How it works | |
The reason a BCI works at all is because of the way our brains | |
function . Our brains are filled with neurons , individual nerve cells | |
The brain is an electrical device and electricity is its common |
connected to one another by dendrites and axons . Every time we |
language and this is what allows us to interface the brain to |
think , move , feel or remember something , our neurons are at |
electronic devices . The brain is made up of billions of brain cells |
work . That work is carried out by small electric signals that zip |
called neurons , which use electricity to communicate with each |
from neuron to neuron as fast as 250 mph . The signals are |
other . The combination of millions of neurons sending signals at |
generated by differences in electric potential carried by ions on |
once produces an enormous amount of electrical activity in the |
the membrane of each neuron . Although the paths the signals |
brain , which can be detected using sensitive medical equipment |
take are insulated by something called myelin , some of the |
( such as an EEG ), measuring electricity levels over areas of the |
electric signal escapes . Scientists can detect those signals , |
scalp . The combination of electrical activity of the brain is |
interpret what they mean and use them to direct a device of |
commonly called a Brainwave pattern . Our mind regulates its |
some kind . |
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activities by means of electric waves which are registered in the brain , emitting tiny electrochemical impulses of varied frequencies , which can be registered by an electroencephalogram . Recent advances in neuroscience and engineering are making this idea a reality , opening the door to restoring and potentially augmenting human physical and mental capabilities . Medical applications such as cochlear implants for the deaf and deep brain stimulation for Parkinson ’ s disease are becoming increasingly commonplace . Brain-computer interfaces
( BCIs ) ( also known as brain-machine interfaces or BMIs ) are now being explored in applications as diverse as security , lie detection , alertness monitoring , telepresence , gaming , education , art , and human augmentation .
Brain-computer interface
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With an EEG or implant in place , the subject would visualize closing his or her right hand . After many trials , the software can learn the signals associated with the thought of hand-closing .
Software connected to a robotic hand is programmed to receive the " close hand " signal and interpret it to mean that the robotic hand should close .
At that point , when the subject thinks about closing the hand , the signals are sent and the robotic hand closes . Once the basic mechanism of converting thoughts to computerized or robotic action is perfected , the potential uses for the technology are almost limitless . Instead of a robotic hand , disabled users could have robotic braces attached to their own limbs , allowing them to move and directly interact with the environment . This could even be accomplished without the " robotic " part of the device . Signals
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A brain – computer interface ( BCI ), sometimes called a mindhands |
could be sent to the appropriate motor control nerves in the |
machine interface ( MMI ), direct neural interface ( DNI ), or |
, bypassing a damaged section of the spinal cord and |
brain – machine interface ( BMI ), is a direct communication |
allowing actual movement of the subject ' s own hands . |
pathway between an enhanced or wired brain and an external |
The most common and oldest way to use a BCI is a cochlear |
device . Brain-computer interface is collaboration between a brain |
implant . For the average person , sound waves enter the ear and |
and an electronic device that enables signals from the brain to |
pass through several tiny organs that eventually pass the |
direct some external activity , such as control of a cursor or a |
vibrations on to the auditor nerves in the form of electric signals . |
prosthetic limb . When neurons in the brain interact via chemical |
If the mechanism of the ear is severely damaged , that person will |
reactions , measurable currents called brain waves are created . |
be unable to hear anything . However , the auditory nerves may be |
The four main types of brainwave patterns are delta , theta , alpha , |
functioning perfectly well . They just aren ' t receiving any signals . |
and beta , and these can be detected and interpreted and signals sent wirelessly to devices to control them . The interface enables a direct communications pathway between the brain and the object to be controlled . BCIs are often directed at researching , mapping , assisting , augmenting , or repairing human cognitive or sensory-motor functions . BCI ( brain – computer interface ) has long been a favorite of sci-fi movies . However , some early BCI products are already for sale . These products are crude , imprecise and |
A cochlear implant bypasses the nonfunctioning part of the ear , processes the sound waves into electric signals and passes them via electrodes right to the auditory nerves . The processing of visual information by the brain is much more complex than that of audio information , so artificial eye development isn ' t as advanced . Still , the principle is the same . Electrodes are implanted in or near the visual cortex , the area of the brain that processes visual information from the retinas . A pair of glasses |