A brain-computer interface for long-term independent home use (original) (raw)
Related papers
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2015
Noninvasive brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) use scalp-recorded electrical activity from the brain to control an application. Over the past 20 years, research demonstrating that BCIs can provide communication and control to individuals with severe motor impairment has increased almost exponentially. Although considerable effort has been dedicated to offline analysis for improving signal detection and translation, far less effort has been made to conduct online studies with target populations. Thus, there remains a great need for both long-term and translational BCI studies that include individuals with disabilities in their own homes. Completing these studies is the only sure means to answer questions about BCI utility and reliability. Here we suggest an algorithm for candidate selection for electroencephalographic (EEG)-based BCI home studies. This algorithm takes into account BCI end-users and their environment and should assist in study design and substantially improve subject retention rates, thereby improving the overall efficacy of BCI home studies. It is the result of a workshop at the Fifth International BCI Meeting that allowed us to leverage the expertise of multiple research laboratories and people from multiple backgrounds in BCI research.
This paper presents original research investigating a sensor based, ambient assisted smart home platform, within the framework of a brain computer interface (BackHome). This multimodal system integrates home-based sensors, mobile monitoring, with communication tools, web browsing, smart home control and cognitive rehabilitation. The target population are people living at home with acquired brain injury. This research engaged with the target population and those without brain injury, who provided a control for system testing. Aligned with our ethical governance a strong user centric ethos was foundational to participant engagement. Participant experience included three individual sessions to complete a pre-set protocol with supervision. Evaluation methodology included observations, time logging, completion of protocol and usability questionnaires. Results confirmed the average accuracy score for the people without brain injury was 82.6% (±4.7), performing best with the cognitive rehabilitation. Target end users recorded an average accuracy score of 76% (±11.5) with the speller logging the highest accuracy score. Additional outcomes included the need to refine the aesthetic appearance, as well as improving the reliability and responsiveness of the BCI. The findings outline the importance of engaging with end users to design and develop marketable BCI products for use in a domestic environment.
Frontiers in ICT, 2015
The BackHome system is a multifunctional BCI system, the final outcome of a User-Centered Design approach, whose ambition is to move BCI systems from laboratories into the home of people in need for their independent home use. The paper presents the results of testing and evaluation of the BackHome system with end-users at their own homes. Results show moderate to good acceptance from end-users, caregivers, and therapists, which reported promising usability levels, good user satisfaction, and levels of control in the use of services and home support based on remote monitoring tools.
Brain Computer Interface on Track to Home
The Scientific World Journal, 2015
The novel BackHome system offers individuals with disabilities a range of useful services available via brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), to help restore their independence. This is the time such technology is ready to be deployed in the real world, that is, at the target end users’ home. This has been achieved by the development of practical electrodes, easy to use software, and delivering telemonitoring and home support capabilities which have been conceived, implemented, and tested within a user-centred design approach. The final BackHome system is the result of a 3-year long process involving extensive user engagement to maximize effectiveness, reliability, robustness, and ease of use of a home based BCI system. The system is comprised of ergonomic and hassle-free BCI equipment; one-click software services for Smart Home control, cognitive stimulation, and web browsing; and remote telemonitoring and home support tools to enable independent home use for nonexpert caregivers and u...
Frontiers in neuroscience, 2017
Current brain-computer interface (BCIs) software is often tailored to the needs of scientists and technicians and therefore complex to allow for versatile use. To facilitate home use of BCIs a multifunctional P300 BCI with a graphical user interface intended for non-expert set-up and control was designed and implemented. The system includes applications for spelling, web access, entertainment, artistic expression and environmental control. In addition to new software, it also includes new hardware for the recording of electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. The EEG system consists of a small and wireless amplifier attached to a cap that can be equipped with gel-based or dry contact electrodes. The system was systematically evaluated with a healthy sample, and targeted end users of BCI technology, i.e., people with a varying degree of motor impairment tested the BCI in a series of individual case studies. Usability was assessed in terms of effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction. Feed...
Non-invasive brain-computer interface system: towards its application as assistive technology
Brain research …, 2008
The quality of life of people suffering from severe motor disabilities can benefit from the use of current assistive technology capable of ameliorating communication, house-environment management and mobility, according to the user's residual motor abilities. Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are systems that can translate brain activity into signals that control external devices. Thus they can represent the only technology for severely paralyzed patients to increase or maintain their communication and control options.
The wadsworth BCI research and development program: at home with BCI
IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering, 2006
The ultimate goal of brain-computer interface (BCI) tech nology is to provide communication and control capacities to people with severe motor disabilities. BCI research at the Wadsworth Center focuses primarily on noninvasive, electroencephalography (EEG)-based BCI methods. We have shown that people, including those with severe motor disabilities, can learn to use sensorimotor rhythms (SMRs) to move a cursor rapidly and accurately in one or two dimensions. We have also improved P300-based BCI operation. We are now translating this laboratory-proven BCI technology into a system that can be used by severely disabled people in their homes with minimal ongoing technical oversight. To accomplish this, we have: improved our general-purpose BCI software (BCI2000); improved online adaptation and feature translation for SMR-based BCI operation; improved the accuracy and bandwidth of P300-based BCI operation; reduced the complexity of system hardware and software and begun to evaluate home system use in appropriate users. These developments have resulted in prototype systems for every day use in people's homes.
Results of a 3 Year Study of a BCI-Based Communicator for Patients with Severe Disabilities
2016
The Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology can convert brain electrical signals into commands able to control external devices without the need of any voluntary movement. This can be an innovative solution that allows interaction, especially for patients with pathologies such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy or ischemic/traumatic injuries, unable to use standard Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) devices because of the loss of limbs movements, gaze control or ophthalmological disorders. Among different approaches of signal analysis, a recent BCI device, Braincontrol Basic Communicator, based on event related desynchronization (ERD) produced by motor imagery (MI), has been recently developed by Liquidweb s.r.l. and used in the current study to overcome physical issues of these patients. The aim of this study was to verify the efficacy of the Braincontrol as an AAC device and to validate the training methodology with regards to pati...
The BCI as a Pervasive Technology - A Research Plan
Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Pervasive Computing Technologies for Healthcare, 2014
In this work we explore whether the Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) can become a pervasive technology. The primary goal of BCI technology has been to provide communication and control for people with severe neural dysfunction, which affects their ability to interact with the environment. BCI research has focused largely on noninvasive, electroencephalography (EEG) based BCI methods. A number of EEG consumer grade devices are now available; the Emotiv EPOC neuroheadset is one such device. This paper investigates the utility, performance and usability of this device in an office setting by using EEG correlates of biosignals for control. The results suggest that it is possible for some users to achieve reasonable control with only minutes of training. However sustaining engagement over a longer duration and widespread use provide suitable areas for further investigation. As a contribution to the Doctoral Colloquium the paper provides an account of intended contributions of this BCI research, the plan of study necessary to achieve this goal, and enumerates the major research questions to be addressed in the next two years. The longerterm aim is to deploy BCI as a Pervasive technology.
Chances for and Limitations of Brain-Computer Interface use in Elderly People
2014
Recent demographic prognoses show tendencies toward a significant increase in the number of elderly people, especially in developed countries. This makes geriatric therapy, rehabilitation, and care difficult, especially with maintaining as long as possible the highest quality of life and independence in activities of daily living. Lack of specialized personnel and financial shortages may cause increased application of Assistive Technology (AT) and associated control devices. The most advanced current devices for diagnosis, communication, and control purposes are perceived Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs). BCIs use brain-derived bioelectrical signals as an input to enable diagnosis, communication, and/or control (e.g. neuroprostheses, medical robots, wheelchairs, whole integrated environments) without any movement. BCIs are regarded as novel solutions offering another breakthrough in everyday life, care, therapy, and rehabilitation in patients with severe sensory and neuropsychological deficits. However, particular issues in the area of BCIs use in elderly people should be emphasized, including influence of neurodegenerative disorders accompanied with secondary changes resulting from other medical problems (e.g. heart diseases, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and osteoporosis), co-occurence of various drug therapies, etc. This chapter investigates the extent to which the available opportunities are being exploited, including both chances and limitations, medical, technical, psychological, societal, ethical, and legal issues.