Brain-Computer Interface
Definition
Brain-Computer Interfaces, or BCI's describe systems of interaction between computers and neurological systems. The aim of a BCI varies by application. Traditionally, BCI's are used to augment or repair cognitive or motor functions in humans that have lost the ability to control parts of their bodies. In this case, BCIs act as restorative technologies. As BCIs become cheaper, more accurate and easier to use outside of medical facilities, their use will increasingly be used as part of augmentative technologies and entertainment in the form of video games, conferencing and communication, remote control and wireless data entry.
There are two main types of BCIs, non-invasive, which allow for interfacing without surgery, and invasive, which require some surgical procedure in order to function. Two of the most interesting types of non-invasive BCIs are subvocal recognition, or SVR, and electroencephalograms, or EEG.
"The Ambient Corporation is marketing a device called the Audeo that helps people speak.[1] (more information is needed here)
On the other hand, an EEG device is a non-invasive BCI that works by detecting neuro-electrical transmission in the brain. This neuro-electric brain activity can be converted into various outputs such as the movement of virtual objects, data entry, and the use of a computer without the use of a cursor or keyboard.
References
- ↑ http://www.theaudeo.com/]. On February 26, 2008 the Ambient Corporation demonstrated what it called the world's first voiceless phone call" [http://www.theaudeo.com/display_news.php?id=29
