Brain & Body and Machine interfacing

Pictures:
The wheelchair used as the "output" of the system. Brainwaves are captured and depending on which quadrant of the brain is most active, the wheelchair is driven right, left, forward or backwards.
Wheelchair1

Kevin and Bryan reeverse engineered the wheelchair hardware such that the output of the circuitry that amplifies and compares brain quadrant activity drives the wheelchair. The wires coming out of the front of the joystick box connects to the amplifying circuitry.
ReverseEngineered

Amplifier circuit:
WheelChairAmplifier

Circuit required to track voltage in joystick box and adjust amplifier output to proper levels. This was the biggest challenge of the reverse engineering process.
WheelChairInterface

Alternative "output" device. Mechanical design by JaeChan Park. Motor control added by Christine Hefti.
Hand2

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	This project is a first step towards future research into alternative methods to communicate with people with autism. In this project, brainwaves are captured, analyzed and used to steer an electric wheelchair. Big thanks to Paul at United Seating and Mobility (313 E Ash St Columbia MO 65201) for making this project possible. And, of course Bryan Pratte for being our go-between..

	Kevin MacDonald Bryan Pratte Christine Hefti JaeChan Park Me

	Kevin and Bryan altered the wheelchair and built the amplifying circuitry to amplify the signals from the EEG electrodes. The beta version will be presented at engineering weekThu Mar 13 09:00 – Thu Mar 13 17:00. 10/18/2008: A four person project team is continuing the research and should have progress by the end of this semester.