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G23-R010: EEG

This lab is operated by the Ullsperger Lab.

For questions, problems, or scheduling, contact Christina Becker.

Overview

The lab has two soundproof cabins with Faraday cages for EEG experiments. Each cabin has its own KVM matrix, which allows for nearly complete flexibility over which computer (EEG recorder, Eye Tracker, Presentation Machine, or researcher supplied Laptop) displays to any screen — and routes both audio and USB.

The KVM matrices are also interconnected, so one machine can display to both cabins.

Cabin 1 (left)
EEG; speakers; eye tracking
Cabin 2 (right)
EEG; pain stimulation; Current Designs peripherals

Software

The Presentation Computers run Windows 7 and have been configured in compliance with Brain Products' official guidelines. These machines should never, under any circumstances, be connected to the network.

Both machines run Matlab (2012b) and Presentation (multiple versions).

EEG

Brain Products is the EEG equipment vendor used in this laboratory.

Cabin 1 (left)
Cabin 2 (right)

The additional Brain Products peripherals available are:

Eye Tracker

SR Research EyeLink 1000

TODO: discuss camera speed, mount, etc

Current Designs

A Current Designs 932 unit is connected to the Presentation Computer of the right cabin. The following MR safe peripherals are available:

Pain Stimulation

Two Digitimer current stimulators are available, the DS5 and DS7A. In practice, however, only the DS7A is used, as the DS5 is unable to provide enough current to be aversive enough for subjects.

The DS7A pulse can be triggered by software, but the intensity cannot be controlled by software. Thus, the initial calibration must be done manually.

Speakers

Avantone Passive MixCubes were selected because they have a well understood sonic profile (modeled after the well known Auratones) and an overall linear frequency response. They are also shielded, to prevent interference.

KVM Matrix

The Gefen EXT-DVIKVM-444DL KVM Matrix (datasheet; manual) is the key piece that makes it possible to use all the computers, screens, USB peripherals, and audio devices — in all the needed combinations. It is also a DVI amplifier, enabling reliable signal for the longer cable runs into the EEG cabins.

Each matrix can connect to 4 computers (1x DVI; 1x USB; 1x 3.5mm audio) and 4 control stations (1x screen; 1x keyboard; 1x speakers/headphones).

Any control station can connect to any computer — and even multiple control stations can be connected to the same computer.

To demonstrate how this is useful, the following is a common experiment workflow:

EEG Recorder is displayed inside the cabin:
as the technician flows the gel into the caps, they need to see which ones have good contact
Eye Tracker is displayed inside the cabin:
to run the calibration
Presentation Machine (or Researcher's Laptop) is displayed inside the cabin:
to display the actual experiment

Each control station has a Perixx keyboard (Periboard 409) that has 2 additional USB ports. One is used for a mouse; the other can be used by other USB response devices (joystick, etc). These are all routed, via the Gefen matrix, to the appropriate computer.

Monitors

The colored dots on the monitors match the Gefen matrix remote.

Recording Monitor (Green/Input #1)
Samsung SyncMaster SA450 The vertical orientation allows viewing many EEG channels simultaneously.
Eye Tracking Monitor (Brown/Input #2)
Requires a 4:3 ratio monitor
Presentation Monitor (Blue/Input #3)
Samsung SyncMaster 2233RZ
In-Cabin Monitor (Red/Input #4)
Samsung SyncMaster 2233RZ

The Samsung 2233RZ was specifically chosen because of a paper that measured its timing and found it to be favorable.

TODO: link to 2233RZ paper

TODO: explain refresh rate vs resolution and matrix

Peripherals

The following additional peripherals are available:

  • 2x USB Joysticks (1x "Flightstick Pro"; 1x "Fighterstick")
  • 2x 3-button 9-pin serial response box (custom)
  • 1x 5-button 9-pin serial response box (custom)
  • 1x 25-pin serial foot pedals (custom)

TODO: scroll device

Zebris

TODO: Describe and link: Zebris device