Improving the Accuracy of Motor Imagery in BCI for the Movement of Artificial Prostheses used for Disabled People

Abstract

A brain-computer interface (BCI) allows users to communicate directly with an external device, such as a computer, using brain signals. These systems involve signal acquisition, temporal and spatial filtering, feature engineering, and classification before transmitting the control signal to an external device. Brain-computer interfaces based on motor imagery (MI-BCI) hold significant potential for applications in motor enhancement and rehabilitation. However, the control capabilities of MI-BCI can vary among individuals. In this article, we present a motor imagery model that leverages the power of deep learning for feature extraction and optimization methods for feature selection, based on individuals' electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. For this purpose, we employed the convolutional neural network (CNN), the golden eagle optimization (GEO) method, and three hybrid classification models to achieve high accuracy in classifying EEG signals. The innovative classification method presented in the third phase of the proposed method has high flexibility and significant accuracy, which is presented for the first time. This method can be used in all matters of prediction and detection of phenomena to increase accuracy and high scalability. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model significantly outperforms baseline approaches across all key performance indicators. In terms of precision, the method achieves an improvement of approximately 12 – 18% over standard CNN and nearly 20% compared to conventional classifiers. For recall, it yields 10 – 15% higher performance than CNN and 18 – 22% higher than classical machine learning methods. Finally, the F-measure results indicate a 12 – 15% improvement over CNN and about 20% over traditional classifiers. These consistent enhancements confirm the robustness and scalability of the proposed approach for motor imagery-based EEG classification and highlight its potential for practical applications in rehabilitation and prosthetic control systems.