BrainiBeats: A dual brain-computer interface for musical composition using inter-brain synchrony and emotional valence

Abstract

A dual brain-computer interface (BCI) was developed to translate emotions and synchrony between two users into music. Using EEG signals of two individuals, the system generates live music note-by-note and controls musical parameters, such as pitch, intensity and interval. The users' mean EEG amplitude determines the notes, and their emotional valence modulates the intensity (i.e. volume of music). Additionally, inter-brain synchrony is used to manipulate the interval between notes, with higher synchrony producing more pleasant music and lower synchrony producing less pleasant music. Further research is needed to test the system in an experimental setting, however, literature suggests that neurofeedback based on inter-brain synchrony and emotional valence could be used to promote positive aspects of group dynamics and mutual emotional understanding.