An arbitrary-spectrum spatial visual stimulator for vision research

Visual neuroscientists require accurate control of visual stimulation. However, few stimulator solutions simultaneously offer high spatio-temporal resolution and free control over the spectra of the light sources, because they rely on off-the-shelf technology developed for human trichromatic vision. Importantly, consumer displays fail to drive UV-shifted short wavelength-sensitive photoreceptors, which strongly contribute to visual behaviour in many animals, including mice, zebrafish and fruit flies. Moreover, many non-mammalian species feature more than three spectral photoreceptor types. Here, we present a flexible, spatial visual stimulator with up to six arbitrary spectrum chromatic channels. It combines a standard digital light processing engine with open source hard- and software that can be easily adapted to the experimentalist’s needs. We demonstrate the capability of this general visual stimulator experimentally in the in vitro mouse retinal whole-mount and the in vivo zebrafish. With this work, we intend to start a community effort of sharing and developing a common stimulator design for vision research.

An arbitrary-spectrum spatial visual stimulator for vision research

Visual neuroscientists require accurate control of visual stimulation. However, few stimulator solutions simultaneously offer high spatio-temporal resolution and free control over the spectra of the light sources, because they rely on off-the-shelf technology developed for human trichromatic vision. Importantly, consumer displays fail to drive UV-shifted short wavelength-sensitive photoreceptors, which strongly contribute to visual behaviour in many animals, including mice, zebrafish and fruit flies. Moreover, many non-mammalian species feature more than three spectral photoreceptor types. Here, we present a flexible, spatial visual stimulator with up to 6 arbitrary spectrum chromatic channels. It combines a standard digital light processing engine with open source hard- and software that can be easily adapted to the experimentalist’s needs. We demonstrate the capability of this general visual stimulator experimentally in the in vitro mouse retinal whole-mount and the in vivo zebrafish. Hereby, we intend starting a community effort of sharing and developing a common stimulator design.

Research of Visual Stimulation Method and Design of Visual Stimulator Based on Brain-Computer Interface

Brain Computer Interface (BCI) is a new ways of communicating with outside for the loss of some or all of the muscles controlling function of the patients. And the BCI is to set up a new information communication and control channel though the computer or other electronic device between the human brain and the external environment that does not depend on the peripheral nerve and muscle tissue. Firstly, this paper studies the methods of visual stimulation based on Brain Computer Interface that classified by stimulating form can be divided into flash simulation and figures simulation and classified by stimulating frequency can be divide into transient visual stimulation and steady-state visual stimulation. Then, using FPGA and the VGA interface designed of the visual stimulator that can be used to acquisition of steady-state visual evoked potential. Finally, adopting EEG signal processing platform verify this simulator. After numbers of verification, this simulator obtains a good desired result which achieved over 80% accuracy rate.

Design and Implementation of Portable Visual Stimulator for BCI

Visual stimulator is one of the key factors that affect the steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP). Research and development of brain-computer interface (BCI) system based on SSVEP have priority to consider the design and implementation of visual stimulation. Compare with visual stimulators for particular applications, this paper presents a visual stimulator that is portable and easy to modify apparatus, which is suitable for expanding the application of SSVEP based BCI system. This article induces a visual stimulator based on ARM microcontroller for BCI. The stimulator uses a common USB interface, achieving multiple selective stimulus methods. The system features include visual stimulation, parameter setting and display, the experimental results feedback display. Experimental data prove that this stimulator can be used for almost all types of brain-computer interface based on visual stimulation experiments, and have a portable operating mode, flexible parameter settings , and easy operation.