A visual brain-computer interface as communication aid for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) spellers that make use of code-modulated Visual Evoked Potentials (cVEP) may provide a fast and more accurate alternative to existing visual BCI for patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). However, so far the cVEP speller has only been tested on healthy participants. We assess brain responses, performance user experience in 20 participants 10 ALS patients. All performed cued free spelling task, selection Yes/No answers. 27 out 30 could perform task an average accuracy 79% patients, 88% older 94% young answer questions freely, around 90%. With typing characters per minute, presented this paper outperforms other spellers. These results support general usability signals which extend beyond control e.g. alarm, automatic door, or TV within smart home.