Brain Computer Interfacing (BCI)

Smitha Nadig
6th sem,EEE

nadigsmitha@[Link]

Vaishnavi H.K
6th sem,EEE

[Link]@[Link]

JAWAHARLAL NEHRU NATIONAL COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Shimoga

same time, many possible applications of BCI technology, such

Abstract-A Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) provides a new
communication channel between the human brain and the as neuroprosthesis control, may require higher information
computer. Mental activity leads to changes of transfer rates.
electrophysiological signals like the Electroencephalogram
BCI systems could eventually provide an important
(EEG) or Electrocardiogram (ECG). The BCI system detects
such changes and transforms it into a control signal which can, new communication and control option for those with motor
for example, be used as spelling device or to control a cursor on disabilities and might also give those without disabilities a
the computer monitor. One of the main goals is to enable supplementary control channel or a control channel useful in
completely paralyzed patients (locked-in syndrome) to special circumstances. In this context, this seminar is based on
communicate with their environment. The field has since what BCI is, the technique behind its implementation and the
blossomed spectacularly, mostly toward neuroprosthetics various applications of BCI.
applications that aim at restoring damaged hearing, sight and
movement. I. INTRODUCTION
In general, BCIs offer a possibility of communication for
people with severe neuromuscular disorders, such as
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or complete paralysis due to When we talk about high end computing and intelligent
high spinal cord injury. Beyond medical applications, a BCI interfaces, we just cannot ignore robotics and artificial
conjunction with exciting multimedia applications, e.g., a new intelligence. Researchers are close to breakthroughs in neural
level of control possibilities in games for healthy customers interfaces, meaning we could so on mesh our minds with
decoding information directly from the EEG signals which are machines. This technology has the capability to impact our
recorded non-invasively from the scalp. lives in ways that have been previously thought possible le in
Present-day BCIs determine the intent of the user from a only sci-fi movies. Advances in cognitive e neuroscience and
variety of different electrophysiological signals. These signals brain-imaging technologies s give us the unprecedented
include slow cortical potentials, P300 potentials, and mu or beta ability to interface directly with brain activity. These
rhythms recorded from the scalp, and cortical neuronal activity technologies let us monitor the physical processes in the
recorded by implanted electrodes. They are translated in real-
brain that correspond to certain forms of thought. Driven by
time into commands that operate a computer display or other
device. Successful operation requires that the user encode
societys growing recognition of the needs of people with
commands in these signals and that the BCI derive the physical disabilities, researchers have begun using these
commands from the signals. Thus, the user and the BCI system technologies to build Brain Computer Interface (BCI)
need to adapt to each other both initially and continually so as communication systems that do not depend on the brains
to ensure stable performance. Current BCIs have maximum normal output pathways of peripheral nerves and muscles.
information transfer rates up to 10-25 bits/min. This limited
capacity can be valuable for In Brain Computer Interface (BCI), users explicitly
people whose severe disabilities prevent them from using manipulate their brain activity instead of motor movements
conventional augmentative communication methods. At the
to produce signals that control computers or communication
devices. This research has extremely high impact, especially has been used when with BCI based on the pattern
for disabled individuals who cannot otherwise physically [Link]
communicate. For several years, research groups in Europe waythattheyactivatedifferentpartsofthecerebralcortex.
and the USA have been working on systems which allow for
a direct dialog between man and machine. To this end, a Table.1 Cortical areas of the brain and their function
"Brain Computer Interface" (BCI) has been developed.

ABrainComputerInterface(BCI),sometimescalled
a DirectNeuralInterface ora BrainMachineInterface isa II. GENERAL PRINCIPLE BEHIND BCI
directcommunicationpathwaybetweenahumanoranimal Main principle behind this interface is the
brain(orbraincellculture)[Link] bioelectrical activity of nerves and muscles. It is now well
electric activity is recorded via the electroencephalogram established that the human body, which is composed of living
(EEG) electrodes attached tothe scalp which measure the tissues, can be considered as a power station generating
[Link] multiple electrical signals with two internal sources, namely
transmittedtothecomputerandthentransformedintodevice muscles and nerves.
control commands. Electric activity on the scalp reflects We know that brain is the most important part of
[Link] human body. It controls all the emotions and functions of the
andusesthisdatatooperatedeviceswhichareconnectedto human body. The brain is composed of millions of neurons.
thecomputer. These neurons work together in complex logic and produce
thought and signals that control our bodies. When the neuron
A. THE HUMAN BRAIN fires, or activates, there is a voltage change across the cell,
(~100mv) which can be read through a variety of devices.
Thebrainisdefinitelythemostcomplexorganfound When we want to make a voluntary action, the command
[Link] generates from the frontal lobe. Signals are generated on the
have only vague information about how it works. The surface of the brain. These electric signals are different in
[Link] magnitude and frequency.
By monitoring and analyzing these signals we can
relevantpartofbrainconcerningBMIisthecerebralcortex.
understand the working of brain. When we imagine ourselves
[Link]
doing something, small signals generate from different areas
hemispheres are connected with each other via corpus of the brain. These signals are not large enough to travel
[Link]. down the spine and cause actual movement. These small
Theyarecalledfrontal,parietal,occipitalandtemporallobes. signals are, however, measurable. A neuron depolarizes to
Cerebral cortex is responsible for many higher order generate an impulse; this action causes small changes in the
functionslikeproblemsolving,languagecomprehensionand electric field around the neuron. These changes are measured
processing of complex visual information. The cerebral as 0 (no impulse) or 1 (impulse generated) by the electrodes.
cortex can be divided into several areas, which are We can control the brain functions by artificially producing
responsible ofdifferent [Link] these signals and sending them to respective parts. This is
through stimulation of that part of the brain, which is
responsible for a particular function using implanted
electrodes.

Figure 2: The organization of BMI

A. COMPONENTS OF A BRAIN COMPUTER INTERFACE

Figure 1: The general principle underlying Brain Computer Interface The BCI consists of several components:
III. THE BRAIN MACHINE INTERFACE The implant device, or chronic multi-electrode array.
The signal recording and processing section.
A brain-machine interface (BMI) is an attempt to An external device the subject uses to produce and control
mesh our minds with machines. It is a communication motion &
channel from a human's brain to a computer, which does not A feedback section to the subject.
resort to the usual human output pathways s muscles. It is
about giving machine-like capabilities to intelligence, asking The first component is n implanted array of microelectrodes
the brain to accommodate synthetic devices, and learning into the frontal and parietal lobes-areas of the brain involved
how to control those devices much the way w e control our in producing multiple output commands to control complex
muscle movements. This device record action potentials of
arms and legs today. These experiments lend hope that
individual neurons and then represent the neural signal using
people with spinal injuries will be able to someday use their a rate code.
brain to control a prosthetic limb, or even their own arm. A The second component consists of spike detection
BMI could, e.g., allow a paralyzed patient to convey her/his algorithms, neural encoding and decoding systems, data
intentions to a computer program. But also applications in acquisition and real time processing systems etc .A high
which healthy users can benefit from the direct brain performance DSP architecture is used for this purpose.
computer communication are conceivable, e.g., to speed up The external device that the subject uses may be a robotic
reaction times. Initially theses interactions are with peripheral arm, a wheel chair etc. depending upon the application.
Feedback is an important factor in BCIs.
devices, but ultimately it may be interaction with another
In the BCIs based o n the operant conditioning
brain. The first peripheral devices were robotic arms. Our
approach, feedback training is essential for the user to
approach bases on an artificial neural network that recognizes
acquire the control of his or her EEG response. However,
and classifies different brain activation patterns associated
feedback can speed up the learning process and improve
with carefully selected mental tasks. Using BMI artificial
performance.
electrical signal can stimulate the brain tissue in order to
transmit some particular sensory information.
 recording. Neural implants can be used to regulate electric
signals in the brain and restore it to equilibrium. The
implants must be monitored closely because there is a
potential for almost anything when introducing foreign
signals into the brain.
There are a few major problems that must be
addressed when developing neural implants. These must be
made out of biocompatible material or insulated with
biocompatible material that the body wont reject and isolate.
They must be able to move inside the skull with the brain
without causing any damage to the brain. The implant must
be chemically inert so that it doesnt interact with the hostile
environment inside the human body. All these factors must be
addressed in the case of neural implants; otherwise it will
stop sending useful information after a short period of time.
One option among the biocompatible materials is
Teflon coating that protects the implant from the body.
Another option is a cell resistant synthetic polymer like
polyvinyl alcohol. To keep the implant from moving in the
brain it is necessary to have a flexible electrode that will
Figure 3: Schematic of a Brain Computer Interface system
move with the brain inside the skull. This can make it
1) THE IMPLANT DEVICE
difficult to implant the electrode. Dipping the micro device in
polyethylene glycol, which causes the device to become less
The EEG isrecordedwithelectrodes,whichare flexible, can solve this problem. Once in contact with the
placed on the scalp. Electrodes are small plates, which tissue this coating quickly dissolves. This allows easy
conduct electricity. They provide the electrical contact implantation of a very flexible implant. There are simple
between the skin and the EEG recording apparatus by single wire electrodes with a number of different coatings to
complex three-dimensional arrays of electrodes, which are
transformingtheioniccurrent ontheskintotheelectrical
encased in insulating biomaterials.
[Link],
Implant rejection and isolation is a problem that is
theouterlayeroftheskincalledstratumcorneumshouldbe
being addressed by developing biocompatible materials to
[Link] coat or incase the implant.
appliedbetweentheelectrodeandtheskininordertoprovide Three-dimensional arrays of electrodes are also
goodelectricalcontact. under development. These devices are constructed as two-
dimensional sheet and then bent to form 3D array. These can
be constructed using a polymer substrate that is then fitted
with metal leads. They are difficult to implement, but give a
much great range of stimulation or sensing than simple ones.

Figure 4: An array of micro electrodes FIGURE 5 : Block diagram of the neurotrophic electrodes for
implantation in human patients

Usually small metal-plate electrodes are used in the EEG A microscopic glass cone contains a neurotrophic factor
that induces neurites to grow into the cone, where they time, be fully autonomous, and function at realistic signal-
contact one of several gold recording wires. Neurites that are to- noise ratios (SNRs).
induced to grow into the glass cone make highly stable
contacts with recording wires. Signal conditioning and An implanted ASIC conditions signal from extra cellular
telemetric electronics are fully implanted under the skin of neural electrodes, digitizes them, and then detects AP spikes.
the scalp. An implanted transmitter (TX) sends signals to an The spike waveforms are transmitted across the skin to a
external receiver (RX), which is connected to a computer. BMI processor, which sorts the spikes and then generates the
command signals for the prosthesis.
B. SIGNAL PROCESSING SECTION
3) SIGNAL ANALYSIS
1) MULTICHANNEL ACQUISITION SYSTEMS Feature extraction and classification of EEG are
Electrodes interface directly to the non-inverting opamp dealt in this section. In this stage, certain features are
inputs on each channel. At this section amplification, initial extracted from the preprocessed and digitized EEG signal. In
filtering of EEG signal and possible artifact removal takes the simplest form a certain frequency range is selected and
place. Also A/D conversion is made, i.e. the analog EEG the amplitude relative to some reference level measured .
signal is digitized. The voltage gain improves the signal-to-
Typically the features are frequency content of the EEG
noise ratio (SNR) by reducing the relevance of electrical
noise incurred in later stages. Processed signals are time- signal can be calculated using Fast Fourier Transform (FFT
division multiplexed and sampled. function). No matter what features are used, the goal is to
form distinct set of features for each mental task. If the
feature sets representing mental tasks overlap each other too
much, it is very difficult to classify mental tasks, no matter
how good a classifier is used. On the other hand, if the
feature sets are distinct enough, any classifier can classify
them. The features extracted in the previous stage are the
input for the classifier.
The classifier can be anything from a simple linear model to
a complex nonlinear neural network that can be trained to
recognize different mental tasks. Nowadays real time
processing is used widely. Real time applications provide an
action or an answer to an external event in a timely and
predictable manner. So by using this type of system we can
get output nearly at the same time it receives input. Telemetry
Figure 6 : A BMI under design
is handled by a wearable computer. The host station accepts
the data via either a wireless access point or its own
2) SPIKE DETECTION dedicated radio card.

Real time spike detection is an important requirement 4) EXTERNAL DEVICE

for developing brain machine interfaces. Incorporating spike
detection will allow the BMI to transmit only the action The classifiers output is the input for the device
potential waveforms and their respective arrival times control. The device control simply transforms the
instead of the sparse, raw signal in its entirety. This classification to a particular action. The action can be, e.g.,
compression reduces the transmitted data rate per channel, an up or down movement of a cursor on the feedback screen
thus increasing the number of channels that may be or a selection of a letter in a writing application. However, if
monitored simultaneously. Spike detection can further
reduce the data rate if spike counts are transmitted instead of the classification was nothing or reject, no action is
spike waveforms. Spike detection will also be a necessary performed, although the user may be informed about the
first step for any future hardware implementation of an rejection. It is the device that subject produce and control
autonomous spike sorter. Figure 6 shows its implementation motion. Examples are robotic arm, thought controlled wheel
using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) with chair etc.
limited computational resources. A low power implantable
ASIC for detecting and transmitting neural spikes will be an
5) FEEDBACK
important building block for BMIs. A hardware realization
Real-time feedback can dramatically improve the
of a spike detector in a wireless BMI must operate in real-
performance of a brainmachine interface. Feedback is
needed for learning and for control. Real-time feedback can
dramatically improve the performance of a brainmachine
interface. In the brain, feedback normally allows for two
corrective mechanisms. One is the online control and
correction of errors during the execution of a movement. The
other is learning: the gradual adaptation of motor commands,
which takes place after the execution of one or more
movements.
C. TRAINING OF BMI SYSTEM

What are the thoughts the user thinks in order to

control a BMI? An ideal BMI could detect the users wishes
and commands directly. However, this is not possible with
todays technology. Therefore, BMI researches have used the
knowledge they have had of the human brain and the EEG in
order to design a BMI. There are basically two different
Figure 7: Block diagram for learning mode
approaches that have been used. The first on e called a
pattern recognition approach is based on cognitive mental
tasks. The second one called an operant conditioning
approach is based on the self-regulation of the EEG response.
In the first approach the subject concentrates on the
mental tasks. Concentration on these mental tasks
produces different EEG patterns. The BCI ( or classifier in
particular ) can then be trained to classify these patterns.
In the second approach the user has to learn to self-regulate
his or her EEG response, for example change the Beta
rhythm amplitude. Unlike in the pattern recognition approach
the BMI itself is not trained but it looks for particular
changes ( for example higher amplitude of a certain
FIGURE 8: A BMI based on the classification of two mental tasks. The
frequency) in the EEG signal . This requires usually a long user is thinking task number 2 and the BCI classifies it correctly and
training period , because the training load is on the user. provides feedback in the form of cursor movement
The software system has to read, digitize (in the case of an
D. ADVANCEMENTS IN BCI TECHNOLOGY
analog EEG machine), and preprocess the EEG data
(separately for each channel), understand t he subjects 1) INVASIVE BRAIN COMPUTER INTERFACES
intentions, and generate appropriate output. To interpret the
data, the stream of EEG values is cut into successive Invasive BCI research has targeted repairing
segments, transformed into a standardized representation, and damaged sight and providing new functionality to paralyzed
processed with the help of a classifier. There are several people. Invasive BCIs are implanted directly into the grey
different possibilities for the realization of a classifier; one matter of the brain during neurosurgery. As they rest in the
approach involving the use of an artificial neural network grey matter, invasive devices produce the highest quality
(ANN) has become the method of choice in recent years. signals of BCI devices but are prone to scar-tissue build-up,
Feedback plays an important role when learning to use a causing the signal to become weaker or even lost as the body
Brain Computer Interface. reacts to a foreign object in the brain. Direct brain implants
have been used to treat non-congenital (acquired) blindness.
BCIs focusing on motor neuro-prosthetics aim to either
restore movement in paralyzed individuals or provide devices
to assist them, such as interfaces with computers or robot
arms.

2) PARTIALLY- INVASIVE BRAIN COMPUTER INTERFACES

Partially invasive BCI devices are implanted inside

the skull but rest outside the brain rather than amidst the grey techniques for stimulating and recording from individual
matter. They produce better resolution signals than neurons grown on semiconductor chips is sometimes referred
noninvasive BCIs where the bone tissue of the cranium to as neuro-electronics or neurochips. The world first
deflects and deforms signals and have a lower risk of forming Neurochip was developed by researchers Jerome Pine and
scar-tissue in the brain than fully-invasive BCIs. Light Michael Maher. Development of the first working neurochip
Reactive Imaging BCI devices are still in the realm of theory. was claimed by a Caltech team led by Jerome Pine and
These would involve implanting a laser inside the skull. ECG Michael Maher in 1997. The Caltech chip had room for 16
is a very promising intermediate BCI modality because it has neurons.
higher spatial resolution, better signal-to-noise ratio, wider
frequency range, and lesser training requirements than scalp- 5). EEG BASED BRAIN COMPUTER INTERFACE
recorded EEG, and at the same time has lower technical Electroencephalography (EEG) is a method used in
difficulty, lower clinical risk, and probably superior long- measuring the electrical activity of the brain. The brain
term stability than intra-cortical single-neuron recording. generates rhythmical potentials which originate in the
This feature profile and recent evidence of the high level of individual neurons of the brain. These potentials get
control with minimal training requirements shows potential summated as millions of cell discharge synchronously and
for real world application for people with motor disabilities. appear as a surface waveform, the recording of which is
known as the electro-encephalogram. The neurons, like other
cells of the body, are electrically polarized at rest. The
3) NON- INVASIVE BRAIN COMPUTER INTERFACES interior of the neuron is at a potential of about 70mV
relative to the exterior. When a neuron is exposed to a
There have also been experiments in humans using stimulus above a certain threshold, a nerve impulse, seen as a
non-invasive neuro imaging technologies as interfaces. change in membrane potential, is generated which spreads in
Signals recorded in this way have been used to power muscle the cell resulting in the depolarization of the cell. Shortly
implants and restore partial movement in an experimental afterwards, re-polarization occurs.
volunteer. Although they are easy to wear, non-invasive The EEG signal can be picked up with electrodes either
implants produce poor signal resolution because the skull from scalp or directly from the cerebral cortex. As the
dampens signals, dispersing and blurring the electromagnetic neurons in our brain communicate with each other by firing
waves created by the neurons. Electroencephalography electrical impulses, this creates an electric field which travel
(EEG) is the most studied potential non-invasive interface, though the cortex, the dura, the skull and the scalp. The EEG
mainly due to its fine temporal resolution, ease of use, is measured from the surface of the scalp by measuring
portability and low setup cost. But as well as the technology's potential difference between the actual measuring electrode
susceptibility to noise, another substantial barrier to using and a reference electrode.
EEG as a brain-computer interface is the extensive training The peak-to-peak amplitude of the waves that can be picked
up from the scalp is normally 100 micro Volt or less while
required before users can work the technology. Another
that on the exposed brain, is about 1mV. The frequency
research parameter is the type of waves measured. In
varies greatly with different behavioral states. The normal
Magneto-encephalography (MEG) and functional magnetic
EEG frequency content ranges from 0.5 to 50 Hz .Frequency
resonance imaging (fMRI) have both been used successfully information is particularly significant since the basic
as non-invasive BCIs. fMRI measurements of haemodynamic frequency of the EEG range is classified into five bands for
responses in real time have also been used to control robot purposes of EEG analysis. These bands are called brain
arms with a seven second delay between thought and rhythms and are named after Greek letters.
movement. Five brain rhythms are displayed in Table.2. Most
of the brain research is concentrated in these channels and
4) CELL-CULTURE BRAIN COMPUTER INTERFACES especially alpha and beta bands are important for BCI
research. The reason why the bands do not follow the greek
Researchers have built devices to interface with neural cells letter magnitudely (alpha is not the lowest band) is that this is
and entire neural networks in cultures outside animals. As the order in which they were discovered.
well as furthering research on animal implantable devices,
experiments on cultured neural tissue have focused on Table 2. Common EEG frequency range
building problem-solving networks, constructing basic
computers and manipulating robotic devices. Research into
 activity and create the communication output using custom
decoding software.

The alpha rhythm is one of the principal components of the

EEG and is an indicator of the state of alertness of the brain.

IV. PRESENT DEVELOPMENT & FUTURE

A) BCI FOR TETRAPLEGICS

Figure 9: Brain gate computer interface
By reading signals from an array of neurons and
using computer chips and programs to translate the signals C) BCI2000
into action, Brain Computer Interface can enable a person BCI2000 is an open-source, general-purpose system for
suffering from paralysis to write a book or control a Brain Computer Interface (BCI) research. It can also be used
motorized wheelchair or prosthetic limb through thought for data acquisition, stimulus presentation, and brain
alone. Current Brain-Interface devices require deliberate monitoring applications. BCI2000 supports a variety of data
acquisition systems, brain signals, and stud y or feedback
conscious thought; some future applications, such as
paradigms. During operation, BCI2000 stores data in a
prosthetic control, are likely to work effortlessly. Much common format (BCI2000 native or GDF), along with all
current research is focused on the potential on non-invasive relevant event markers and information about system
Brain Computer Interfaces. configuration. BCI2000 also includes several tools for data
The most immediate and practical goal of Brain import or conversion (e.g., a routine to load) BCI2000 data
files directly into Mat lab) and export facilities into ASCII.
Computer Interface research is to create a mechanical output BCI2000 also facilitates interactions with other software.
from neuronal activity. The challenge of Brain Computer Furthermore, a simple network-based interface allows for
Interface research is to create a system that will allow interactions with external programs written in any
patients who have damage between their motor cortex and programming language. Compilation currently requires
muscular system to bypass the damaged route and activate Borland C++ Builder 6.0 or Borland Development Studio
2007, but otherwise does not rely on any third-party
outside mechanisms by using neuronal signals. This would
components. BCI2000 V3.0, due in 2008, will also support
potentially allow an otherwise paralyzed person to control a other compilers such as gcc.
motorized wheelchair, computer pointer, or robotic
arm by thought alone. D) BRAIN CONTROLLED ROBOTS
The idea of moving robotic o r prosthetic devices not
B) BRAINGATE BRAIN COMPUTER INTERFACE by manual control but by mere thinking- that is, by human
brain activity has fascinated researchers for the last 30 years.
An implantable, Brain Computer Interface, has been
How can brainwaves directly control external devices?
clinically tested on humans by American company
Ensembles of neurons in the brains motor system, premotor,
Cyberkinetics. The BrainGate dev ice can provide
and posterior parietal cortex encode the parameters related to
paralyzed or motor-impaired patients a mode of
hand and arm movements in a distributed, redundant way.
communication through the translation of thought into direct
For humans, however, noninvasive approaches avoid health
computer control. The technology driving this breakthrough
risks and associated
in the Brain Machine Interface field has a myriad of potential
applications, including the development of human ethical concerns.
augmentation for military and commercial purposes. The Most non-invasive Brain Computer Interfaces (BCI)
sensor consists of a tiny chip with one hundred electrode use electroencephalogram (EEG) signalselectrical brain
sensors each that detect brain cell electrical activity. The chip activity recorded from electrodes on the scalp. The EEGs
is implanted on the surface of the brain in the motor cortex main source is the synchronous activity of thousands of
area that controls movement. The computers translate brain cortical neurons. Thus, EEG signals suffer from a reduced
spatial resolution and increased noise when measurements games that allow people to move a character with
are taken on the scalp. conventional handheld controls and control special features
Most non-invasive Brain Computer Interfaces through a BCI.
(BCI) use electroencephalogram (EEG) signalselectrical
brain activity recorded from electrodes on the scalp. The
EEGs main source is the synchronous activity of thousands B. INDUCED DISABILITY
of cortical neurons. Thus, EEG signals suffer from a reduced
spatial resolution and increased noise when measurements
Healthy users might communicate via BCIs when
are taken on the scalp.
conventional interfaces are in adequate, unavailable or too
demanding. Surgeons, mechanics, soldiers, cell phone users,
drivers and pilots can experience induced disability when
hand or voice communication is infeasible. BCIs might help
them to request tools, access data or perform otherwise
difficult, distracting, or impossible tasks. Expert gamers often
use many keys at once. BCIs might eventually become more
convenient and accessible than cell phones, watches, remote
controls, or car dash board interfaces. BCIs could also help
people who retype words or sentences by letting them instead
select, drag, or click via the BCI, thus avoiding temporarily
disengaging from the keyboard. BCIs could allow sending
messages without the hassle of a keyboard, microphone, or
cell phone number pad.
Figure 10: Hand shaped robot

C. EASE OF USE IN SOFTWARE

Consequently, current EEG-based brain-actuated devices are
limited by low channel capacity and are considered too slow The activities that control most BCIs and
for controlling rapid and complex sequences of robot conventional interfaces differ fundamentally from desired
movements. Recently, researchers had shown for the first
outputs. However, some BCIs allow walking or turning by
time that online EEG signal analysis, if used in combination
with advanced robotics and machine learning techniques, is imagining foot or hand movements and these might offer
sufficient for humans to continuously control a mobile robot new frontiers of usability for all users. As with
and a wheelchair. other interfaces, research should address which mental
activities seem most natural, easy,
V. BRAIN COMPUTER INTERFACE and pleasant for different users in different situations.
APPLICATIONS
D. OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE INFORMATION
At this time BCI systems are used by patients, by the
Available interfaces have heavily influenced all
military and in the game industry. Completely paralyzed
software. Just as keyboards are inherently suited to typing
patients can use a BCI to realize a spelling system (virtual
and dragging, BCIs are inherently better suited to certain
keyboard), to install a new non-muscular communication tasks. Software might magnify, link, remember, or jump to
channel. In patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis interesting areas of the screen or auditory space. EEG-based
(ALS) an information transfer rate of about 10-20 bit/min (1- assessment of global attention, frustration, alertness,
2 letters/min) is reported. In patients with spinal cord injuries comprehension, exhaustion, or engagement could enable
the normal motor output is blocked and a BCI can be used for software that adapts much more easily to the user. The
the purpose of controlling a stimulated hand grasp challenge of developing new opportunities for integrating
neuroprosthesis. BCI-based signals into conventional and emerging operating
systems might be challenging.
A. BCI FOR HEALTH Y USERS
E. IMPROVED TRAINING OR PERFORMANCE
A few Brain Computer Interface research and
development projects envisioned healthy subjects as end Some BCIs train subjects to produce specific activity
users. Researchers have demonstrated BCIs intended to let over sensorimotor areas, so BCI training might improve
healthy users navigate maps while their hand s are busy. movement training or performance. Subjects athletic and
Game companies such as NeuroSky and Emotiv advertise motor background and skills might influence BCI
parameters. These avenues might be useful for motor oppressive, spurred by inaccurate reporting. Brain Computer
rehabilitation or finding the right BCI for each user. Interfaces wont soon replace conventional interfaces, but
they might be useful to healthy users in specific situations.

J. MILITARY APPLICATIONS

F. CONFIDENTIALITY The United States military has begun to explore possible

applications of BCIs to enhance troop performance as well as
BCIs might be the most private communication
a possible development by adversaries. The most successful
channel possible. With other interfaces, eavesdropping implementation of invasive interfaces has occurred in
simply requires observing the necessary movements. This medical applications in which nerve signals are used as the
important security problem also shows up in competitive mechanism for information transfer. Adversarial actions
gaming environments. For example, many console gamers using this approach to implement enhanced, specialized
have chosen an offensive football play, and then noticed an sensory functions could be possible in limited form now, and
adjacent opponent select a corresponding defensive play after with developing capability in the future. Such threat potential
overt peeking. would be limited to adversaries with access to advanced
medical technology.
G. SPEED
VI. DISCUSSIONS ON USE OF BCI
Relevant EEGs are typically apparent one second
before a movement begins and might precede the decision to . A. ADVANTAGES
move. Future BCIs might be faster than natural pathways. Depending on how the technology is used, there are good and
Further research should provide earlier movement prediction bad effects
with greater precision and accuracy, integrate predicted with In this era where drastic diseases are getting common
actual movements smoothly, and evaluate training and side it is a boon if we can develop it to its full potential.
effects. Also it provides better living, more features, more
advancement in technologies etc.
H. NOVELTY Linking people via chip implants to super intelligent
machines seems to a natural progression creating in
Some people might use a BCI simply because it
effect, super humans.
seems novel, futuristic, or exciting. This consideration, unlike
Linking up in this way would allow for computer
most others, loses steam over time. BCIs will become more
intelligence to be hooked more directly into the
flexible, usable, or better hybridized as research continues.
brain, allowing immediate access to the internet,
However, as BCIs improve, public perception will follow a
enabling phenomenal math capabilities and computer
pattern reminiscent of microwaves and cell phones. BCIs will memory.
first be exotic, then novel, widespread, unexceptional, and
By this humans get gradual co-evolution with
finally boring. computers.

I. HEALTHY TARGET MARKETS

Most healthy Brain Computer Interface users today B. APPLICATIONS
are research scientists, and research subjects. A few people The BMI technologies of today can be broken into three
order commercial Brain Computer Interfaces forming a major areas:
crucial fifth category in which no BCI expert prepared the Auditory and visual prosthesis
software or hardware for individual users. Gamers are likely - Cochlear implants
early adopters. Specific military or government personnel - Brainstem implants
follow technology validated elsewhere. Highly specialized - Synthetic vision
users such as surgeons, welders, or mechanics are also likely - Artificial silicon retina
second- generation adopters. More mainstream applications, Functional-neuromuscular stimulation (FNS)
such as error correction hybridized with word processors, are - FNS systems are in experimental use in
more distant. These approaches require new software cases where spinal cord damage or a stroke
development, much better EEG sensors, and encouraging has severed the link between brain and the
validation. Brain Computer Interfaces might instead seem peripheral nervous system.
unreliable, useless, unfashionable, dangerous, intrusive, or - They can use brain to control their own
 limbs by this system
Prosthetic limb control E. DRAWBACKS
- Thought controlled motorized wheel chair.
- Thought controlled prosthetic arm for The brain is incredibly complex. To say that all
thoughts or actions are the result of simple electric
amputee. signals in the brain is a gross understatement. There
- Various neuroprosthetic devices are about 100 billion neurons in a human brain1.
Other various applications are Mental Mouse Each neuron is constantly sending and receiving
Applications in technology products, e.g., a mobile phone signals through a complex web of connections.
There are chemical processes involved as well,
attachment that allows a physically challenged user to dial a which EEGs can't pick up on.
phone number without touching it or speaking into it. System
lets you speak without saying a word In effective The signal is weak and prone to interference. EEGs
construction of unmanned systems, in space missions, measure tiny voltage potentials. Something as
defense areas etc. NASA and DARPA has used this simple as the blinking eyelids of the subject can
generate much stronger signals. Refinements in
technology effectively. Communication over internet can be EEGs and implants will probably overcome this
modified. problem to some extent in the future, but for now,
reading brain signals is like listening to a bad phone
C. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS connection. There's lots of static.

This ethical debate is likely to intensify as Brain

Computer Interfaces become more technologically advanced The equipment is less than portable. It's far better
and it becomes apparent that they may not just be used than it used to be -- early systems were hardwired to
massive mainframe computers. But some BCIs still
therapeutically but for human enhancement. Today's brain require a wired connection to the equipment, and
pacemakers, which are already used to treat neurological those that are wireless require the subject to carry a
conditions such as depression could become a type of Brain computer that can weigh around 10 pounds. Like all
Computer Interface and be used to modify other behaviours. technology, this will surely become lighter and more
wireless in the future.
Neurochips could also develop further, for example the
artificial hippocampus, raising issues about what it actually VII. CONCLUSION
means to be human. Some of the ethical considerations that
Brain Computer Interfaces would raise under these Modifying the human body or enhancing our cognitive
circumstances are already being debated in relation to brain abilities using technology has been a long-time dream for
implants and the broader area of mind control. many people. Brain Computer Interface (BCI) is now
reaching a critical stage where it could lead to the fulfillment
D. FUTURE EXPANSION of that dream. Yet several important issues remain to be
solved on the way to a neuronal motor prosthesis that is
A new thought-communication device might soon
clinically applicable in humans. An increasing amount of
help severely disabled people get their independence by
research tries to link the human brain with machines allowing
allowing them to steer a wheelchair with their mind. Mind-
humans to control their environment through their thoughts.
machine interfaces will be available in the near future, and
It is expected that in the future, Brain Computer Interface
several methods hold promise for implanting information. .
Linking people via chip implants to super intelligent devices will be as common as pacemakers which work
machines seems to a natural progression creating in effect, involuntarily. It also opens a whole new domain of niche
super humans. These cyborgs will be one step ahead of applications, carefully designed to exploit this novel
humans. And just as humans have always valued themselves modalitys specific affordances, perhaps in conjunction with
above other forms of life, it is likely that cyborgs look down more traditional input devices With the right customized
on humans who have yet to evolve. software, these most severely disabled individuals will be
able to communicate by typing, control assistive robots, and
Will people want to have their heads opened and wired?
control devices, such as their light or television. Non-
Technology moves in light speed now. In that accelerated
future, todays hot neural interface could become tomorrows disabled individuals, who might be interested in giving up
neuro-trash. Will you need to learn any math if you can call their keyboards, should look for Brain Computer Interfaces
up a computer merely by your thoughts? Thought in the marketplace anytime soon. At present, Brain Computer
communication will place telephones firmly in the history Interfaces have several serious drawbacks relative to
books. conventional interfaces such as keyboards. They are much
slower, less accurate, and operational only at very low
bandwidths. They require cables and unfamiliar, expensive
hardware, including an electrode cap. The cap requires hair
gel and several minutes of preparation and cleanup. The
technology to create permanent Brain Computer Interfaces is
not even a decade old, and proof-of-concept tests have
already demonstrated that with as few as two electrodes a
brain can create a somewhat useful filtered signal, and, with
many more electrodes, motion can be replicated with
reasonable accuracy. The prospect of implementation of
Brain Computer Interfaces will bring about a revolutionary
change in peoples lives and through the very miracle of
science, may bring about the realization of the theme in
fiction.

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