Tools for brain-computer interaction: a general concept for a hybrid BCI

Abstract

The aim of this work is to present the development of a hybrid Brain-Computer Interface (hBCI) which combines existing input devices with a BCI. Thereby, the BCI should be available if the user wishes to extend the types of inputs available to an assistive technology system, but the user can also choose not to use the BCI at all; the BCI is active in the background. The hBCI might decide on the one hand which input channel(s) offer the most reliable signal(s) and switch between input channels to improve information transfer rate, usability, or other factors, or on the other hand fuse various input channels. One major goal therefore is to bring the BCI technology to a level where it can be used in a maximum number of scenarios in a simple way. To achieve this, it is of great importance that the hBCI is able to operate reliably for long periods, recognizing and adapting to changes as it does so. This goal is only possible if many different subsystems in the hBCI can work together. Since one research institute alone cannot provide such different functionality, collaboration between institutes is necessary. To allow for such a collaboration, a new concept and common software framework is introduced. It consists of four interfaces connecting the classical BCI modules: signal acquisition, preprocessing, feature extraction, classification, and the application. But it provides also the concept of fusion and shared control. In a proof of concept, the functionality of the proposed system was demonstrated.

BNCI Horizon 2020: towards a roadmap for the BCI community

“…Specifically, a BNCI does not only rely on direct measurement of brain activity, but also includes signals from other (neuro-)physiological activity such as eye movement, muscle activity, or heart rate. Finally, a device that combines a BCI with another input device (which also includes another BCI) is known as a hybrid BCI [2,5,6] or a multimodal BCI. [7] BCI research field Research on BCIs began in 1973, when J. J. Vidal introduced the concept of a brain-computer interface to the scientific community.…”

The hybrid Brain-Computer Interface: a bridge to assistive technology?

“…The principle of an hBCI can be explained as following: in addition to the EEG-based BCI, there are other input and control signals possible [2]. These include other biosignals (e.g., electromyogram, [3]) as well as signals from manual controls such as from ADs (e.g., mouth mouse, push buttons, … [4,5]).…”

“…However, in some situations it would be even better to couple the BCI with the existing AD and develop a new system called a hybrid BCI (hBCI) [1,2,8]. Ideally, an hBCI should let the user extend the types of inputs available to an assistive technology, or choose not to use the BCI at all.…”

BCI and FES Training of a Spinal Cord Injured End-User to Control a Neuroprosthesis

“…from a shoulder position sensor but also from a brain-computer interface (BCI) which translates thoughts-e.g., motor imagery (MI)-into commands by evaluating brain activity directly at its origin [1]. Control signals from different sources can be merged in a hybrid BCI [2]. Here, we introduce two control techniques tested in one end-user with SCI.…”