Document Type
Thesis
Date of Award
Fall 1-31-2002
Degree Name
Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering - (M.S.)
Department
Biomedical Engineering Committee
First Advisor
Stanley S. Reisman
Second Advisor
Michael T. Bergen
Third Advisor
Tara L. Alvarez
Fourth Advisor
Richard J. Servatius
Abstract
The classically conditioned eyeblink response is studied by various groups to study neurological functions. This is a form of associative leaming that has many features to help diagnose and learn about neurological diseases. Electromyogram traditionally is used to detect eyeblinks for this experimentation in human. However, EMG can be expensive and difficult to use. It involves the utilization of electrodes and produces only an indirect measure of eyelid closure. The goal of the project was to develop an infrared device to detect eyeblinks and replace the EMG. The project involved two major components, a hardware and a software component. The hardware segment included emitters and detectors to collect the signal and electronics for signal conditioning. The software stored, displayed and processed the data. The aim of this study was to have an inexpensive and facile way of detecting eyeblinks
To prove the reliability and validity of the signal, a small pilot study was conducted where both EMG and infrared were monitored continuously. The signal from the infrared was compared to the EMG signal in terms of reliability, validity and quality of the signal. The pilot study indicated that the infrared signal quality is better than the EMG. The pilot study also proved the infrared signal to be valid and reliable. The system's main goal was to replace EMG system with instrumentation that was less expensive but still reliable.
Recommended Citation
Patel, Alka, "An infrared device to measure the eyeblink for the study of classical conditioning" (2002). Theses. 717.
https://digitalcommons.njit.edu/theses/717
