scholarly journals The current state of electrocorticography-based brain–computer interfaces

2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. E2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kai J. Miller ◽  
Dora Hermes ◽  
Nathan P. Staff

Brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) provide a way for the brain to interface directly with a computer. Many different brain signals can be used to control a device, varying in ease of recording, reliability, stability, temporal and spatial resolution, and noise. Electrocorticography (ECoG) electrodes provide a highly reliable signal from the human brain surface, and these signals have been used to decode movements, vision, and speech. ECoG-based BCIs are being developed to provide increased options for treatment and assistive devices for patients who have functional limitations. Decoding ECoG signals in real time provides direct feedback to the patient and can be used to control a cursor on a computer or an exoskeleton. In this review, the authors describe the current state of ECoG-based BCIs that are approaching clinical viability for restoring lost communication and motor function in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or tetraplegia. These studies provide a proof of principle and the possibility that ECoG-based BCI technology may also be useful in the future for assisting in the cortical rehabilitation of patients who have suffered a stroke.

Author(s):  
José del R. Millán

This article introduces the field of brain-computer interfaces (BCI), which allows the control of devices without the generation of any active motor output but directly from the decoding of the user’s brain signals. Here we review the current state of the art in the BCI field, discussing the main components of such an interface and illustrating ongoing research questions and prototypes for controlling a large variety of devices, from virtual keyboards for communication to robotics systems to replace lost motor functions and even clinical interventions for motor rehabilitation after a stroke. The article concludes with some insights into the future of BCI.


Author(s):  
V. A. Maksimenko ◽  
A. A. Harchenko ◽  
A. Lüttjohann

Introduction: Now the great interest in studying the brain activity based on detection of oscillatory patterns on the recorded data of electrical neuronal activity (electroencephalograms) is associated with the possibility of developing brain-computer interfaces. Braincomputer interfaces are based on the real-time detection of characteristic patterns on electroencephalograms and their transformation  into commands for controlling external devices. One of the important areas of the brain-computer interfaces application is the control of the pathological activity of the brain. This is in demand for epilepsy patients, who do not respond to drug treatment.Purpose: A technique for detecting the characteristic patterns of neural activity preceding the occurrence of epileptic seizures.Results:Using multi-channel electroencephalograms, we consider the dynamics of thalamo-cortical brain network, preceded the occurrence of an epileptic seizure. We have developed technique which allows to predict the occurrence of an epileptic seizure. The technique has been implemented in a brain-computer interface, which has been tested in-vivo on the animal model of absence epilepsy.Practical relevance:The results of our study demonstrate the possibility of epileptic seizures prediction based on multichannel electroencephalograms. The obtained results can be used in the development of neurointerfaces for the prediction and prevention of seizures of various types of epilepsy in humans. 


Electronics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 560
Author(s):  
Andrea Bonci ◽  
Simone Fiori ◽  
Hiroshi Higashi ◽  
Toshihisa Tanaka ◽  
Federica Verdini

The prospect and potentiality of interfacing minds with machines has long captured human imagination. Recent advances in biomedical engineering, computer science, and neuroscience are making brain–computer interfaces a reality, paving the way to restoring and potentially augmenting human physical and mental capabilities. Applications of brain–computer interfaces are being explored in applications as diverse as security, lie detection, alertness monitoring, gaming, education, art, and human cognition augmentation. The present tutorial aims to survey the principal features and challenges of brain–computer interfaces (such as reliable acquisition of brain signals, filtering and processing of the acquired brainwaves, ethical and legal issues related to brain–computer interface (BCI), data privacy, and performance assessment) with special emphasis to biomedical engineering and automation engineering applications. The content of this paper is aimed at students, researchers, and practitioners to glimpse the multifaceted world of brain–computer interfacing.


2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. E4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric C. Leuthardt ◽  
Gerwin Schalk ◽  
Jarod Roland ◽  
Adam Rouse ◽  
Daniel W. Moran

The notion that a computer can decode brain signals to infer the intentions of a human and then enact those intentions directly through a machine is becoming a realistic technical possibility. These types of devices are known as brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). The evolution of these neuroprosthetic technologies could have significant implications for patients with motor disabilities by enhancing their ability to interact and communicate with their environment. The cortical physiology most investigated and used for device control has been brain signals from the primary motor cortex. To date, this classic motor physiology has been an effective substrate for demonstrating the potential efficacy of BCI-based control. However, emerging research now stands to further enhance our understanding of the cortical physiology underpinning human intent and provide further signals for more complex brain-derived control. In this review, the authors report the current status of BCIs and detail the emerging research trends that stand to augment clinical applications in the future.


e-Neuroforum ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Niels Birbaumer ◽  
Ujwal Chaudhary

AbstractBrain-computer interfaces (BCI) use neuroelectric and metabolic brain activity to activate peripheral devices and computers without mediation of the motor system. In order to activate the BCI patients have to learn a certain amount of brain control. Self-regulation of brain activity was found to follow the principles of skill learning and instrumental conditioning. This review focuses on the clinical application of brain-computer interfaces in paralyzed patients with locked-in syndrome and completely locked-in syndrome (CLIS). It was shown that electroencephalogram (EEG)-based brain-computer interfaces allow selection of letters and words in a computer menu with different types of EEG signals. However, in patients with CLIS without any muscular control, particularly of eye movements, classical EEG-based brain-computer interfaces were not successful. Even after implantation of electrodes in the human brain, CLIS patients were unable to communicate. We developed a theoretical model explaining this fundamental deficit in instrumental learning of brain control and voluntary communication: patients in complete paralysis extinguish goal-directed responseoriented thinking and intentions. Therefore, a reflexive classical conditioning procedure was developed and metabolic brain signals measured with near infrared spectroscopy were used in CLIS patients to answer simple questions with a “yes” or “no”-brain response. The data collected so far are promising and show that for the first time CLIS patients communicate with such a BCI system using metabolic brain signals and simple reflexive learning tasks. Finally, brain machine interfaces and rehabilitation in chronic stroke are described demonstrating in chronic stroke patients without any residual upper limb movement a surprising recovery of motor function on the motor level as well as on the brain level. After extensive combined BCI training with behaviorally oriented physiotherapy, significant improvement in motor function was shown in this previously intractable paralysis. In conclusion, clinical application of brain machine interfaces in well-defined and circumscribed neurological disorders have demonstrated surprisingly positive effects. The application of BCIs to psychiatric and clinical-psychological problems, however, at present did not result in substantial improvement of complex behavioral disorders.


2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie M. Scott ◽  
Chris Raftery

By translating brain signals into new kinds of outputs, Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) systems hold tremendous potential as both transformative rehabilitation and communication tools. BCIs can be considered a unique technology, in that they are able to provide a direct link between the brain and the external environment. By affording users with opportunities for communication and self-expression, BCI systems serve as a bridge between abled-bodied and disabled users, in turn reducing existing barriers between these groups. This perspective piece explores the complex shifting relationship between neuroadaptive systems and humans by foregrounding personal experience and embodied interaction as concepts through which to evaluate digital environments cultivated through the design of BCI interfaces. To underscore the importance of fostering human-centered experiences through technologically mediated interactions, this work offers a conceptual framework through which the rehabilitative and therapeutic possibilities of BCI user-system engagement could be furthered. By inviting somatic analysis towards the design of BCI interfaces and incorporating tenets of creative arts therapies practices into hybrid navigation paradigms for self-expressive applications, this work highlights the need for examining individual technological interactions as sites with meaning-making potentiality, as well as those conceived through unique exchanges based on user-specific needs for communication. Designing BCI interfaces in ways that afford users with increased options for navigation, as well as with the ability to share subjective and collective experiences, helps to redefine existing boundaries of digital and physical user-system interactions and encourages the reimagining of these systems as novel digital health tools for recovery.


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