EEG-based Image Feature Extraction for Visual Classification using Deep Learning

Abstract: While capable of segregating visual data, humans take time to examine a single piece, let alone thousands or millions of samples. The deep learning models efficiently process sizeable information with the help of modern-day computing. However, their questionable decision-making process has raised considerable concerns. Recent studies have identified a new approach to extract image features from EEG signals and combine them with standard image features. These approaches make deep learning models more interpretable and also enables faster converging of models with fewer samples. Inspired by recent studies, we developed an efficient way of encoding EEG signals as images to facilitate a more subtle understanding of brain signals with deep learning models. Using two variations in such encoding methods, we classified the encoded EEG signals corresponding to 39 image classes with a benchmark accuracy of 70% on the layered dataset of six subjects, which is significantly higher than the existing work. Our image classification approach with combined EEG features achieved an accuracy of 82% compared to the slightly better accuracy of a pure deep learning approach; nevertheless, it demonstrates the viability of the theory.