Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) Controlled Virtual Keyboard Using EMOTIV EPOC+ Headset

Abstract

Motor disabilities, caused by conditions such as spinal cord injuries or cerebral palsy, often limit individuals’ ability to communicate and control devices, impacting their independence and quality of life. To address these challenges, this paper presents the development of a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI)-based virtual keyboard designed to enhance accessibility for users with motor disabilities. The system utilizes the Emotiv EPOC+ EEG headset to capture real-time EEG and facial expression data, processed via a Python backend and mapped to an interactive Tkinter-based GUI for hands-free typing. Integrated with a text-to-speech engine, the system ensures seamless translation of brain signals and facial gestures into keyboard actions. Experimental results demonstrated a significant reduction in typing errors across sessions, with accuracy reached $76.92 \%$ in the final session, highlighting its potential as an effective assistive technology.