A survey of EEG based user authentication schemes

Electroencephalography (EEG) is the recording of electrical activity occurring in the brain, which is recorded from the scalp through placement of voltage sensitive electrodes. It has been repeatedly demonstrated that the brain emits voltage fluctuations on a continuous basis. These fluctuations are a reflection of the on-going brain dynamics, which present as a series of fluctuations that have characteristic waveforms and amplitude patterns, depending on the cognitive state of the subject. A number of published reports have indicated that there is enough depth in the EEG recording, rendering it suitable as a tool for person authentication. This idea has a solid underpinning in that recent evidence suggests much of the on-going EEG recordable activity within brains has a genetic component. This study presents the common steps for developing a human identification systems based on EEG signals. It will also present some of the important techniques used.