Our lab developed a head probe that combines NIRS and EEG for simultaneous recordings. There are similar challenges when using either system so solutions for the issues that arise apply to both in many ways. On the portability side, using them in a driving simulator might benefit from having the availability of having a stable and immobile stand next to the simulator to reduce motion artifact. For information on our device that combines both systems, see our paper in the Journal of Biomedical Optics:

Compliant head probe for positioning electroencephalography electrodes and near-infrared spectroscopy optodes.

Paolo Giacometti, Solomon G Diamond

My lab in graduate school (http://cnl.beckman.illinois.edu/) consistently used NIRS and EEG simultaneously. Having both was often very beneficial. The setup time can be considerable if you go for dense coverage with both modalities. There is also a trade off between spatial coverage between the two systems. We often used only midline drop electrodes as the NIRs optical fibers would get in the way. Finding a wireless system for both is going to be highly unlikely as there just are not that many out there. I would suggest trying out the two systems simultaneously in a simple experiment before moving to a driving simulator.

Thanks, Paolo. I'll look over that. What systems did you use for the NIRS optodes and EEG electrodes?

Brian, I agree wireless NIRS is mostly likely not going to happen, but EEG seems possible considering whats out there. What our project also has to figure out is having these optode/electrode arrays on with a helemt for a driver in a racecar. It seems that your old lab have done that. Thanks for the info.

We initially used motorcycle helmets with holes drilled through them. We put the drop electrodes on first, then the helmet. The holes were large enough that we could then use long metal rods (hexdrivers I believe) to move the hair and put the optodes down on the skin. We abandoned the helmets later on as they were too heavy and swapped to thermalplastic plates. However for you the approach may work.

Great. Again thanks for the info. You wouldnt happen to know any other groups that attempted/use that approach would you? I've seen another picture online from a book of something similar but couldn't find out which group it was

We have been using an ANT EEG amplifier with custom made electrodes that were manufactured to work with our head probe. The NIRS system we have been using is a TechEn CW6 with their glass fiber optodes. We have retro fitted the head probe to work with those optodes but have also been making optodes in house. If you are going to make your own system, I would recommend focusing on the NIRS optodes and setup. So long as you have an electrode tip in contact with the scalp, which you can glue or hold down and aid connection with gel, you will have reasonably good EEG signal. The tougher system to get to work is the NIRS with issues with optical coupling, stability, motion artifact, matted hair between the scalp and optode, and so on. So I would suggest a setup that focuses on solving NIRS setup issues and that will give you a stable framework to pile on the EEG.

We have successfully combined eye tracking and quantitative EEG by using commercially available hard- and software. Please see attached publications.

I am working with Dr. Michael Lee here at BWH to develop a reliable method of doing that now. Still in progress. He would be a good person to ask. 

Hi Andrew, we developed custom sensors and also used biopac fnir devices sensors with Neuroscan EEG systems in our studies. Also, for eye tracking used SMI systems' goggle based version. Hope these help.

http://www.drexel.edu/conquer/