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Real-time Visualization

Petal Metrics provides real-time visualization of all data streams from your Muse headband.

Data Streams​

EEG (Electroencephalography)​

The Muse headband has 4 EEG sensors:

  • TP9: Left ear
  • AF7: Left forehead
  • AF8: Right forehead
  • TP10: Right ear

EEG data is displayed as waveforms showing brain electrical activity.

  • Sample rate: 256 Hz
  • Resolution: 12-bit
  • Units: Microvolts (µV)

Accelerometer​

3-axis accelerometer measures head movement and orientation:

  • X-axis: Left/right tilt

  • Y-axis: Forward/back tilt

  • Z-axis: Up/down movement

  • Sample rate: 52 Hz

  • Units: g (gravitational units)

Gyroscope​

3-axis gyroscope measures rotational velocity:

  • X-axis: Pitch (nodding)

  • Y-axis: Roll (tilting)

  • Z-axis: Yaw (turning)

  • Sample rate: 52 Hz

  • Units: Degrees per second (°/s)

PPG (Photoplethysmography)​

The Muse S includes PPG sensors for heart rate detection:

  • Ambient: Background light level

  • IR: Infrared reflection

  • Red: Red light reflection

  • Sample rate: 64 Hz

  • Availability: Muse S only

note

PPG data is only available on Muse S headbands. Muse 2 does not include PPG sensors.

Streaming Controls​

Streaming controls are located at the bottom of the left sidebar.

Starting a Stream​

  1. Connect to your Muse headband (see First Connection)
  2. Look for the Stream section at the bottom of the sidebar
  3. Click the green Play button to start streaming
  4. Data will begin flowing to the visualization

Stopping a Stream​

  1. Click the purple Stop button in the Stream section
  2. The visualization will freeze at the last received data
  3. Your device remains connected and ready to stream again
note

Stopping the stream also stops any active recording. Start a new recording after resuming the stream if needed.

Visualization Controls​

Time Scale​

Adjust how much data is shown on screen:

  • 1 second: Detailed view for examining individual waves
  • 2 seconds: Short-term monitoring
  • 4 seconds: Default view for general monitoring
  • 8 seconds: Extended view for observing patterns
  • 16 seconds: Long-term trend observation

Amplitude Scale​

Adjust the vertical scale of waveforms. Available options:

  • 50 µV: High sensitivity for subtle signals
  • 100 µV: Detailed view
  • 200 µV: Default, balanced view
  • 400 µV: Reduced sensitivity
  • 800 µV: For high-amplitude signals
  • 1600 µV: Maximum range

Pause/Resume​

Click the pause button to freeze the display while continuing to record data.

Signal Quality Indicators​

Each EEG channel shows signal quality:

ColorQualityAction
🟢 GreenExcellentGood to go
🟡 YellowModerateAdjust headband
🔴 RedPoorReposition or moisten sensors

Improving Signal Quality​

  1. Clean sensors: Wipe with a damp cloth
  2. Adjust fit: Ensure firm but comfortable contact
  3. Moisten skin: Slightly wet the sensor contact points
  4. Reduce movement: Stay still during measurement
  5. Check hair: Move hair away from sensors

Signal Filtering​

For cleaner visualizations, Advanced subscribers can enable real-time signal filtering:

  • Bandpass filter: Remove frequencies outside your range of interest
  • Notch filter: Eliminate 50/60 Hz power line interference

See Signal Filtering for detailed configuration options.

Available on All Plans​

Real-time visualization is included with all subscription plans (Basic, Standard, and Advanced).