How to detect power input to a USB port for EEG project.

AI Thread Summary
To build an EEG that sends data to a Windows 8 laptop using C# or C++, the discussion highlights the need for a clear method to capture and process the EEG signals. The user plans to connect EEG electrodes to an amplification system with circuitry designed to reduce ambient noise and convert analog signals to digital. However, they lack experience interfacing with external devices and are unsure about the protocols to use. A suggestion is made to utilize the microphone or line-in port for capturing the EEG signals, as this hardware typically includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The challenge is that the audio hardware may filter out lower frequencies, which are crucial for EEG analysis. To bypass this, modulating the EEG signal at a higher frequency is proposed. For initial analysis, recording software can be used to capture the audio signal, which can then be saved and analyzed, though this method may be cumbersome. For real-time analysis, a link to a relevant Stack Overflow thread is provided for further guidance.
Superposed_Cat
Messages
388
Reaction score
5
Hi, so I want to build an EEG and have it send data to my laptop (windows 8). But how would I go about writing a C#(or C++ but I'm more comfortable with C#) program to detect the input (the different frequencies). I was hoping to be able to treat it as a like a music input but I can't seem to find an sdk/api for that. Any help appreciated.
 
Technology news on Phys.org
How exactly do you plan on capturing the input? What protocols are you going to use to send the data?
 
That's the thing. I've never interfaced with an external device before. I've only ever coded things like basic two-dimensional games, process managers, bots, things to do my math homework for me etc nothing even remotely within the sense of the word online. So no protocol so to speak. as far as the EEG I was just(roughly) going to connect EEG electrodes (ordered online) to an amplification system (using op-amps) with circuitry to isolate the ambient noise (hopefully) and convert the analog to digital. I admit this was just some random idea that came to me at 11:30 on a sun (time zones). But as I say any advice welcome. Is there nothing that can just pick up that noise and convert it to plottable values?
 
It might be easiest to use the microphone or line-in port. The sound hardware will already have an ADC. The only catch is that there is probably going to be a high-pass filter to suppress the 50/60 Hz noise, and the most interesting EEG frequencies are below 60 Hz AFAIK. You could get around that by modulating some higher frequency (say 1500 Hz) with the EEG signal.
 
  • Like
Likes 1 person
I see why you have a thanks badge, so but how will it read from the audio jack?
 
Thank you so much.
 
Back
Top