Applied Attention & Mental Workload
Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Project
Spring 2018
Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is an emerging technique for measuring activation of local brain regions based upon the quantification of oxygenated blood flow (One could say it's a poor man's fMRI). The openNIRS project has produced and published an open-source hardware architecture for collecting fNIRS data. As part of the Spring 2019 offering of the Applied Attention & Mental Workload seminar we will examine the openNIRS project and make every effort to construct and verify the operation of a 4-channel fNIRS module optimized to assess frontal lobe activation in ambulatory human operators. We have much to learn to successfully meet these goals, including: (1) understanding the theory-of-operation of some complex electonic circuiry, (2) using computer software to visualize and reproduce the necessary 4-layer printed circuit boards, (3) assembling the surface mount components for the PCBs using hot-air, soldering iron and reflow oven techniques, (4) programming the fNIRS on-board ATMega164A microcontroller, (5) using CAD software and 3D-printing technology to reproduce the hardware for mounting the fNIRS module and (6) developing a Raspberry Pi-based subsystem for controlling and digitizing the analog output of the fNIRS sensors. This is an ambitious project which should be full of temporary frustrations followed by occasional triumphs as we work our way toward our ultimate goals. It is not for the faint of heart. Enjoy the ride! (FS 1/4/2019)
Foundational Readings
von Luehmann, A., Herff, C., Heger, D. & Schultz, T. (2015). Toward a wireless open source instrument: Functional near-infrared spectroscopy in mobile neuroergonomics and BCI applications. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 9 (Article 617), 1-14.
von Luehmann, A. Thesis (A detailed exposition of the fNIRS module theory-of-operation and implementation)