Tracking Oromotor Dynamics Using Whole-Cortex Magnetoencephalogram Sensors

Abstract

In this study, we propose a non line-ofsight, five-dimensional magnetoencephalogram (MEG)-compatible system for tracking the location and orientation of target points on the tongue, lips and jaw during articulation. The orofacial tracking system uses small, lightweight coils that are driven continuously with low-amplitude sinusoidal currents.  The current carrying coils create magnetic dipoles that can be localized by least-square fits of the modeled magnetic field to the response of the wholecortex MEG sensors. This paper discusses preliminary tests performed to evaluate the spatial and temporal resolution of the tracking system. Once implemented, the system will present a unique opportunity to study the neural mechanisms underlying speech and other oro-motor functions.