A newly developed free software tool set for averaging electroencephalogram implemented in the Perl programming language

Considering the need for daily activity analysis of older adults, development of easy-to-use, free electroencephalogram (EEG) analysis tools are desired in order to decrease barriers to accessing this technology and increase the entry of a wide range of new researchers. We describe a newly developed tool set for EEG analysis, enabling import, average, waveform display and iso-potential scalp topographies, utilizing the programming language Perl. The basic processing, including average, display waveforms, and isopotential scalp topography was implemented in the current system. The validation was examined by making difference waveforms between the results using the current analysis system and a commercial software. Comparison with Existing Method(s): The current software tool set consists of free software. The scripts are easily editable by any user and there are no black boxes. The currently reported procedures provide an easy-to-begin, flexible, readable, easy-to-modify basic tool set for EEG analysis and is expected to recruit new EEG researchers. Electroencephalogram; Event-related potential; Averaging; Scalp topography; Free software; Perl; Signal processing; Software engineering; Behavioral neuroscience; Cognitive neuroscience; Cognition; Physiology; Neurology.