scholarly journals The human-computer connection: An overview of brain-computer interfaces

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.

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.


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.


Author(s):  
Pasquale Arpaia ◽  
Francesco Donnarumma ◽  
Antonio Esposito ◽  
Marco Parvis

A method for selecting electroencephalographic (EEG) signals in motor imagery-based brain-computer interfaces (MI-BCI) is proposed for enhancing the online interoperability and portability of BCI systems, as well as user comfort. The attempt is also to reduce variability and noise of MI-BCI, which could be affected by a large number of EEG channels. The relation between selected channels and MI-BCI performance is therefore analyzed. The proposed method is able to select acquisition channels common to all subjects, while achieving a performance compatible with the use of all the channels. Results are reported with reference to a standard benchmark dataset, the BCI competition IV dataset 2a. They prove that a performance compatible with the best state-of-the-art approaches can be achieved, while adopting a significantly smaller number of channels, both in two and in four tasks classification. In particular, classification accuracy is about 77–83% in binary classification with down to 6 EEG channels, and above 60% for the four-classes case when 10 channels are employed. This gives a contribution in optimizing the EEG measurement while developing non-invasive and wearable MI-based brain-computer interfaces.


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 11 (24) ◽  
pp. 11811
Author(s):  
Christian Delgado-von-Eitzen ◽  
Luis Anido-Rifón ◽  
Manuel J. Fernández-Iglesias

Blockchain is one of the latest technologies attracting increasing attention from different actors in diverse fields, including the educational sector. The objective of this study is to offer an overview of the current state of the art related to blockchain in education that may serve as a reference for future initiatives in this field. For this, a systematic review of reference journals was carried out. Eleven databases were systematically searched and eligible papers that focused on blockchain in education that made significant contributions, and not only generic statements about the topic, were selected. As a result, 28 articles were analyzed. Lack of precision, and selection and analysis bias were then minimized by involving three researchers. The analysis of the selected papers provided invaluable insight and answered the research questions posed about the current state of the application of blockchain in education, about which of its characteristics can benefit this sector, and about the challenges that must be addressed. Blockchain may become a relevant technology in the educational field, and therefore many proofs of concept are being developed. However, there are still some relevant technological, regulatory and academic issues to be addressed to pave the way for the mainstream adoption of this technology.


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