BRAIN: Developing Brain Computer Interfaces with Rapid Automated Interfaces for Non Experts

Eileen Thomson, Stephen Mathews, David Todd, PJ McCullagh, Melanie Ware, MD Mulvenna, Suzanne Martin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

As people age it is conceivable that illness or traumatic injury could create a scenario of dependence on others which could be further compounded by a loss of verbal communication skills; consider for example the final stages of motor neurone disease or multiple sclerosis. Traumatic injury or disease process such as stroke can in severe cases lead to ‘locked-in syndrome’ [1] which is the combined effect of quadriplegia, anarthria and preservation of consciousness. As services strive to support independent living and ageing in place, it can be challenging to verify that the uniqueness of the individual, their desires and wants have been grasped and understood by both informal and formal carers. The adoption of a Brain-computer interface (BCI) aim to assist and augment human cognitive and sensory processes by developing automated interfaces, which communicate directly with the brain, could assist with these challenges. The ultimate goal of BCI is to provide communication and control capacities to people with severe disabilities [2] [3].Methods:This paper presents the work undertaken as part of the BRAIN project (http://www.brain-project.org/). This European consortium is funded within the 7th Framework research programme bringing together experts from academia and industry with service users to develop a BCI system linked directly to assistive tools within the home environment to support inclusion for a range of disabled users. The user interface which support human computer interaction is a key component of a BCI system [4]. The research methods aim to support a strong user lead in terms of both design and evaluation of the prototype system whilst technically advancing a reliable, flexible and accessible system which is not only functional but brings added value to the user, in their home environment. The lead user has been a critical innovation within the consortium influencing design of methods and prototype. The vision within the project is to develop lightweight, inexpensive, non-invasive sensors and amplifiers for signal acquisition that do not require significant preparation or cleanup times, uncomfortable electrode gel, skin abrasion, exposed wires or cables, expert assistance, or laboratory conditions. Software will identify the best BCI parameters for each user and customise the operating protocol accordingly. Automated signal processing software will improve signal translation. An intuitive universal interface will enable control of a range of existing applications, including home assistive technologies, a BCI training system to enhance performance, and a communications and entertainment package. Results and Discussion:This paper presents the methods and results to date of the first year of the project. The reality of user engagement and maintaining a user centric focus within a project that is technically inspiring and innovative will be considered. The challenges and benefits of the lead user aspect to the central component will be reflected upon in relation to added value to the innovation process. The proposed architecture of the early system will be described and the particular challenge of evaluation of immature, yet sophisticated, systems developed by a geographically dispersed consortium within a real life scenario will be explored.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)255
JournalGerontechnology
Volume9
Issue number2
Publication statusPublished (in print/issue) - 27 May 2010

Bibliographical note

Reference text: [1]Harnessing The Power Of The Brain, CBS news.com, “60 minutes”, http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/10/31/60minutes/main4560940.shtml, accessed Oct 2009.
[2]Wolpaw JR, Birbaumer N, McFarland FJ, Pfurtscheller G, Vaughan TM, Brain-computer interfaces for communication and control Clinical Neurophysiology, Vol. 113, No. 6. (June 2002), 767-791.
[3]Allison BZ, Wolpaw EW, Wolpaw AR. Brain-computer interface systems: progress and prospects. Expert review of medical devices 2007 4(4), 463-474
[4]Mason S. G, Bashashati A, Fatourechi M, Navarro K. F, Birch G. E, ‘A Comprehensive Survey of Brain Interface Technology Designs’, Annuals of Biomedical Engineering, Vol 35, No. 2, Feb 2007 137-169.

Keywords

  • Brain computer interfaces
  • user engagement
  • participatory design
  • user interface
  • lead user

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