Real-world applications for brain-computer interface technology (original) (raw)

Brain-Computer Interfacing [In the Spotlight

IEEE Signal Processing Magazine, 2000

Recently, CNN reported on the future of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) . Brain-computer interfaces are devices that process a user's brain signals to allow direct communication and interaction with the environment. BCIs bypass the normal neuromuscular output pathways and rely on digital signal processing and machine learning to translate brain signals to action ( ). Historically, BCIs were developed with biomedical applications in mind, such as restoring communication in completely paralyzed individuals and replacing lost motor function. More recent applications have targeted non-disabled individuals by exploring the use of BCIs as a novel input device for entertainment and gaming.

ON APPLICATIONS OF BRAIN-COMPUTER INTERFACE

Acta Polytechnica CTU Proceedings, 2022

Brain-computer interface (BCI) applications implement a direct communication path between the brain and the computer. This paper deals with the fundamentals of BCI systems and the experience of the neuroinformatics team with the design and implementation of various BCI applications. Their advantages, drawbacks and suitability are discussed in multiple contexts.

Brain computer interfacing: Applications and challenges

Brain computer interface technology represents a highly growing field of research with application systems. Its contributions in medical fields range from prevention to neuronal rehabilitation for serious injuries. Mind reading and remote communication have their unique fingerprint in numerous fields such as educational, self-regulation, production, marketing, security as well as games and entertainment. It creates a mutual understanding between users and the surrounding systems. This paper shows the application areas that could benefit from brain waves in facilitating or achieving their goals. We also discuss major usability and technical challenges that face brain signals utilization in various components of BCI system. Different solutions that aim to limit and decrease their effects have also been reviewed.

The Wadsworth Center brain-computer interface (BCI) research and development program

IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering, 2003

Center has focused primarily on using electroencephalogram (EEG) rhythms recorded from the scalp over sensorimotor cortex to control cursor movement in one or two dimensions. Recent and current studies seek to improve the speed and accuracy of this control by improving the selection of signal features and their translation into device commands, by incorporating additional signal features, and by optimizing the adaptive interaction between the user and system. In addition, to facilitate the evaluation, comparison, and combination of alternative BCI methods, we have developed a general-purpose BCI system called BCI-2000 and have made it available to other research groups. Finally, in collaboration with several other groups, we are developing simple BCI applications and are testing their practicality and long-term value for people with severe motor disabilities.

A comprehensive assessment of Brain Computer Interfaces: Recent trends and challenges

Journal of Neuroscience Methods, 2020

Background: An uninterrupted channel of communication and control between the human brain and electronic processing units has led to an increased use of Brain Computer Interfaces (BCIs). This article attempts to present an all-encompassing review on BCI and the scientific advancements associated with it. The ultimate goal of this review is to provide a general overview of the BCI technology and to shed light on different aspects of BCIs. This review also underscores the applications, practical challenges and opportunities associated with BCI technology, which can be used to accelerate future developments in this field. Methods: This review is based on a systematic literature search for tracking down the relevant research annals and proceedings. Using a methodical search strategy, the search was carried out across major technical databases. The retrieved records were screened for their relevance and a total of 369 research chronicles were engulfed in this review based on the inclusion criteria. Results: This review describes the present scenario and recent advancements in BCI technology. It also identifies several application areas of BCI technology. This comprehensive review provides evidence that, while we are getting ever closer, significant challenges still exist for the development of BCIs that can seamlessly integrate with the user's biological system. Conclusion: The findings of this review confirm the importance of BCI technology in various applications. It is concluded that BCI technology, still in its sprouting phase, requires significant explorations for further development. 1. Introduction The ability to bridge the communication gap between man and machines through Man-Machine Communication Interfaces has led to the innovative use of human-computer Interaction systems. Moreover, BCI (Brain Computer Interface), a widely accepted Human-Computer Interaction system, has gained high popularity among the neuroscientific community. This organization of man-machine interface for communication has been illustrated in Fig. 1. BCI or brain-machine interface (BMI) is an effective device for communication between users and systems. It is an integration of hardware and software systems to facilitate interaction between humans and their surroundings. This interaction is achieved by using the control signals arising due to the cerebral activity (Van Erp et al., 2012). In general, a non-muscular channel is created to convey the intentions of the user to external devices (for instance, computers, assistive devices, neural prostheses, speech synthesizers) for controlling action. The emergence of BCI is usually associated with the development of effective communication channels in biomedical applications. The prime objective is to deliver communication capabilities to rigorously immobilized people. For instance, completely paralyzed or locked-in individuals with neurological neuromuscular disorders (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, brain stem stroke, spinal cord injury) are usually considered as prospective users. The developments in BCI have led to the creation of assistive devices which assist in the motor restoration and rehabilitation (Rao and Scherer, 2010; Bi et al., 2013). Thus, BCI validates its proficiency in improving the quality of life along with the reduction in the cost of intensive care (Kögel et al., 2020). Moreover, owing to the promising prospects of BCIs, the research community has widened the focus of BCI applications among healthy users as well with the emphasis on non-medical applications (Blankertz et al., 2010a; Tan and Nijholt, 2012

BCI2000: A General-Purpose Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) System

IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, 2004

Many laboratories have begun to develop brain-computer interface (BCI) systems that provide communication and control capabilities to people with severe motor disabilities. Further progress and realization of practical applications depends on systematic evaluations and comparisons of different brain signals, recording methods, processing algorithms, output formats, and operating protocols. However, the typical BCI system is designed specifically for one particular BCI method and is, therefore, not suited to the systematic studies that are essential for continued progress. In response to this problem, we have developed a documented general-purpose BCI research and development platform called BCI2000. BCI2000 can incorporate alone or in combination any brain signals, signal processing methods, output devices, and operating protocols. This report is intended to describe to investigators, biomedical engineers, and computer scientists the concepts that the BCI2000 system is based upon and gives examples of successful BCI implementations using this system. To date, we have used BCI2000 to create BCI systems for a variety of brain signals, processing methods, and applications. The data show that these systems function well in online operation and that BCI2000 satisfies the stringent real-time requirements of BCI systems. By substantially reducing labor and cost, BCI2000 facilitates the implementation of different BCI systems and other psychophysiological experiments. It is available with full documentation and free of charge for research or educational purposes and is currently being used in a variety of studies by many research groups.

Guest editorial brain-computer interface technology: a review of the second international meeting

IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering, 2000

This paper summarizes the Brain-Computer Interfaces for Communication and Control, The Second International Meeting, held in Rensselaerville, NY, in June 2002. Sponsored by the National Institutes of Health and organized by the Wadsworth Center of the New York State Department of Health, the meeting addressed current work and future plans in brain-computer interface (BCI) research. Ninety-two researchers representing 38 different research groups from the United States, Canada, Europe, and China participated. The BCIs discussed at the meeting use electroencephalographic activity recorded from the scalp or single-neuron activity recorded within cortex to control cursor movement, select letters or icons, or operate neuroprostheses. The central element in each BCI is a translation algorithm that converts electrophysiological input from the user into output that controls external devices. BCI operation depends on effective interaction between two adaptive controllers, the user who encodes his or her commands in the electrophysiological input provided to the BCI, and the BCI that recognizes the commands contained in the input and expresses them in device control. Current BCIs have maximum information transfer rates of up to 25 b/min. Achievement of greater speed and accuracy requires improvements in signal acquisition and processing, in translation algorithms, and in user training. These improvements depend on interdisciplinary cooperation among neuroscientists, engineers, computer programmers, psychologists, and rehabilitation specialists, and on adoption and widespread application of objective criteria for evaluating alternative methods. The practical use of BCI technology will be determined by the development of appropriate applications and identification of appropriate user groups, and will require careful attention to the needs and desires of individual users.

BRAIN COMPUTER INTERFACE

As the expansion of innovation drastically invades all parts of current life, from multiple points of view the world is ending up so unique and complex that mechanical abilities are overpowering human capacities to ideally connect with and use those advancements. Luckily, these innovative progressions have additionally determined a blast of neuroscience investigate in the course of recent decades, giving architects a striking chance to outline and create adaptable and versatile mind based neurotechnologies that coordinate with and profit by human capacities and restrictions to enhance human– framework communications. Significant harbingers of this origination are brain– PC interfaces (BCIs), which to this point have been to a great extent concentrated on enhancing the personal satisfaction for specific clinical populaces and incorporate, for instance, applications for cutting edge interchanges with incapacitated or Blocked in patients and additionally the immediate control of prostheses and wheelchairs[1]. Close term applications are imagined that are principally errand arranged and are focused to keep away from the most troublesome deterrents to advancement. In the more remote term, an all encompassing way to deal with BCIs will empower an expansive scope of undertaking focused and shrewd applications by utilizing unavoidable innovations and progressed logical ways to deal with sense and consolidation basic mind, behavioral, errand, and ecological data. Correspondences and different applications that are imagined to be comprehensively affected by BCIs are featured; notwithstanding, these speak to only a little example of the capability of these advancements[1].