Neurofeedback games to enhance cognitive abilities

• Main Author: Lim, Wei Lun
• Other Authors: Olga Sourina
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Electrical and electronic engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/60451
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

In the usage of neurofeedback games to improve cognitive abilities, multitasking is one such ability that is experiencing increased attention, not only from researchers, but also from private corporations and the military. The ability to multitask is seen as a necessary skill in the performance of critical tasks, such as the piloting of an aircraft, which require aircraft personnel to monitor a number of status displays and communicate with air traffic control. Even in our daily lives, the ability to multitask can prove essential, such as when driving a vehicle while monitoring the GPS. In this project, a 3D neurofeedback game, “Multitask Driving”, was developed using the Unreal Development Kit (UDK) with the aim to enhance an individual’s multitasking ability. The game comprises of three tasks; a visuomotor driving task, an auditory oddball task and a working memory task, which are activated in a staggered manner. The game also features a high score system to motivate players to attain a better performance and improve their multitasking ability, as well as a save system with the intention to allow players to store their high score over many game sessions. Additionally, the game works both with and without a neurofeedback device for added flexibility. If the device is used, the player’s brain state of concentration is monitored and feedback is provided to the player. Finally, the game generates a data log that captures the user’s play data for use in research analysis.