example, click on a significant EEG pattern (this makes it a further recognisable phenomenon through fuzzy logic) and correlate it with his own observations. The multi-processor system recognises this EEG activity, i.e, it interprets this as a possible description of the state of the brain, sets a defined stimulus and recognises and evaluates the Event Related Potential (ERP) immediately.