Physical interaction design DH2400

Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) is a direct communication medium between a brain and an external device. The thoughts of a person could directly be converted to actions without a slightest muscle movement. It could be invasive or non-invasive type. The first one uses direct implantation of electrode in brain while the second one uses electrodes mounted on the scalp. The electrodes measures the electrical or magnetic field or blood flow changes due to activity of neurons. Electroencephalography or Magnetoencephalography or functional magnetic resonance imaging could be used for this purpose.

It is most beneficial to persons with locked-in syndrome or total paralyses for communicating the thoughts with their environment.

The complication exist to in capturing the activities of millions of neurons in brain and also the pattern of data varies not only from person to person but also from day to day and even event to event.

An interesting game developed using this BCI technology is 'Mind Ball' preceded by an earlier version known as 'Brain Ball'.

Video Clips:

Mindball on ABC

'Monkey controls robotic arm with brain computer interface'

Wheelchair Mounted Robotic Arm (WMRA)