This document discusses Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) which allow direct communication between the brain and external devices. It focuses on the BrainGate technology, which involves implanting a small chip in the motor cortex to detect brain signals and translate them to control computers or prosthetics. The BrainGate system has been tested on humans to allow paralyzed patients to control devices and interact digitally just by thinking.
As the power of modern computers grows alongside our understanding of the human brain, we move ever closer to making some pretty spectacular science fiction into reality. Imagine transmitting signals directly to someone's brain that would allow them to see, hear or feel specific sensory inputs. Consider the potential to manipulate computers or machinery with nothing more than a thought. It isn't about convenience, for severely disabled people, development of a brain-computer interface (BCI) could be the most important technological breakthrough in decades.
A Brain-computer interface, sometimes called a direct neural interface or a brain-machine interface, is a direct communication pathway between a brain and an external device. It is the ultimate in development of human-computer interfaces or HCI. BCIs being the recent development in HCI there are many realms to be explored. After experimentation three types of BCIs have been developed namely Invasive BCIs, Partially-invasive BCIs, Non-invasive BCIs.
As the power of modern computers grows alongside our understanding of the human brain, we move ever closer to making some pretty spectacular science fiction into reality. Imagine transmitting signals directly to someone's brain that would allow them to see, hear or feel specific sensory inputs. Consider the potential to manipulate computers or machinery with nothing more than a thought. It isn't about convenience, for severely disabled people, development of a brain-computer interface (BCI) could be the most important technological breakthrough in decades.
A Brain-computer interface, sometimes called a direct neural interface or a brain-machine interface, is a direct communication pathway between a brain and an external device. It is the ultimate in development of human-computer interfaces or HCI. BCIs being the recent development in HCI there are many realms to be explored. After experimentation three types of BCIs have been developed namely Invasive BCIs, Partially-invasive BCIs, Non-invasive BCIs.
Neuralink white-paper. Elon Musk & Neuralink
Abstract
Brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) hold promise for the restoration of sensory and motor function and
the treatment of neurological disorders, but clinical BMIs have not yet been widely adopted, in part
because modest channel counts have limited their potential. In this white paper, we describe Neuralink’s first steps toward a scalable high-bandwidth BMI system. We have built arrays of small and
flexible electrode “threads”, with as many as 3,072 electrodes per array distributed across 96 threads.
We have also built a neurosurgical robot capable of inserting six threads (192 electrodes) per minute.
Each thread can be individually inserted into the brain with micron precision for avoidance of surface vasculature and targeting specific brain regions. The electrode array is packaged into a small
implantable device that contains custom chips for low-power on-board amplification and digitization: the package for 3,072 channels occupies less than (23 × 18.5 × 2) mm3
. A single USB-C cable
provides full-bandwidth data streaming from the device, recording from all channels simultaneously.
This system has achieved a spiking yield of up to 85.5 % in chronically implanted electrodes. Neuralink’s approach to BMI has unprecedented packaging density and scalability in a clinically relevant
package.
Brain computing or Brain Computer Interfaceshivanshis4
Brain-computer interface (BCI) is a fast-growing emergent technology, in which researchers aim to build a direct channel between the human brain and the computer.
Introduce the concept of Brain-Computer Interface, and introduce a research paper about deployed Deep Learning in ECoG BCI and it shows the promising future in BCI development.
Medium post: https://medium.com/@bmwv12lmr/deep-learning-in-brain-computer-interface-bbef71343c4d
A brain-computer interface (BCI), sometimes called a mind-machine interface (MMI), or sometimes called a direct neural interface (DNI), synthetic telepathy interface (STI) or a brain-machine interface (BMI), is a direct communication pathway between the brain and an external device. BCIs are often directed at assisting, augmenting, or repairing human cognitive or sensory-motor functions.Research on BCIs began in the 1970s at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) under a grant from the National Science Foundation, followed by a contract from DARPA.[1][2] The papers published after this research also mark the first appearance of the expression brain-computer interface in scientific literature.The field of BCI research and development has since focused primarily on neuroprosthetics applications that aim at restoring damaged hearing, sight and movement. Thanks to the remarkable cortical plasticity of the brain, signals from implanted prostheses can, after adaptation, be handled by the brain like natural sensor or effector channels.[3] Following years of animal experimentation, the first neuroprosthetic devices implanted in humans appeared in the mid-1990s.
As the power of modern computers grows alongside our understanding of the human brain, we move ever closer to making some pretty spectacular science fiction into reality. Imagine transmitting signals directly to someone's brain that would allow them to see, hear or feel specific sensory inputs. Consider the potential to manipulate computers or machinery with nothing more than a thought. It isn't about convenience, for severely disabled people, development of a brain-computer interface (BCI) could be the most important technological breakthrough in decades.
A Brain-computer interface, sometimes called a direct neural interface or a brain-machine interface, is a direct communication pathway between a brain and an external device. It is the ultimate in development of human-computer interfaces or HCI. BCIs being the recent development in HCI there are many realms to be explored. After experimentation three types of BCIs have been developed namely Invasive BCIs, Partially-invasive BCIs, Non-invasive BCIs.
Implantable computer chips that records brain signals and transmits them to muscles. Brain chips can enhance memory of human beings, help paralyzed patients and are intended for military purposes.
Develop direct interface between brain and computers.
This presentation lists some brain-computer interface technologies that exist today and that could be attainable in future. At the end, philosophical comments about this kind of technology and transhumanism are purposed, in order to reveal the key difference between a humain brain and artificial intelligence.
Brain Computer Interface (BCI) aims at providing an alternate means of communication and control to people with severe cognitive or sensory-motor disabilities. These systems are based on the single trial recognition of different mental states or tasks from the brain activity. This paper discusses the major components involved in developing a Brain Computer Interface system which includes the modality to obtain brain signals and its related processing methods.
This presentation is given in (2015) . As the power of modern computers grows alongside our understanding of the human brain, we move ever closer to making some pretty spectacular science fiction into reality.
Neuralink white-paper. Elon Musk & Neuralink
Abstract
Brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) hold promise for the restoration of sensory and motor function and
the treatment of neurological disorders, but clinical BMIs have not yet been widely adopted, in part
because modest channel counts have limited their potential. In this white paper, we describe Neuralink’s first steps toward a scalable high-bandwidth BMI system. We have built arrays of small and
flexible electrode “threads”, with as many as 3,072 electrodes per array distributed across 96 threads.
We have also built a neurosurgical robot capable of inserting six threads (192 electrodes) per minute.
Each thread can be individually inserted into the brain with micron precision for avoidance of surface vasculature and targeting specific brain regions. The electrode array is packaged into a small
implantable device that contains custom chips for low-power on-board amplification and digitization: the package for 3,072 channels occupies less than (23 × 18.5 × 2) mm3
. A single USB-C cable
provides full-bandwidth data streaming from the device, recording from all channels simultaneously.
This system has achieved a spiking yield of up to 85.5 % in chronically implanted electrodes. Neuralink’s approach to BMI has unprecedented packaging density and scalability in a clinically relevant
package.
Brain computing or Brain Computer Interfaceshivanshis4
Brain-computer interface (BCI) is a fast-growing emergent technology, in which researchers aim to build a direct channel between the human brain and the computer.
Introduce the concept of Brain-Computer Interface, and introduce a research paper about deployed Deep Learning in ECoG BCI and it shows the promising future in BCI development.
Medium post: https://medium.com/@bmwv12lmr/deep-learning-in-brain-computer-interface-bbef71343c4d
A brain-computer interface (BCI), sometimes called a mind-machine interface (MMI), or sometimes called a direct neural interface (DNI), synthetic telepathy interface (STI) or a brain-machine interface (BMI), is a direct communication pathway between the brain and an external device. BCIs are often directed at assisting, augmenting, or repairing human cognitive or sensory-motor functions.Research on BCIs began in the 1970s at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) under a grant from the National Science Foundation, followed by a contract from DARPA.[1][2] The papers published after this research also mark the first appearance of the expression brain-computer interface in scientific literature.The field of BCI research and development has since focused primarily on neuroprosthetics applications that aim at restoring damaged hearing, sight and movement. Thanks to the remarkable cortical plasticity of the brain, signals from implanted prostheses can, after adaptation, be handled by the brain like natural sensor or effector channels.[3] Following years of animal experimentation, the first neuroprosthetic devices implanted in humans appeared in the mid-1990s.
As the power of modern computers grows alongside our understanding of the human brain, we move ever closer to making some pretty spectacular science fiction into reality. Imagine transmitting signals directly to someone's brain that would allow them to see, hear or feel specific sensory inputs. Consider the potential to manipulate computers or machinery with nothing more than a thought. It isn't about convenience, for severely disabled people, development of a brain-computer interface (BCI) could be the most important technological breakthrough in decades.
A Brain-computer interface, sometimes called a direct neural interface or a brain-machine interface, is a direct communication pathway between a brain and an external device. It is the ultimate in development of human-computer interfaces or HCI. BCIs being the recent development in HCI there are many realms to be explored. After experimentation three types of BCIs have been developed namely Invasive BCIs, Partially-invasive BCIs, Non-invasive BCIs.
Implantable computer chips that records brain signals and transmits them to muscles. Brain chips can enhance memory of human beings, help paralyzed patients and are intended for military purposes.
Develop direct interface between brain and computers.
This presentation lists some brain-computer interface technologies that exist today and that could be attainable in future. At the end, philosophical comments about this kind of technology and transhumanism are purposed, in order to reveal the key difference between a humain brain and artificial intelligence.
Brain Computer Interface (BCI) aims at providing an alternate means of communication and control to people with severe cognitive or sensory-motor disabilities. These systems are based on the single trial recognition of different mental states or tasks from the brain activity. This paper discusses the major components involved in developing a Brain Computer Interface system which includes the modality to obtain brain signals and its related processing methods.
This presentation is given in (2015) . As the power of modern computers grows alongside our understanding of the human brain, we move ever closer to making some pretty spectacular science fiction into reality.
This is the seminar presentation on brain gate which i represented in my college in final year for degree. This is the technology under development and have successfull result on human as well as animals. This technology is boon for physically disabled and paralysed person.
Braingate is an electrode chip which can be implemented in the brain. When it is implemented in brain, the electrical signal exchanged by neurons within the brain. Those signals are sent to the brain and it executes body movement. All the signalling process is handled by special software. The signal sends to the computer and then the computer is controlled by patient.
Brain Computer Interface and Artificial Brain: Interfacing Microelectronics a...Lk Rigor
Signals from the brain can be processed to improve quality of human life. Such is the aim of biotechnology, to harness cellular and biomolecular processes to develop technologies that can improve human life. How can brain computer interface (BCI) and artificial brain achieve that?
It is a mind-to-movement system that allows a quadriplegic man to control a computer using his thoughts.
The system is to help those who have lost control of their limbs, or other bodily functions such as patients with spinal cord injury to operate various gadgets such as TV, Computer, Lights, Fan etc.
It monitors brain activity in the patient and converts the intention of the user into computer commands
The mind-to-movement system that allows a quadriplegic man to control a computer using only his thoughts is a scientific milestone. It was reached, in large part, through the brain gate system. This system has become a boon to the paralyzed. The Brain Gate System is based on Cyber kinetics platform technology to sense, transmit, analyze and apply the language of neurons. The principle of operation behind the Brain Gate System is that with intact brain function, brain signals are generated even though they are not sent to the arms, hands and legs.The signals are interpreted and translated into cursor movements, offering the user an alternate Brain Gate pathway to control a computer with thought,just as individuals who have the ability to move their hands use a mouse. The 'Brain Gate' contains tiny spikes that will extend down about one millimetre into the brain after being implanted beneath the skull,monitoring the activity from a small group of neurons.It will now be possible for a patient with spinal cord injury to produce brain signals that relay the intention of moving the paralyzed limbs,as signals to an implanted sensor,which is then output as electronic impulses. These impulses enable the user to operate mechanical devices with the help of a computer cursor. Matthew Nagle,a 25-year-old Massachusetts man with a severe spinal cord injury,has been paralyzed from the neck down since 2001.After taking part in a clinical trial of this system,he has opened e-mail,switched TV channels,turned on lights
Presentation on Brain Computer Interface. It describes how our brain is used as a signaling mechanism for computer. different types of BCIs and its applications.
Synthetic Fiber Construction in lab .pptxPavel ( NSTU)
Synthetic fiber production is a fascinating and complex field that blends chemistry, engineering, and environmental science. By understanding these aspects, students can gain a comprehensive view of synthetic fiber production, its impact on society and the environment, and the potential for future innovations. Synthetic fibers play a crucial role in modern society, impacting various aspects of daily life, industry, and the environment. ynthetic fibers are integral to modern life, offering a range of benefits from cost-effectiveness and versatility to innovative applications and performance characteristics. While they pose environmental challenges, ongoing research and development aim to create more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. Understanding the importance of synthetic fibers helps in appreciating their role in the economy, industry, and daily life, while also emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and innovation.
Palestine last event orientationfvgnh .pptxRaedMohamed3
An EFL lesson about the current events in Palestine. It is intended to be for intermediate students who wish to increase their listening skills through a short lesson in power point.
June 3, 2024 Anti-Semitism Letter Sent to MIT President Kornbluth and MIT Cor...Levi Shapiro
Letter from the Congress of the United States regarding Anti-Semitism sent June 3rd to MIT President Sally Kornbluth, MIT Corp Chair, Mark Gorenberg
Dear Dr. Kornbluth and Mr. Gorenberg,
The US House of Representatives is deeply concerned by ongoing and pervasive acts of antisemitic
harassment and intimidation at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Failing to act decisively to ensure a safe learning environment for all students would be a grave dereliction of your responsibilities as President of MIT and Chair of the MIT Corporation.
This Congress will not stand idly by and allow an environment hostile to Jewish students to persist. The House believes that your institution is in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, and the inability or
unwillingness to rectify this violation through action requires accountability.
Postsecondary education is a unique opportunity for students to learn and have their ideas and beliefs challenged. However, universities receiving hundreds of millions of federal funds annually have denied
students that opportunity and have been hijacked to become venues for the promotion of terrorism, antisemitic harassment and intimidation, unlawful encampments, and in some cases, assaults and riots.
The House of Representatives will not countenance the use of federal funds to indoctrinate students into hateful, antisemitic, anti-American supporters of terrorism. Investigations into campus antisemitism by the Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Committee on Ways and Means have been expanded into a Congress-wide probe across all relevant jurisdictions to address this national crisis. The undersigned Committees will conduct oversight into the use of federal funds at MIT and its learning environment under authorities granted to each Committee.
• The Committee on Education and the Workforce has been investigating your institution since December 7, 2023. The Committee has broad jurisdiction over postsecondary education, including its compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, campus safety concerns over disruptions to the learning environment, and the awarding of federal student aid under the Higher Education Act.
• The Committee on Oversight and Accountability is investigating the sources of funding and other support flowing to groups espousing pro-Hamas propaganda and engaged in antisemitic harassment and intimidation of students. The Committee on Oversight and Accountability is the principal oversight committee of the US House of Representatives and has broad authority to investigate “any matter” at “any time” under House Rule X.
• The Committee on Ways and Means has been investigating several universities since November 15, 2023, when the Committee held a hearing entitled From Ivory Towers to Dark Corners: Investigating the Nexus Between Antisemitism, Tax-Exempt Universities, and Terror Financing. The Committee followed the hearing with letters to those institutions on January 10, 202
The French Revolution, which began in 1789, was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France. It marked the decline of absolute monarchies, the rise of secular and democratic republics, and the eventual rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. This revolutionary period is crucial in understanding the transition from feudalism to modernity in Europe.
For more information, visit-www.vavaclasses.com
Francesca Gottschalk - How can education support child empowerment.pptxEduSkills OECD
Francesca Gottschalk from the OECD’s Centre for Educational Research and Innovation presents at the Ask an Expert Webinar: How can education support child empowerment?
Francesca Gottschalk - How can education support child empowerment.pptx
Brain computer interface
1. BRAIN-COMPUTER INTERFACE
POOVIZHI.G
AVS ENGINEERING
COLLEGE,AMMAPET
SALEM-3.
B.E-CSE (THIRD YEAR)
POOVIZHIGOPAL@GMAIL.COM
ABSTRACT:
Thousands of people around the
world suffer from paralysis, they are
dependent on others to perform even the most
basic tasks. But that could change, because of
the latest achievements in the Brain-
Computer Interface (BCI), which could help
them regain a portion of their lost
independence. Even normal humans may also
be able to utilize BrainChip Technology to
enhance their relationship with the digital
world-provided they are willing to receive
the implant.
The term ‘Brain-Computer Interface’
refers to the direct interaction between a
healthy brain and a computer. Intense efforts
and research in this BCI field over the past
decade have recently resulted in a human
BCI implantation, which is a great news for
all of us, especially for those who have been
resigned to spending their lives in wheel
chairs. This Brain Chip Technology is a
platform for the development of a wide range
of other assisting devices.
This paper focuses on the Brain Chip
Technology which helps quadriplegic people
to do things like checking e-mail, turning the
TV, lights on or off—with just their thoughts.
Also the definition of Brain-Computer
Interface, the primary goal of designing Brain
gate, the basic elements of BrainGate, the
research work conducted on it at different
Universities and some short comings of
BrainGate were also presented.
INTRODUCTION:
An lendable brain-computer interface
the size of an aspirin has been clinically
tested on humans by American company
2. Cyberkinetics. The 'BrainGate' device can
provide paralysed or motor-impaired patients
a mode of communication through the
translation of thought into direct computer
control. The technology driving this
breakthrough in the Brain-Machine-Interface
field has a myriad of potential applications,
including the development of human
augmentation for military and commercial
purposes.
A Brain-Computer Interface
sometimes called a direct neural interface
or a brain-machine interface(BMI) accepts
commands directly from the human or animal
brain without requiring physical movement
and can be used to operate a computer or
other technologies. This broad term can
describe many actual and theoretical
interfaces.
In this definition of Brain-Computer
Interface the word brain mean the brain or
nervous system of an organic life form rather
than the mind. Computer means any
processing or computational device form an
integrated circuit to silicon chip. The term
‘Brain-Computer Interface’ refers to the
direct interaction between a healthy brain and
a computer.
The goal of the BrainGate program is
to develop a fast, reliable and unobtrusive
connection between the brain of a severely
disabled person and a personal computer. The
aim of designing this chip is to provide
paralysed individuals with a gateway through
which they can access the broad capabilities
of computers, control devices in the
surrounding environment, and even move
their own limbs.
Researchers at the University of
Pittsburgh have already demonstrated that a
monkey can feed itself with a robotic arm
simply by using signals from its brain, an
advance that could enhance prosthetics for
people, especially those with spinal cord
injuries. Now, using the BrainGate system in
the current human trials, a 25 year old
quadriplegic has successfully been able to
switch on lights, adjust the volume on a TV,
change channels and read e-mail using only
his brain. Crucially the patient was able to do
these tasks while carrying on a conversation
and moving his head at the same time.
John Donoghue, the chairman of the
Department of Neuroscience at Brown
University, led the original research project
and went on to co-found Cyber kinetics,
where he is currently chief scientific officer
overseeing the clinical trial. It is expected
that people using the BrainGate system will
employ a personal computer as the gateway
to range of self-directed activities. These
activities may extend beyond typical
3. computer functions (e.g., communication) to
include the control of objects in the
environment such as a telephone, a television
and lights
Usually the brain is connected to an external
computer system through a chip composed of
electrodes. Now it is possible to implant this
chip into the brain’s motor cortex (the part of
the brain that controls the movements of the
limbs). This allows us to record the electrical
activity of neurons firing and use computers
to convert the signals into actions by
applying signal-processing algorithms
(algorithms used for the processing,
amplification and interpretation of signals).
Intense efforts and research in this
field over the past decade have recently
resulted in a human BCI implantation, which
is a great news for all of us especially for
those who have been resigned to spending
theirs lives in wheel chair.
BRAINGATE—EMPOWERING
THE HUMAN BRAIN:
The BrainGate System is used to
sense, transmit, analyze and apply the
language of neurons. The System consists of
a sensor that is implanted on the motor cortex
of the brain and a device that analyzes brain
signals. This sensor consists of a tiny
chip(smaller than a baby aspirin) with
hundred electrode sensors-each thinner than a
hair- that detect brain cell electrical activity.
The principle of operation behind the
BrainGate System is that with intact brain
function, brain signals are generated even
though they are not sent to the arms, hands
and legs. The signals are interpreted and
translated into cursor movements, offering
the user an alternate “BrainGate pathway” to
control a computer with thought, just as
individuals who have the ability to move
their hands use a mouse.
THE BASIC ELEMENTS OF
BRAINGATE:
1. The chip:
A four-millimeter square silicon chip
studded with hundred hair thin
microelectrodes, is embedded in the primary
motor cortex-the region of the brain
responsible for controlling movement.
4. 2. The Connector:
When somebody thinks “move cursor
up and left” his cortical neurons fire in a
distinctive pattern; the signal is transmitted
through the pedestal plug attached to the
skull.
3. The Converter:
The signal travels to an amplifier
where it is converted to optical data and
bounced by fibre-optic cable to a computer.
4. The Computer:
BrainGate learns to associate
patterns of brain activity with particular
imagined movements-up, down, left ,right –
and to connect those movements to a cursor.
The BrainGate technology platform
was designed to take advantage of the fact
that many patients with motor impairment
have an intact brain that can produce
movement commands. This allows the
BrainGate System to create an output signal
directly from the brain, bypassing the route
through the nerves to the muscles that cannot
be used by people suffering from paralysis.
The chip is implanted on the surface of the
brain in the motor cortex area that controls
movement. In the pilot version of the device,
a cable connects the sensor to an external
signal processor in a cart that contains
computers. The computers translate brain
activity and generate a communication output
using custom decoding software.
The BrainGate System has been
specifically designed for clinical use in
humans. Currently quadriplegic patients are
enrolled in a pilot clinical trial, which has
been approved by the US Food and Drug
Administration (FDA).
The further development of
BrainGate System is to potentially provide
limb movement to people with severe motor
disabilities. The goal of this development
program would be to allow these individuals
to one day use their own arms and hands
again. Limb movement developments are
currently at the research stage and are not
available for use with the existing BrainGate
System.
In the future, the BrainGate System
could be used by those individuals whose
injuries are less severe. Next generation
products may be able to provide an individual
with the ability to control devices that allow
breathing, bladder and bowel movements.
BCI versus NEUROPROSTHETICS:
5. Neuroprosthetics is an area of
neuroscience concerned with neural
prostheses-using artificial devices to replace
the function of impaired nervous systems or
sensory organs. The most widely used
neuroprosthetic device is the cochlear
implant, which was implanted in
approximately 70,000 people world wide as
of 2005 according to the statistics conducted.
There are also several neuroprosthetic
devices that aim to restore vision, including
retinal implants, optic nerve cuffs and
implants directly into the visual cortex.
The differences between BCIs and
neuroprosthetics are mostly in the ways the
terms are used: “neuroprosthetics” critically
refers to clinical devices, where as many
BCIs are still in the experimental realm.
Practical neuroprosthetics can be linked to
any part of nervous systems, for example
peripheral nerves, while the term “BCI” often
designates a narrower class of systems which
interface with the brain directly.
The terms are sometimes used
interchangeably and for good reason.
Neuroprosthetics and BCI seek to achieve the
same aims, such as restoring sight, hearing,
movement and even cognitive function. Both
use similar experimental methods and
surgical techniques.
THE POWER OF THOUGHT:
Matthew Nagle’s achievement is a
historic one, and is in the same league as
conquering Mount Everest or putting a
human being on the moon. He is the first
paralysed person to have operated a
prosthetic arm using just his mind. On July 4,
2001, Nagle became paralysed from the neck
downwards after being assaulted by a person
wielding a knife. He was confined to his
wheel chair and was unable to breath with
out a respirator. Fortunately there was a
scientist and a new device to help him
overcome his disabilities. The scientist was
Professor John Donoghue and the device was
BrainGate.
On June 22,2004, Donoghue’s team
implanted a small chip into Nagle’s brain.
This implanted sensor picked up the electric
signals that command the limbs of the body
to move. In the case of a healthy man, these
signals would have been forwarded to the
spinal cord. But as Nagle’s spinal cord was
damaged, the signals were collected and sent
through wires and fibre-optic cable to
hardware and software that translated into
computer-driven movements.
6. This implanted device enabled Nagle
to do things like check his e-mail, turn the
TV on or off, draw a crude circle on the
screen, play the game Pong, and control a
prosthetic arm-with just his thoughts. Of
course, he needed months of training to
perform these tasks but his achievement
underlines the staggering potential of BCI
Technology.
CONNECTING BRAINS TO
COMPUTERS: A WAY TO HELP
QUADRIPLEGICS:
Cyberkinetics, a company
commercializing technology developed at
Brown University, just reported the results of
its first attempt to implant sensors into the
brain of a quadriplegic. Signals from the
sensor allow him to control a computer
JUST LIKE A CELL PHONE: Many people might wonder
how an external device like an artificial
7. arm gets signals from the brain. Well, in
a healthy person the message from the
brain first moves down to the spinal cord
and from there, to the muscles of the
limbs that need to be moved. But in
those with serious spinal cord injuries,
the path for the signals is broken.
Professor Donoghue explains this state
as being similar to cutting a telephone
cable-the receivers are fine but the
connections broken.
The brain chip can listen to the
electrical impulses produced by the
neurons. Placed into the brain itself, the
electrode arrays of these chips come into
direct contact with live neurons, and so
can sense the signal neuron impulses.
Current methods of direct neuron
sensing being tested in humans use
arrays of as many as hundred micro-
electrodes, recording the electrical
activities of up to 96 different neurons
are small groups of neurons at a time.
TEETHING TROUBLES:
For all its potential, BrainGate is
far from perfect. Reading brain signals is
not an easy task as even a simple
movement, such as raising a hand,
requires electrical signals form many
regions of the brain. Implanted
electrodes pickup just a tiny fraction of
the signals from neurons that fire . It is
difficult for the computer to convert
these signals-resulting in the cursor
jiggling and making it difficult to select
icons on the screen with accuracy.
Donoghue and his team hope to smooth
things out using software.
Other BrainGate shortcomings
include:
Size: BrainGate right now has a bulky
look with cables and processors. The
device has to less bulky to make the
technology main stream. CyberKinetics
is developing a prototype of a device
that would fit behind the ear of the
patient, much like the cochlear implant,
and connect via a magnet to the
computer equipment, thus eliminating
the need to cross the skin. This will lead
to a wireless BrainGate, giving the
patient greater freedom.
Calibration: In its current form, it is
essential to recalibrate the device before
each use by the patient. The team is
working on automated calibration to
allow greater independence to the user.
Muscle connection: Today a direct
connection from the computer to a
muscle is not possible. But researches
believe that they will be able to achieve
coordinated muscle movement. In theory
8. electrodes and wires could connect
muscles to the functioning brain, thus
bypassing the damaged spinal cord.
The biggest advantage with this
BrainGate implantation was that it
eliminated the need for an invasive
surgical procedure and the risks
associated with it.The problem with this
device is its low signal-to-noise ratio,
which limits its use to controlling a
cursor. It is difficult to perform more
complex tasks like controlled muscle
movement.
CONCLUSION:
Here by, we conclude that Neural
interfaces have emerged as effective
interventions to reduce the burden
associated with some neurological
diseases, injuries and disabilities. The
BrainGate helps the quadriplegic
patients who cannot perform even
simple actions without the help of
another person are able to do things like
checking e-mails, turn the TV on or
off,and contol a prosthetic arm—with
just their thoughts.
BrainChip technology does
not promise miracles-it does not, for
instance, say that a paralysed man will
one day walk using an artificial leg by
his thoughts alone.
REFERENCE:
1. NIH Publication No. 11-4798
(2011-03-01). "Cochlear Implants".
National Institute on Deafness and
Other Communication Disorders.
http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearin
g/pages/coch.aspx.
2. ^ Miguel Nicolelis et al.
(2001) Duke neurobiologist has
developed system that allows monkeys
to control robot arms via brain signals
3. ^ Baum, Michele (2008=09-
06). "Monkey Uses Brain Power to
Feed Itself With Robotic Arm". Pitt
Chronicle.
http://www.chronicle.pitt.edu/?p=1478.
Retrieved 2009-07-06.