“Neuroinformatics encompasses the tools and techniques for data acquisition, sharing, publishing, storage, analysis, visualization, modeling and simulation” (question from http://incf. org). In this presentation we offer freely available solutions for the first six tasks in the field of biomedical time series. Svarog (Signal Viever, Analyzer and Recorder on GPL, http://svarog. pl) is a multiplatform, open source software, implemented in Java, with user friendly interface and strongly modular architecture. Reading data in different formats is based on the SignalML metadescription of time series (for details see http:// signalml.org and Durka and Ircha 2004). Advanced mathematical methods can be added to the system as plugins. OpenBCI (http://openbci.pl) is an open, multiplatform and multilanguage framework for brain-computer interfaces, which naturally requires online access to the data streams from the amplifier(s). Together, these two systems combine into a complete open source solution for recording EEG in freely designed and fully controllable experimental paradigms. OpenBCI can be viewed as a device driver for Svarog, or Svarog can be treated as a signal viewer for the OpenBCI system. Since 2010, these systems provide complete software platform used in the Laboratory of Biomedical Physics (http:// brain.fuw.edu.pl) for EEG experiments, as well as teaching at the world’s first Neuroinformatics BSc studies (http://neuroinformatyka.pl). As for sharing the data, we propose Poland’s first neuroinformatics portal http://eeg.pl.
Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) allows for non-muscular communication with external world, which may be the only way of communication for patients in a locked-in state. This paper presents a complete software framework for BCI, a novel hardware solution for stimuli rendering in BCIs based on Steady State Visual Evoked Potentials (SSVEP), and a univariate algorithm for detection of SSVEP in the EEG time series. OpenBCI is a complete software framework for brain-computer interfaces. Owing to an open license and modular architecture, it allows for flexible implementations of different communication channels in the serial or parallel hybrid mode, minimization of costs and improvements of stability and efficiency. Complete software is freely available from http://openbci.pl. BCI Appliance is a hardware solution that allows for dynamic control of menus with stable generation of stimuli for the SSVEP paradigm. The novelty consists of a design, whereby the LCD screen is illuminated from behind using an array of LEDs. Design pioneers also proposed a new line of thought about the user-centered design of BCI systems: a simple box with one on/off button, minimum embedded software, wireless connections to domotic and EEG acquisition devices, and user-controlled mode switching in a hybrid BCI.