An EEG Dataset for Visual Imagery-Based Brain–Computer Interface

With the advancement of non-invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) technologies, decoding high-level cognitive activity has become pivotal for expanding human-machine interaction. Visual imagery-based BCI (VI-BCI) enable voluntary activation of specific brain regions without external cue, offering novel pathways for immersive applications. However, research on the neural representation of such complex cognitive tasks is still limited, and most existing electroencephalogram (EEG) datasets primarily target motor imagery, hindering the development of robust VI decoding models. Here we present an EEG dataset recorded from 22 participants performing visual imagery tasks involving ten commonly recognized images across three categories: figures, animals, and objects. Each participant completed two sessions, with EEG recorded from 32-channels at 1000 Hz. This resource helps overcome data homogeneity issues in VI studies and provides a foundation for exploring neuroplasticity, adaptive decoding algorithms, and cross-subject generalization, facilitating the transition from controlled experiments to real-world applications.