Near to the brain: Functional near-infrared spectroscopy as a lightweight brain imaging technique for visualization
Abstract
In order to better understand the user and visual interface, it is crucial to also understand human cognitive processes. Unfortunately,
these processes are traditionally difficult to monitor without the use
of cumbersome or expensive brain imaging equipment. In recent
years, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) has emerged
as a brain imaging technique that is both lightweight and easy to set
up. In this paper, we demonstrate the potential of fNIRS to examine
current visualization techniques and influence the design of visual
interfaces. To validate fNIRS as a tool for visualization research,
we present two studies based on previous work in brightness contrast in visual search and angle vs. position comparisons in form.
Our results indicate there are significant and unintuitive cognitive
differences in the prefrontal cortex during visual search tasks of
positive and negative contrast polarity. Furthermore, we are able
to differentiate between angle and position comparisons under specific experimental conditions. Finally, we outline the potential of
fNIRS to give objective, continuous, and near real-time feedback
of brain activity in future visualization research.
these processes are traditionally difficult to monitor without the use
of cumbersome or expensive brain imaging equipment. In recent
years, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) has emerged
as a brain imaging technique that is both lightweight and easy to set
up. In this paper, we demonstrate the potential of fNIRS to examine
current visualization techniques and influence the design of visual
interfaces. To validate fNIRS as a tool for visualization research,
we present two studies based on previous work in brightness contrast in visual search and angle vs. position comparisons in form.
Our results indicate there are significant and unintuitive cognitive
differences in the prefrontal cortex during visual search tasks of
positive and negative contrast polarity. Furthermore, we are able
to differentiate between angle and position comparisons under specific experimental conditions. Finally, we outline the potential of
fNIRS to give objective, continuous, and near real-time feedback
of brain activity in future visualization research.
Research Areas
