An Empirical Model-Based Algorithm for Removing Motion-Caused Artifacts in Motor Imagery EEG Data for Classification Using an Optimized CNN Model

Abstract

Electroencephalography (EEG) is a non-invasive technique with high temporal resolution and cost-effective, portable, and easy-to-use features. Motor imagery EEG (MI-EEG) data classification is one of the key applications within brain–computer interface (BCI) systems, utilizing EEG signals from motor imagery tasks. BCI is very useful for people with severe mobility issues like quadriplegics, spinal cord injury patients, stroke patients, etc., giving them the freedom to a certain extent to perform activities without the need for a caretaker, like driving a wheelchair. However, motion artifacts can significantly affect the quality of EEG recordings. The conventional EEG enhancement algorithms are effective in removing ocular and muscle artifacts for a stationary subject but not as effective when the subject is in motion, e.g., a wheelchair user. In this research study, we propose an empirical error model-based artifact removal approach for the cross-subject classification of motor imagery (MI) EEG data using a modified CNN-based deep learning algorithm, designed to assist wheelchair users with severe mobility issues. The classification method applies to real tasks with measured EEG data, focusing on accurately interpreting motor imagery signals for practical application. The empirical error model evolved from the inertial sensor-based acceleration data of the subject in motion, the weight of the wheelchair, the weight of the subject, and the surface friction of the terrain under the wheelchair. Three different wheelchairs and five different terrains, including road, brick, concrete, carpet, and marble, are used for artifact data recording. After evaluating and benchmarking the proposed CNN and empirical model, the classification accuracy achieved is 94.04% for distinguishing between four specific classes: left, right, front, and back. This accuracy demonstrates the model’s effectiveness compared to other state-of-the-art techniques. The comparative results show that the proposed approach is a potentially effective way to raise the decoding efficiency of motor imagery BCI.

Keywords

• brain–computer interface (BCI)
• motor imagery-electroencephalography (MI-EEG)
• motion artifacts
• convolutional neural network (CNN)
• quadriplegics
• empirical error model