Signal Quality Comparison of Wireless Dry and Wired Wet EEG Systems in Driving Conditions

This study comparatively evaluated the signal quality of wireless dry electrode and wired wet electrode electroencephalography (EEG) systems with active electrodes in real road driving environments, focusing on artifact occurrence and low frequency noise. In contrast to many existing studies conducted under laboratory or relatively mild motion conditions, this study used an electric vehicle to examine four distinct driving scenarios: inside and outside the vehicle before driving, regular driving, and dynamic driving. Through these scenarios, we assessed the performance of each EEG system under stronger vehicle vibrations and movements. The experimental results show that the wireless dry electrode EEG system offers convenience and high mobility, making it potentially suitable for real time on-the-move applications. However, it is more sensitive to artifacts and low frequency noise, particularly during dynamic driving, where signal quality is notably affected. In contrast, the wired wet electrode EEG system with active electrodes demonstrates superior signal stability and artifact removal capability, maintaining reliable data even amid significant vehicle vibrations. Despite its excellent signal quality, its more complex wearability and limited mobility make it less practical for real time use. The findings suggest that dry EEG systems are better suited for static conditions, whereas wet EEG systems with active electrodes are more appropriate for dynamic conditions, such as engine sound evaluation, NVH assessment, ride quality analysis, occupant emotion and sleep monitoring, and motion sickness studies.