GUI Guide#

To import data from DSI-Streamer into EEGLab:

  1. Launch EEGLab in MATLAB.

  2. Navigate to: File → Import Data → Using EEGLAB functions and plugins → From WearableSensing CSV files

Import Configuration#

The import dialog allows you to customize how the data is loaded and pre-processed.

Parameter

Type

Default

Description

Channels

Array or List

All

Specific channels to import. Enter as a space-separated list (e.g., 1 2 3) or MATLAB vector (e.g., [1:10]). Leave empty to import all.

Data Range

[Min Max]

All

Time range in seconds to crop the file. Enter [Start End] (e.g., [0 60]). Leave empty for full file.

Highpass Filter

Float (Hz)

0.1

Lower cutoff frequency for FIR filter. Removes slow drifts.

Lowpass Filter

Float (Hz)

70.0

Upper cutoff frequency for FIR filter. Removes high-frequency noise.

Reference

Option

Linked Ears

Linked Ears (Standard) or Hardware Reference. See details below.

Import Triggers

Checkbox

Checked

Imports digital triggers from the data stream as EEGLab events.

Remove Aux

Checkbox

Checked

Removes DSI-24 auxiliary channels (X1-X3) used for external sensors (ECG, EMG, etc.). Uncheck to keep them.

Reference Details#

The plugin offers two reference schemes. Linked Ears is the most common choice for DSI systems.

Linked Ears vs. Hardware Reference

Linked Ears (Recommended) Re-references the data to the average of the ear clips (A1/A2) or the LE sensor.

  • Advantages: Symmetrical reference that avoids lateral bias; standard for most ERP and quantitative EEG analysis.

Hardware Reference Keeps the data referenced exactly as it was recorded.

  • Reference Location: Pz (DSI-24/DSI-7), P4 (VR300), or Variable (DSI-Flex).

  • Use Case: Choose this if you plan to perform your own re-referencing pipeline later or specifically require the hardware reference.

Batch Import#

You can streamline your workflow by importing multiple recordings at once.

  1. In the file selection dialog, hold Ctrl (Windows) or Cmd (Mac) to select multiple .csv files.

  2. The plugin will validate that all selected files are compatible DSI-Streamer recordings.

  3. The import settings (filters, reference) configured above will be applied identically to every file.

  4. Each file is loaded as a separate, named dataset in the EEGLab workspace.

Batch Processing Tip

Batch import via the GUI is perfect for loading a session’s worth of data (e.g., 5-10 files). for very large datasets (100+ files), consider using a script-based approach to avoid running out of memory.