LSL integration

Lab Streaming Layer for fNIRS, EEG, ... and what not.

author: @nimrobotics

Installation

• Install Windows Subsystem for Linux as this pipline is based on Linux. Below two versions have been tested.
  • Ubuntu 18.04 LTS (Bionic)
  • Ubuntu 20.04 LTS (Focal)
• Install the core LSL library
  • Download the latest version (*.deb) from GitHub LSL library from the releases page.
  • Switch to the directory where the *.deb is located.
  • Change permissions to chmod +x *.deb
  • Install the *.deb sudo dpkg -i liblsl-bin_*.deb
• Install the python binding pylsl
  • pip3 install pylsl

Usage

In order to be able to work with different computers over network, please make sure all apps (python, Aurora fNIRS, EEG, ...) are allowed through Windows Defender Firewall. More info: https://pureinfotech.com/allow-apps-firewall-windows-10/

1. Run the following command to start the streamer:
   • python3 streamer.py
   • Alter the parameters in the example progam if needed.
2. Open Aurora on Windows and connect with the fNIRS device.
3. On the configuration page, select the desired probmap and click Edit as shown in the image below.
4. In the Basic parameters tab, add triggers (ideally, the same number as defined in the streamer.py program).
5. Verify that the Data out stream name and Data in stream name same as defined in the streamer.py program.
6. Now you should be able to see the data with triggers in the Aurora console.
7. The trigger input may be automated to your needs.

Caveats

• A few times the LSL stims were not placed on the fNIRS recordings when the fNIRS was connected using a cable. Although, the fNIRS data was transmitted over the wired connection, team T2D suspects that it was a problem with the cable.