Brain-Computer Interface
Definition
A Brain-Computer Interface, or BCI, describes a system of interaction between a machine and an organic neurological system. The aim of a BCI varies by application. Currently, Brain-Computer Interfaces are used to augment or repair cognitive or motor functions in humans that have lost the ability to control parts of their bodies. In these cases, BCIs act as restorative technologies. As BCIs become more afforadble, more accurate and easier to use outside of medical facilities, their use will increase. Outside of the medal realm, BCIs may be used for entertainment in the form of video games, for communication in the form of conferencing and social networking, and for remote control and sensing of networked objects.
Types of BCIs
There are two main types of BCIs. The first is non-invasive, which allow one to interface with technology without surgery. The second is invasive, which integrate directly with the nervous system through a mechanical installation.
Two of the most interesting types of non-invasive BCIs are subvocal recognition, or SVR, and electroencephalograms, or EEG. 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. Another method of non-invasive BCI is subvocal recognition. Subvocal recognition is a method that allows one to communicate without speaking. In 2008 the Ambient Corporation demoed a device that attached to one's neck and detected subvocal signals, turning them into sound. [1]
Invasive require a surgical procedures in order to be installed. At the moment, Invasive BCIs are almost exclusively used in medicine as restorative healthcare. They are unstable and too expensive to be used in normal everyday life as commercial products. In order to become stable, everyday products they will have to go through safety testing, become small and cheap enough to be mass-produced, and run software that helps to solve everyday human problems.
References
- ↑ On February 26, 2008 the Ambient Corporation demonstrated what it called the world's first voiceless phone call. http://www.theaudeo.com/.
