Essay about Brain Computer Interface

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Brain Computer Interface
(BCI)

Samuel Natkovitch

Table of Contents

I. Introduction …………………………………………………... 3
II. Brief History …………………………………………………… 4
III. Business Applications of BCI …………………………….. 6
IV. Major Users of BCI ………………………………………….. 7
V. Potential and Limitations ………………………………… 8
VI. Future Development ………………………………………... 9
VII. Conclusion ……………………………….……………………... 9
VIII. References ……………………………….……………………. 10

I. Introduction Throughout the course of the 20th century, a highly sophisticated concept dealing with the creation of a direct-communication pathway between the brain and an external device was beginning to flourish. Despite the skepticism of the general population, scientists were able to develop a method of linking the human brain to a computer, giving way to the birth of brain-computer interface, or BCI. To put it simply, BCI is a bridge connecting the signals transmitted from the brain to an electronic device in order to execute a given activity. The system caters mostly to the needs of the disabled, allowing them to complete a variety of different tasks, ranging from something as complex as controlling a cursor to moving a prosthetic limb (Rouse, 2011). Once BCI computer chips are surgically implanted into the brain, their objective is to translate signals from brain neurons into physical activity. Unlike other human–computer interfaces, which require muscle input, BCIs provide “non-muscular” communication, allowing individuals with limited physical capabilities to carry out certain activities using only their thoughts (Graimann, 2010). In order to operate flawlessly, a BCI has to follow three simple steps. Primarily, it must record activity directly from the brain. Once that has occurred, it must provide feedback to the user. Lastly, the user has to perform a mental task whenever he wants to accomplish a certain goal with the BCI (Graimann, 2010). Although modern-day BCIs are limited, they are of utmost importance for people suffering from complete paralysis. In fact, it is their only effective means of communication and overall control.
II. Brief History In 1924, German scientist Hans Berger made two, very remarkable discoveries. The first of these was electrical activity of the human brain. The second was EEG (electroencephalography). After many years of thorough research and experimentation, Berger was able to record human brain activity through EEG. He was the first scientist to be able to do this (Millett, 2001). Using EEG analysis, Berger was able to identify oscillatory activity in the brain. The most famous of these identifications was the alpha wave (8-13 Hz), known today as Berger’s wave (Millett, 2001). The first recording device that Berger used was called the Lippmann capillary electrometer. Berger very quickly noted that the machine provided inaccurate results so he switched to a double-coil recording galvanometer which displayed electric voltages as small as one ten thousandth of a volt, giving the scientist the most precise possible reading (Millett, 2001). In 1929, Hans published a lengthy paper regarding his experimentation on humans. Amongst his findings, he established that the human brain’s capacity for electric signaling was significant (Emerson, 2005). Several decades later, in the 1950’s, Yale University neurosurgeon Dr. Jose Delgado invented a device called the Stimoceiver that could be controlled wirelessly using an FM radio. To test its capabilities, he placed the device in the brain of a bull and by pressing different buttons on the radio, he was able to make the bull charge and change directions. In 1960 neurophysiologist Grey Walter started his own experimentation on brain stimulation capabilities. By guiding electrodes through a human scalp, he was able to move his subject’s thumb (Emerson, 2005). Shortly thereafter, Harvard professor Elwood Henneman and his associates expanded on Walter’s findings. After a great
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