Projects:2019s1-155 Brain Computer Interface Control for Biomedical Applications

Background

What is a BCI

The brain-computer interface(BCI) is a collaboration between the brain and a device that allows signals from the brain to direct some external activity, such as controlling a cursor or a prosthetic limb. This interface enables direct communication between the brain and the controlled object.

What are the types of BCI There are many different techniques to measure brain signals.

We can divide them into Non-Invasive, Semi-invasive and Invasive. [1]

Neuroimaging approaches in BCI[1]

1. Electroencephalography (EEG) measures the difference in potential on the scalp due to neural activity, which is the sum of thousands or millions of cortical neurons' postsynaptic excitatory potential and inhibitory potential.

2. Magnetoencephalography (MEG) measures magnetic field differences related to neuron activity.

3. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) was used to detect changes in local cerebral blood volume, cerebral blood flow and oxygenation level during neuron activation.

4. Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) USES the characteristics of light in the near infrared spectrum to penetrate the skull to a considerable depth for the study of brain metabolism. It can detect the change of hemoglobin concentration in the process of local nerve activity in different wavelengths of weak light intensity.

References

1. Byoung-Kyong Min, Matthew J. Marzelli and Seung-Schik Yoo (2010) Neuroimaging-based approaches in the brain–computer interface, Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/46109898 (Accessed: 12/4/2019).