KTA with Alpha-Active Ltd
Dates
Start date: 14 March 2011
End date: 12 August 2011
Summary
With the emergence of consumer devices capable of generating sensor data in real-time, there is a need for data mining techniques to make use of this data. One such area is the use of portable electroencephalograph (EEG) which can indicate different states of brain activity, such as sleep or concentration. Alpha-Active Ltd is an SME specialising in the development of EEG products which are used by customers to monitor EEG in real-time. Example customers include cognitive therapists, where EEG is used in therapies for addiction and chronic pain, and elite sports coaching, such as for archery and motorsport. However, one of the areas that Alpha-Active would like to develop is the use of real-time user feedback. The aim is to give the sports person feedback that is indicative of a figure of merit derived from the EEG data recorded during optimum performance. This may also be used to help patients in managing long term illness. While Alpha-Active can record and play back EEG signals, they lack the classification techniques needed to provide useful feedback for users.
Objectives
In this project, we propose to apply Surrey’s research on data mining in Alpha-Active’s product. We will develop a proof-of-concept plug-in for their HeadCoach product to classify EEG signals in real-time.
Impacts
The key outcome is to evaluate whether neural network techniques can be applied to the real-time analysis of EEG signals in Alpha-Active’s product. This will be achieved through the development of a proof-of-concept. If successful, the potential is for development into a customer product for Alpha-Active.
Funding
EPSRC (EP/H500189/1)