Brain-computer interface technology: a review of the first international meeting

Abstract

Abstract-Over the past decade, many laboratories have begun to explore brain-computer interface (BCI) technology as a radically new communication option for those with neuromuscular impairments that prevent them from using conventional augmentative communication methods. BCI's provide these users with communication channels that do not depend on peripheral nerves and muscles. This article summarizes the first international meeting devoted to BCI research and development. Current BCI's use electroencephalographic (EEG) activity recorded at the scalp or single-unit activity recorded from within cortex to control cursor movement, select letters or icons, or operate a neuroprosthesis. 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 which recognizes the commands contained in the input and expresses them in device control. Current BCI's have maximum information transfer rates of 5-25 b/min. Achievement of greater speed and accuracy depends on improvements in signal processing, translation algorithms, and user training. These improvements depend on increased interdisciplinary cooperation between neuroscientists, engineers, computer programmers, psychologists, and rehabilitation specialists, and on adoption and widespread application of objective methods for evaluating alternative methods. The practical use of BCI technology depends on the development of appropriate applications, identification of appropriate user groups, and careful attention to the needs and desires of individual users. BCI research and development will also benefit from greater emphasis on peer-reviewed publications, Publisher Item Identifier S 1063-6528(00)04484-0.and from adoption of standard venues for presentations and discussion.Index Terms-Brain-computer interface (BCI), electroencephalography (EEG), augmentative communication.

Real‐time fMRI using brain‐state classification

“…EEG systems primarily use endogenous electrical signals in specific frequency bands and usually require extensive training [Wolpaw et al, 2000]. Our data indicate that we can have a trained BCI after just several minutes of data collection, and it is likely that this can be done with a variety (and possibly multiple combinations) of cognitive tasks.…”

“…In the field of brain computer interface (BCI), bit rate is an important characteristic of the system [Wolpaw et al, 2000]. Increasing bit rate requires improved accuracy as well as faster brain-state switching capabilities, multiple classification levels (representing multiple bits), or both.…”

Cognitive Enhancement: Methods, Ethics, Regulatory Challenges

“…Direct control of external devices through brain activity has been studied with some success for the last 40 years, although it remains a very low bandwidth form of signalling (Wolpaw et al 2000).…”

Non-invasive brain–computer interface system: Towards its application as assistive technology

“…Other BCI systems depend on brain activity recorded non-invasively from the surface of the scalp using electroencephalography (EEG). EEG-based BCIs can be operated by modulations of EEG rhythmic activity located over scalp sensorimotor areas that are induced by motor imagery tasks [11]; these modulations can be used to control a cursor on a computer screen [12] or a prosthetic device for limited hand movements [13] [14]. Thus, it has become conceivable to extend the communication between disabled individuals and the external environment from mere symbolic interaction (e.g.…”