Imagined Speech Using EEG Signals

The problem that our project aims to solve is the communication barrier faced by individuals who are unable to speak or have limited speech capabilities due to conditions such as paralysis, neurodegenerative diseases, or other speech impairments. By leveraging EEG signals, the project seeks to enable these individuals to communicate by translating their imagined speech into understandable text or speech output.

The scale of this problem is significant both within the communities we are working in and globally. In communities worldwide, there are numerous individuals who face challenges in expressing themselves verbally, leading to frustration, isolation, and limited opportunities for social interaction. The exact number of people affected is difficult to quantify precisely, as it encompasses a wide range of conditions and circumstances. However, estimates suggest that millions of individuals globally could benefit from assistive technologies that facilitate communication.

Several factors contribute to the problem, including the limitations of existing assistive technologies, the high cost and complexity of alternative communication methods, and the lack of accessible solutions for individuals with severe speech impairments. The solution we offer addresses these factors by providing a potentially more affordable, non-invasive, and intuitive method of communication. By utilizing EEG signals to decode imagined speech, the project aims to offer a novel and accessible communication solution for individuals facing speech-related challenges.

Our solution is, humbly, a groundbreaking technology that enables individuals to communicate through their thoughts, specifically by converting imagined speech into understandable text. It harnesses the power of EEG (Electroencephalography) signals, which are electrical brain activity patterns captured by non-invasive sensors placed on the scalp.

The process begins with the user wearing an EEG headset that records their brain signals. These signals are then transmitted to our advanced software system, which utilizes sophisticated algorithms and machine learning techniques. The software analyzes the EEG data, identifying patterns associated with imagined speech.

Through extensive training on large datasets, our system learns to interpret these patterns and convert them into text. This allows users to "speak" by simply imagining the words they want to say. The converted text can be displayed on a screen or communicated through a speech synthesis system, enabling effective communication without the need for vocalization.

Our solution revolutionizes communication for individuals with speech impairments, providing them with a means to express themselves more easily and independently. By leveraging EEG technology and advanced algorithms, we aim to empower individuals and enhance their quality of life through the power of imagined speech.

The target population we are working to directly and meaningfully improve consists of individuals facing communication challenges due to conditions such as locked-in syndrome, dysarthria, and aphasia. These individuals often experience significant difficulties in expressing themselves and engaging in meaningful interactions with others.

Currently, this population is underserved in terms of accessible and effective communication solutions. Traditional methods, such as augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, may not fully address their needs or provide a natural and efficient means of communication. This can lead to frustration, isolation, and limited participation in various aspects of life.

Our solution aims to prioritize patient needs by leveraging the power of imagined speech using EEG signals. By developing a system that can interpret and translate imagined speech into understandable and coherent output, we aim to provide a more intuitive and efficient communication method for individuals with locked-in syndrome, dysarthria, and aphasia.

Through this solution, we strive to enable these individuals to express themselves more effectively, engage in conversations, and participate in social interactions with greater ease. By prioritizing patient needs, we aim to create a solution that is user-friendly, adaptable to individual requirements, and capable of improving their overall quality of life.

Firstly, our Team Lead and members are representative of these communities in various ways. While we respect the importance of privacy and confidentiality, we can assure you that our team comprises individuals who have personal experiences with disabilities related to the project's focus. These experiences have served as a catalyst for our project, igniting our passion and commitment to making a meaningful impact.

To ensure that our solution addresses the genuine needs of the target population, we have taken several steps. Firstly, we are actively engaging with a medical professional who specializes in the relevant disabilities. This collaboration allows us to gain a comprehensive understanding of the specific needs and challenges faced by individuals in these communities. Their expertise guides us in developing a solution that is both effective and relevant.

Furthermore, we are committed to engaging the communities we serve throughout the entire development process. We actively seek their input, ideas, and agendas to ensure that our solution is meaningful and aligned with their requirements. We conduct focus groups, interviews, and surveys to gather valuable insights directly from the community members. Their feedback and perspectives play a crucial role in shaping the design and implementation of our solution.

In summary, our team's proximity to the communities we serve is multi-faceted. We collaborate with medical professionals to deepen our understanding of their needs, and we actively involve community members in the development process to ensure their input guides our solution. By combining personal experiences, professional expertise, and community engagement, we are confident in our ability to design and deliver a solution that truly addresses the needs of the target population.

By leveraging cutting-edge technology and advanced algorithms, we aim to decode brain signals associated with speech production, allowing individuals to communicate without the need for vocalization.

This approach has several advantages over traditional methods of communication. It offers a potential breakthrough for individuals with speech impairments, such as those with neurological disorders or conditions that affect their ability to speak. Additionally, it has the potential to revolutionize human-computer interaction, enabling seamless communication between humans and machines through thought alone.

The positive impacts of our solution extend beyond the immediate problem it addresses. By providing an alternative means of communication, it empowers individuals who may have previously faced significant challenges in expressing themselves. This newfound ability can enhance their quality of life, foster independence, and facilitate social inclusion.

Furthermore, our solution has the potential to catalyze broader positive impacts within the field. By pushing the boundaries of EEG signal analysis and decoding, we contribute to advancements in neurotechnology and brain-computer interfaces. This, in turn, can inspire and motivate other researchers and innovators to explore new possibilities in this space, leading to further breakthroughs and innovations.

In terms of market impact, our solution has the potential to disrupt the assistive technology market by offering a unique and highly sought-after communication solution for individuals with speech impairments. It could also find applications in various industries, such as healthcare, gaming, and virtual reality, where non-verbal communication or thought-based interfaces are desired.

Overall, our solution not only addresses a pressing problem but also has the potential to catalyze positive impacts, inspire further innovation, and reshape the market by introducing a groundbreaking approach to communication and human-computer interaction.

Our solution can contribute in the following ways:

1. Assistive Communication: Our project aims to develop a technology that enables individuals with speech impairments to communicate effectively. By utilizing EEG signals to interpret imagined speech, we provide an alternative communication method for those who are unable to speak. This can significantly improve the well-being and quality of life for individuals with conditions such as paralysis, ALS, or other speech-related disabilities.

2. Accessibility and Inclusivity: By creating a system that allows individuals with speech impairments to express themselves, we promote inclusivity and ensure that everyone has equal opportunities to communicate and participate in social interactions. This can enhance their mental well-being and foster a sense of belonging within their communities.

3. Research and Innovation: Our project involves extensive research and development in the field of neurotechnology and signal processing. By pushing the boundaries of technology, we contribute to advancements in the field of healthcare and assistive devices. This research can have broader implications for improving health outcomes and well-being beyond speech-related disabilities.

4. Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: We actively collaborate with experts, researchers, and the wider community to exchange knowledge and expertise. By fostering collaboration, we contribute to the collective efforts in addressing health challenges and finding innovative solutions. This collaboration can lead to the development of more effective assistive technologies and interventions for individuals with speech impairments.

Overall, our solution aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 by promoting good health and well-being through assistive communication, accessibility, research, innovation, and collaboration in the field of speech-related disabilities.

The AI components that power imagined speech using EEG signals are based on the following techniques: EEG data acquisition, feature extraction, and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques for decoding speech from brain signals. The most common signal normalization and feature extractions in the included studies were the bandpass filter and wavelet-based feature extraction. The most prominent ML algorithm was a support vector machine, and the DL algorithm was a convolutional neural network.

Our project has currently not reached this point in planning, but we are certain that AI and ML will play a major role in decoding/gathering the information from our subjects for our dataset.

Ensuring ethical and responsible use of AI is a top priority for us. We follow the guidelines and principles for responsible AI at work, such as the 13 principles proposed by Brian Spisak, Louis B. Rosenberg, and Max Beilby. These principles include prioritizing ethical guidelines, bias detection, and safety measures over speed to market. We also ensure that our solution is transparent and explainable, so that users can understand how it works and how it makes decisions.

As for potential risks, there are several concerns associated with AI in the workplace, including privacy and security concerns, data privacy, copyright and intellectual property concerns, as well as navigating rapid and ambiguous regulations. Although they are our top priority, we are just not there in our project progress yet.

This project is our senior bachelor project, therefore we don't have "full-time staff" or "part-time staff". We are just a group of 6 students creating something beneficial for society.

1. Mayar Ahmed Alkhatieb: 01001904226

2. Haneen Hossam Eldaly: 01025070640

3. Nadeen Medhat Kirolos: 01275599292

4. Kareem Akram Ahmed: 01553022833

5. Abdelrahman Osama ElZarka: 01095983699

6. Abdelrahman Mostafa Kamel: 01151930059

Our team started at the start of this academic year (01/10/2023)

Since we've taken the democratic approach, our team has no single leader. we are guided by our incredible mentors. However, we work together to solve issues that arise. In order to keep up with each other's progress and new ideas, we conduct weekly meetings.

To develop and test imagined speech technology, there are several expenses that need to be covered. These expenses include research equipment, data acquisition, EEG devices, software development, and other resources necessary for developing and testing the technology. EEG devices are a prominent sensor in the study of brain activity, and their applications extend from research studies to imagined speech decoding. The cost of EEG devices can be expensive, and the software that accompanies an EEG headset can be complicated for researchers without prior extensive knowledge about brain activity. In addition to EEG devices, other expenses that need to be considered include office expenses, utilities, internet provider or server costs, program and office supplies, printing and copying, transportation, and mailing expenses.

At this point in our research, we can't provide accurate predictions of our operating costs, therefore we ask that you approach us with open minds.

Considering our project relies heavily on Human Resources, we might need funding for legal matters, some niche equipment, data access, and so on of other mild expenses. Most importantly to note, we need serious funding for Dataset collection, from the cost of the headset, to to labor cost of subjects. We estimate that 75k would be plenty enough to cover our expenses.

1. Seed Funding: The provided seed funding can be instrumental in initiating and advancing our project. It can help cover expenses such as research equipment, data acquisition, EEG devices, software development, and other resources necessary for developing and testing our imagined speech technology.

2. Mentorship: Access to experienced mentors can provide our team with valuable guidance and expertise in the field of EEG signals and language processing.

3. Lab Space: Having dedicated lab space can be crucial for us to conduct experiments and carry out our research. It provides a controlled environment for collecting EEG data and running simulations, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of our results.

4. Educational Programming: The educational programming offered by the Cure Residency can enhance our team's knowledge and skills in relevant areas. Workshops, seminars, and training sessions can cover topics such as EEG signal processing, machine learning, speech recognition, and natural language processing, equipping us with the necessary tools to advance our project.

5. Networking Opportunities: The Cure Residency can connect us with a network of professionals and fellow researchers working in related fields. Building connections with like-minded individuals can lead to collaborations, knowledge sharing, and potential partnerships that can further accelerate the progress of our project.

Overall, the Cure Residency can provide a supportive ecosystem that fosters innovation, provides resources, and facilitates collaboration for our team. These aspects can significantly benefit our work on imagined speech using EEG signals, enabling us to make advancements and contribute to the field.