A Novel Multi-Stage Algorithm for Real-Time Detection and Correction of Ocular Artifacts in EEG: A Calibration-Free Approach

Ocular artifacts, particularly blinks, significantly affect the integrity of electroencephalographic (EEG) signals, posing a challenge for real-time applications. Traditional correction methods often require a calibration phase or additional electrooculogram (EOG) channels, limiting their applicability in mobile and real-world settings. This study presents a novel detection and correction method, designed for online ocular artifact correction without the need for prior calibration: the CFo-CLEAN. The proposed method integrates an Enhanced Adaptive Data-driven Algorithm (eADA) for real-time identification and correction of ocular artifacts directly from EEG signals. Unlike conventional approaches, this implementation adapts dynamically to ongoing EEG variations, enhancing flexibility and performance. The study evaluates the CFo-CLEAN method using EEG data recorded from 38 participants during real-world driving scenarios. Performance comparisons were conducted against established correction techniques, including Independent Component Analysis (ICA), regression-based methods, and subspace reconstruction approaches. The evaluation considered both artifact removal efficiency and EEG signal preservation across different experimental conditions. Results demonstrated that the method effectively reduced ocular artifact contamination while preserving neurophysiological content. Specifically, two implementations of the method, utilizing 60-second and 90-second time windows, were analyzed, revealing that longer windows provided superior EEG signal preservation, particularly in higher frequency bands. These findings validate the effectiveness of the CFo-CLEAN method for real-time applications, making it a valuable tool for brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), neuroergonomics, and cognitive state monitoring. By avoiding the need for a calibration phase and incorporating adaptive processing, this method represents a significant advancement in real-time EEG artifact correction, facilitating its deployment in dynamic, real-world environments.