Brain-Computer Interface (BCI)

A Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) is the channel of interaction between the human brain and the computer. Mental activity leads to changes of electrophysiological signals like the Electroencephalogram (EEG) or Electrocorticogram (ECoG). The BCI system detects such changes and transforms it into a control signal which can, for example, be used as spelling device or to control a cursor on the computer monitor. One of the main goals is to enable completely paralyzed patients (locked-in syndrome) to communicate with their environment.

In simpler terms BCI is a direct communication between brain and external devices. Imagine I did type this blog without using my fingers. Just whatever I had in my mind came has words in the system. This is not true now but it will be true in few years. This is one of the examples of the applications of BCI. Although what I said is too much at present age, there are scientists working on such things and to our rejoice they have achieved a certain percentage of it.

They have actually build a system which would help physically impaired people to overcome it. The technology behind Prof. Stephen Hawking lectures is the foundation of brain Computer Interface. Hats off to those amazing scientists who came up with such a wonderful technology. It was supported by NSF(National Science Foundation ) and DARPA.Various experiments were conducted by scientists on animals such as monkeys and mice to evaluate the success of BCI. In one such experiment, a monkey could operate a mechanical arm using its brain signals.

Initially BCI applications include spelling device for paralysed people , operation of cursor and other functions mainly for impaired people. Recent researches focuses not only on these but also on using BCI in Virtual Reality and Gamming Platforms. Imagine you control your online avatars through your imagination. Isn’t this a wonderful news guys. Some of the recent advancements also includes BCI in communicating with our Bluetooth and Computers directly from our brain.

BCI is one of the Technologies that has impressed me a lot. With its steady growth and gaining popularity , BCI could change the way we live our life. Do share your thoughts on this amazing technology.