Electroencephalogram Biofeedback

Jnane Abdelhamid

Mentor: Dr.Marom Bikson

Biomedical Engineering Department

The City College of New York

CUNY
I-Abstract

Meditation is a proven alternative medicine and is effective in combating diseases

such as stress reduce, epilepsy, mood disorders, addictions. Meditation involves altering
patients’ state of mind, so it can be quantified by brain waves. A common obstacle
among people learning how to meditate is determining whether they have achieved the
optimal brain states required for effective meditation. The purpose of this project is to
provide brain activity feedback so meditation practitioners know when they have reached
the correct meditative state. The ultimate goal is to design and build an inexpensive,
portable electroencephalogram (EEG), which provides brain activity feedback for a user-
friendly game to help users to learn how to meditate effectively. The EEG device was
designed to detect the alpha and theta frequencies , which correspond to meditative state.

The design of this device will detect a person’s brain state by measuring brain
waves with electrodes. Then, the brain waves would be selectively filtered and amplified
eliminating any noise. Lastly, the brain wave would be turned into some sort of
biofeedback signal, such as a light or a sound to notify the user what brain state they are
in, alpha or theta, and how close to meditation they are. The final prototype of this device
was fabricated and tested for alpha wave, which is the wave for meditative state. This
design was achieved through the use of the following stage: signal acquisition phase
using standard Ag-AgCl reusable solid gel electrodes, biomedical amplifiers using
instrumentation amplifier, fifth order band pass filter, and finally feedback phase using d-
flip-flopped for the light game. The signals were thoroughly tested by the national
Instruments’ LabVIEW using NI-DAQ data acquisition board. The human test shows that
our circuit works perfectly in detecting the theta wave (8Hz-14 Hz).

Finally, the EEG portable device was turned to a game. The alpha ROULETTE
is a light (2.7 lb) portable game that detects alpha and theta wave signal to play roulette
via the activation of light emission diode (LED) indicators. The LEDs randomly turn on
and off as the user engages in activities that result in predominant alpha wave
biopotential such as closing of eyes, concentration and/or relaxation. When the user stops
concentrating or opens their eyes, only some lights will remain on. Before starting the
game, players can predict and place bets on the final lit LED set up. This game is
guaranteed to function under conditions that are specified in the manual.
Problem Statement

The final goal of this design project is to design and build an inexpensive,
portable electroencephalogram EEG that teaches meditation practitioners to achieve
optimal meditation by the presence theta waves and the following steps were followed:

1. Select electrode sites

2. Select appropriate electrodes
3. Designing a biomedical amplifiers using instrumentation amplifier
4. Designing a high order band pass filter,
5. Designing a feedback phase using light or sound.
6. Turning the Biofeedback into an alpha roulette game, a suitable feedback stimuli
that would provide feedback that will positively reinforce meditative states.
7. Integrate the system into a compatible prototype
8. Assemble and evaluate the system

Introduction
A large number of physicians are recommending meditation, along with traditional
medical treatments, in order to improve physical health and mental condition. Many
studies have shown that meditation can be an effective treatment to reduce stress, anxiety,
and mild hypertension. For instance, medication has proven to be effective treatment of
attention Deficit Disorder, headaches, arthritis pain, psoriasis symptoms, insomnia and
epileptic seizures. Meditation also has promising applications in relieving certain
allergies and asthma. This is just an example of a few of the specific health benefits of
meditation and more continue to be discovered every year.

Practitioners of meditation usually do not know whether they have successfully attained
the brainwave states required for effective meditation. The two brainwave states of
meditation are alpha and theta. The alpha state (8 to 13 Hz) often occurs when a subject
is feeling drowsy or relaxed, and is best measured in the occipital lobe of the brain. The
theta state (4 and 7 Hz) is characterized by a dreamlike awareness, and is linked with
intense creativity.
 Figure 1 : Brain Wave Frequencies

Meditation is a technique for achieving “inner peace”. It Allows access to a

naturally-occurring rest state different from sleep, in that rest via mediation is much
deeper and happens more quickly. Meditation involves one altering their state of mind, so
it can be quantized by brain waves. As seen in figure 1, the brain is in one of four states at
any given time.

The aim of this project is to Design and build an inexpensive portable electroencephalogram
(EEG - brain wave monitor) intended for commercial use. The device will teach meditation
practitioners to achieve optimal meditation by indicating the presence of EEG alpha and theta
waves. Current products on the market are very expensive and they offer more features than
necessary
Prior Art and Competition

Computer automated EEG biofeedback

•Expensive (range from $1,200 - $6,000+)

•Non-portable systems

GSR (Galvanic Skin Response) biofeedback

•Conductivity of skin to indicates stress level

•Prices average ~$100.00
•Less reliable than EEG biofeedback

AUTOGENIC AT62 PORTABLE EEG

• Alpha and theta filter

• Dual audio feedback modes
• Signal proportional Pitch change
• Visual ‘Lightbar’ display varies with brainwave state
• Price ~ $1,550.00

Figure 2: GSR Figure 3:

Autogenic AT62
Circuit Design:
The circuit design utilizes small voltage potentials from the electrodes on the cranial
surface and filters out specific frequencies. A block diagram shows the different stages
of the circuit (Figure 4).
Figure 4: Project flowchart depicting all stage of the device including preamplifier for
small voltages (uV) from electrodes; Switch: Calibrator knob for voltage calibration;
Dual flip flap for feedback of 64 binary.

Preliminary Amplification

Figure 5 and 6 show the schematic of two preamplifier that can be attached to the
electrodes. This circuit both amplifies the signal (gain of 50,000) and cuts of high
frequency. The circuit shown in figure 5 which the differential amplifier was used
because has high Common-Mode-Rejection Ratio (CMRR).
Figure 5: Differential Amplifier Figure 6: Instrumentation
Amplifier

Circuit Schematic

Circuit Schematic
Figure 7: schematic of the device shown 3 electrodes for data
acquisition; preamplifier, 5th order law pass filter, and 3 flip flapper
for 65 binary output and switch.

Fabricated EEG device

Figure 8 : fabricated EEG device casing and layout

1. DEVICE COMPONENT

1.1 ON/OFF SWITCH & POWER INDICATOR: When the switch is turned on a red
LED will indicate that the game is ready for use. To turn off the game or to reset, the user
should press the switch again and the red LED will turn off. If the switch is turned on and
LED does not turn on the batteries need to be replaced.
1.2 BIOPOTENTIAL CALIBRATOR: Adjusts to your level of alpha wave biopotential.
Must be calibrated for each new user immediately before playing the game.

1.3 LEAD ELECTRODES: Three color-coded ECG electrodes; red and white leads
attach to the back of the head and the black lead attaches to the back of the ear as shown
in QUICK START GUIDE. The electrodes are to be connected in these positions to
ensure optimal transmission of signal.

1.4 ROULETTE LIGHTS: Five LEDs will light up and turn off in sequence. The
objective of this game is to have the predicted LED lit when no longer engaged in alpha
level such as when the user opens their eyes.

2. QUICK START GUIDE

2.1 Turn system on by pushing on the ON/OFF button once. Red LED should turn on to
indicate that system is ready to use.

2.2 Plug in connectors of electrodes into the front panel of game

Figure 9: schematic of top panel of game Figure 10: front panel of game

2.3 Place electrodes in the positions illustrated in diagram below.

Figure 11: Electrode location in brain

2.4 Make sure that you have enough electro-conductive gel between the electrode and
your scalp.

2.5 Predict and place bets. Close your eyes and relax, and you are ready to play the
ALPHA ROULETTE. Turn switch off and back on to restart game.
3. DEVICE PERFORMANCE

3.1 INTRODUCTION: The ALPHA ROULETTE has gone through several tests for
device performance under normal user activity. The protocols of these tests are laid out in
this section of the DEVICE MANUAL.

3.2 SAFETY: This device does not require a wall power source in order to minimize
possibilities of power hazards. The device uses only lead free components. The super
conductive electrolyte gel is hypoallergenic and non-carcigenous. This game is not fit for
children under five due to small components that pose a choking hazard.

3.3 SHAKE-TEST: The game was shifted from left to right with a three inch
displacement for twenty cycles while user was playing the game without disruption.
When the game underwent the same test in the vertical direction, it also withstood twenty
cycles without disruption.

3.4 DROP-TEST: During device testing the ALPHA ROULETTE was dropped from the
work table (about four feet from the ground). The device withstood the drop and
remained functioning afterwards. The drop test was repeated several times with the same
results.

3.5 BATTERY LIFE: Panasonic 9V batteries have a continuous lifetime of 20 hours.

However, our device has shown to drain the battery after about eight hours of continuous
use. After the battery is drained, the ON LED turns off and the game is not operational
until batteries are changed.

3.6 MOTION OF COMFORT: Since the electrodes are placed on the region where the
occipital lobes are located and one behind the ear, there is a full range of motion for the
user. Three test users were asked to move their heads up and down and in the radial
direction. Afterwards the users were asked to stand up and sit down with the electrodes
connected. All three user reported that they did didn’t experience any discomfort while
performing this tasks and that the device performance was not disrupted. Even though the
main objective of this game is to remain motionless in a calm and relaxed state, the game
does not interfere with normal range of motion.

3.7 ANTI-TUG MECHANISM: All leads are not directly connected to the circuit. The
electrodes have a female-male mechanism, which snaps on and off if tugged on.
Consequently, any unsuspected tug will not result in the disturbance of the circuit.
Moreover, the advantage of having removable leads is that the user can replace them if
they are damaged.

3.8 HUMIDITY/TEMPERATURE CHANGE: Under the given circumstances, there was

a limit to testing extreme conditions with regards to humidity and temperature change.
The range of temperature of the provided facility and equipment only allowed for 20o
centigrade temperature variation. Under this variation there were no observed
malfunctions of the game. The humidity was not tested due to lack of equipment.
Whether the device is waterproof is not determined. However, certain precautions were
taken to address these issues. First, there are no exposed wires. Second, the case is sealed
air-tight. Finally, there is good insulation around the circuit for further protection.

3.9 ELECTRODE WEAR & TEAR: All electrode pads are disposable. The user can play
the game for four hours. Furthermore, electrode wires could be replaced if
malfunctioning. The effects of the electrodes on high perspiration have not been studied,
although the manufacturer of the super conductive electrolyte gel contends that
perspiration causes minimal effect.

3.10 USER FRIENDLY GAME: The entire OPERATIONAL MANUAL is only five
steps. No complicated calibrations need to be done before starting the game. In fact, a
first-time user just needs to be concerned with the proper placement of electrodes before
starting the game. All game components are labeled clearly. The game component has a
very simple objective and can be readily played by a person without any technical
background.

3.11 FINAL RESULT OF PERFORMANCE: All of the tests that have been performed
yielded to the result that the ALPHA ROULETTE is a robust and functional game.

Signal Processing Stage

The EEG signal that is transmitted from the lobe of the brain through the electrodes is on
the order of 12 µ V. This signal is ultimately imported into the computer through a DAQ
module. The main pathway for the signal is through a stage 5 th order law pass filter,
FFT, statistical maximum value, and ultimately a threshold limit. The signal goes through
these paths in parallel for each stage in the mediation and figure 12 shows three signals
stage : impulse response, magnitude response and gain response. The magnitude response
shows that frequency around 10 Hz which very good result of alpha wave.
Figure 12: shows impulse response, magnitude respond and phase response for band pass
filter.
Figure 13: shows second trial of impulse response, magnitude respond and phase
response for band pass filter
Figure 14: shows third trial of impulse response, magnitude respond and phase response
for band pass filter

Conclusion
For all configurations a good EEG the device detected signal as shows in the graphs
above generated by LabView. The prototype has been determined to be a working
solution to the design problem and mostly satisfies the Product Design Specifications.
Further research and development must be applied to obtain a reliable electrode system
that is operable by a novice practitioner and outputs a cleaner EEG signal. Most likely
this will require superior electrodes with a glue system.

References
1-Brain Waves & Sound
http://www.educationalcoach.co.uk/brainwave.htm

2-Allen, Colin. “The Benefits of Meditation”

http://www.psychologytoday.com
3-Aftanas LI and Golocheikine SA. “Human anterior and frontal midline theta and lower
alpha reflect emotionally positive state and internalized attention: high-resolution EEG
investigation of meditation.” Neuroscience Letters 2001; 310. 57-60.

4-Kabat-Zinn J, Massion AO, Kristelle J, Peterson LG, Fletcher KE, Pbert L, Lenderking
WR, Santorelli SF. “Effectiveness of a meditation-based stress reduction program in
the treatment of anxiety disorders.” Am Psychiatry 1992; 149. 936-943.

Appendix:

Using a Multiple-Feedback Active Bandpass Filter

C

R3
R1 C
-

R2 +

Alpha Filter (8 – 13 Hz desired)

We want a Q of 3, a fc of 10 Hz using C = 0.1 µ F.
Note: fc is 13 Hz to offset amplifier gain increase as frequency falls
R3
Gain = Av = =1
2R1
Q 3
R1 = = = 477.46 kΩ
2π f c Av C 2π (10 Hz )(1)( 0.1 μF )
Q 3
R2 = 2 = =28.086 kΩ
2πf c C( 2Q -Av ) 2 π (10 Hz )( 0 . 1 μF )( 2(3) 2 -1 )
2Q 2(3)
R3 = = = 954.93 kΩ
2πf c C 2π (10 Hz )( 0.1 μF )