- The first experiments with BCI were in 1973 by Jacques Vidal. He wrote a paper called "Toward Direct Brain-Computer Communication"
How does a brain-interface device work?
- A BCI works by picking up brain signals, which are in the form of electrical impulses, with very sensitive wires or electrodes. Brain impulses form patterns called brain waves, which can be detected with appropriate equipment. Differentiating between the tiny impulses and background energy requires advanced software and/or hardware filtering. Once the brainwave patterns are detected, a program can translate the data into a usable form, such as "turn on". A specific brainwave pattern corresponds to a single command. Basic BCIs can detect only one or two patterns, but advanced modern BCIs can detect hundreds. For example, a recent BCI machine connected to a paralyzed woman's brain allowed her to control a robotic arm with seven degrees of motion.
What are some of the hurdles that occur when trying to make a brain-computer interface prosthetic?
- One of the biggest hurdles is accurately detecting the brain signals needed to activate a specific command. For the highest accuracy, an invasive surgery plants electrodes directly into the patient's brain. For less accurate applications, the user can simply wear a headset keyed to their brain profile. Differentiating between the brain states requires very sensitive equipment and robust filtering algorithms.
what do you believe further developing this technology will one day allow us to do?
- Further developing this technology will allow us to control computers and machines with only our minds. It could become the primary input device for all PCs in the future. No more mouse and keyboard, just a BCI headset. We could also communicate "telepathically" by making a BCI connected to some sort of communication device. This project is actually in the works under the DARPA-funded program "Silent Talk". We could link a BCI to a powered robotic suit to give handicapped people the ability to walk, or give soldiers increased carrying capacity and strength.
