Usability of Physiological Signals for Military Purpose: Examples of Electroencephalography and Near Infrared Spectroscopy

Abstract

The neurons of the human brain generate electrical activities related to body functions. The generated potential distribution can be measured with elctrodes placed on the scalp (electroencephalography, EEG). EEG signals can be related to sponteneous, event related or evoked potential recordings. The EEG pattern change in stiuations of alertness, resting or sleep. It is possible to communicate with the environment and control a computer or another device, by using mu and P300 waves. These systems are called brain computer interfaces or interactions, and widely used. Oxygenation in the brain can be observed with functional near-inrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). By using these systems, brain functions of people whose work require attention, can be monitored. In this study, EEG and fNIRS are proposed for some military purpose. A person whose task requires high alertness can be monitored using their brain functions. Observance of a person by a command center in some critical tasks such as the jet piloting where it is required to give rapid and correct decisions under stress or under the risk of loss of conscious, or the surveillance of critical areas or devices would highly support the performance of the mission. Inaddition, it is possible to use EEG signals to make easier the lives of veterans who have normal brain functions but suffer from physical or speech disabilities or in the investigation of their brain trauma.