18-Month Mobile Brain-Body Imaging (MoBI) Data Correlating with Daily Tasks: Findings in Alpha-band Frequencies

Abstract

Current neuroscience studies have failed to capture the progressive, long-term nature of the creative process, limiting the intricate system into single-session controlled experiments. Through the advancement of MoBI technology, we utilized context-aware documentation to monitor and record EEG data from a multimedia installation artist as she undergoes the creative process. This dataset propels brain-computer interfaces closer to real-world applications by answering the question: can EEG data from natural settings be analyzed using MoBI technology? In this 18-month longitudinal study, using a dry-electrode wireless headset a home-security camera, and a personal journaling phone app, EEG data is collected from real-world settings -- the comfort of an artist's home as she creates an art installation. Then, the data was separated by task-specific labels based off video and journal annotations. EEG and video were simultaneously recorded, resulting in over 400 hours of data. To determine the validity of the datasets, we have explored EEG findings in the alpha-band region (8-12 Hz). After scalp mapping the average EEG of the tasks, we notice a difference in alpha power from the prefrontal cortex (PFC) to the parietal region. Also, when comparing alpha power through potential baseline activities, a shift toward the parietal regions is also evident. We are working to open-source the multimodal dataset to allow others to verify findings and discover potential uses. We hope for the public EEG data to help create advances in merging brain-machine interfaces closer to the real world as wireless, wearable, non-invasive systems. This project was completed with contributions from Jesus G. Cruz-Garza from Corner University.