TITLE:
Neurocode-Tracking Based on Quantitative Fast Dynamic EEG Recording in Combination with Eye-Tracking
AUTHORS:
Wilfried Dimpfel, Hans Carlos Hofmann
KEYWORDS:
Neurocode Tracking, Eye Tracking, Quantitative EEG, Attention
JOURNAL NAME:
World Journal of Neuroscience,
Vol.4 No.2,
April
18,
2014
ABSTRACT: Information processing within the brain relies on electro-chemical features. Electric events are accessible by recording of the EEG. These electric oscillations might be regarded as a neuronal code carrying information on important motor, cognitive and emotional events. A new approach of quantitative assessment of very short time epochs of 364 ms has been developed on the base of particularly defined frequency ranges and called “Neurocode-Tracking”. The new method was technically validated by the use of a signal generator and was found to correspond to classical quantitative EEG analysis except for some smudging during the transition from one frequency range to the next. Real data from a subject were obtained during relaxation and performance of three mental tasks. Data were time averaged for 180 s using the classical method and compared to data averaging during 16.4 s. Results were nearly identical with respect to spectral signatures showing the expected midline frontal theta increases during performance of three cognitive tests but not during relaxation. Collection of very short time epochs of 728 ms duration confirmed task dependent frontal theta increases, most prominent during calculation performance test (CPT), less during d2-concentration and memory test, none during relaxation. Finally, the new technique was combined with eye-tracking. Capture of the EEG mapping video of Neurocode-Tracking and synchronization with the gaze overlay video by starting recording with an audio signal (gong) allowed a match of gazes precisely with the corresponding electric events. Use of this technical combination in research will hopefully lead to a new understanding of spectral signatures of electric activity called enkephaloglyphs.