The Brain Computer Interface (BCI) allows users to control computers, and other devices, with their brains. BCIs monitor the user’s brain activity and translate it into commands that can be used to operate the device, and present feedback to the user in order to allow navigate to this site the user to correct the inputs that led to errors.
The most common method for creating BCIs is the use of electrodes connected to the head or body to record brain signals. These digital signals are then analysed to find relevant signals that correspond to the user’s needs. These features may include EEG or ECoG response magnitudes and latencies as well as power within certain EEG or ECoG frequency bands and firing rates of individual cortical neurons.
As we can see from our survey that the public is excited about the possibility of using BCI technology for a variety of purposes. It is clear however that BCI researchers must address the numerous concerns voiced by the public and their own experts to ensure the proper advancement of this technology.
The most important challenge that is still to be solved is increasing the reliability of BCI. A BCI must be as reliable as muscle-based actions. This requires significant CNS plasticity which allows the BCI to learn to reliably recognize and execute the desired commands. The cost of invasive BCIs is also a major concern. This includes initial and ongoing implantation, as well the costs for technical support. If these costs cannot be significantly reduced the commercial viability of a BCI will be limited to those with severe disabilities.