Brain-computer interfaces interpret distinct brain wave patterns as commands to control devices. They can detect signals through implanted electrodes, external electrodes in a cap or helmet, or software analyzing thoughts. They have medical uses like enabling disabled people to control their environment and are being developed for gaming through mind control. While already used in small areas, limitations include safety, accuracy, and response speed that need improving before widespread consumer use. It may replace devices like keyboards and voice control and is currently used mainly for gaming through a few commercial products, but penetration is still low due to technical challenges. Experts believe it will revolutionize human interaction with technology as it continues to develop.

1. Brain-Computer InterfacesMIS 2101 Section 005Yao ChenYiranBai

2. IntroductionDefinition: Brain-Computer interfaces interpret distinct brain wave patterns as commands to guide a computer or other device. Channels to detect signals:Implanting electrodes into brainA cap or helmet through external electrodes (Headset)A software program analyze what people are thinkingBehm, 2006

3. Business DriversMedical use: Providing severely disabled individuals with the ability to control their surroundingsGaming:Game control devices that use mind commands. Hands-free interactionEnable our surrounding to be capable of proactively conforming to our needs, for example, PCs and mobile applicationNiccolai, 2007

4. Limitation and RiskAlready in use in small areas but in its very early stage, by 2050 or sooner, can be fully developed in consumer useMedical useGame controlHands-free interaction What it needs to be improved:Safety (prevent criminal use, personal password and location)Accuracy ( increase accuracy to 90%) Reaction speed ( reduce the transfer time and response time)Niccolai, 2007

5. Technologies it may replaceVoice controlMicrophone no longer needed.Traditional computer input devicesKeyboard, mouse, microphone, etc.Traditional controlling devicesHand controls for wheel-chairs, on-off switches, etc. Niccolai, 2007

6. Current use of the technologyThree main consumer-devices commercial-competitors: Neural Impulse ActuatorEmotiv SystemsNeuroSkyDevices primarily for gaming- and PC-usersThese companies are not very successful at the current stageTechnical issue(Accuracy, reaction time)Small market penetration(Less than 1% target audience) It is a threat to all the traditional input devices manufactories Niccolai, 2007

7. Evaluation Although this technology is still in its very early stage, but we believe it will be very successful in the future. It is very likely to bring us a revolutionary change to our lives when this technology is fully developed. It provides easier and more sufficient way to input commands, and outreach human body potential. “If we can interpret basic thoughts now, it isn’t far off where we we’ll be able to interpret more complex thoughts.” – Tan Le, president and co-founder of Emotiv Systems.Steere, 2008

8. Additional InformationThere is a video demonstrates this technology in its early stage:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVhggGSjXVg

9. ReferenceBehm, A., Kollotzek, M., Huske, F. “ Brain Computer Interfasces”. May1, 2006. Fenn. J. “Hype Cycle for emerging technologies, 2010.” G00205757. Gartner. 2 August 2010. http://my.gartner.com/portal/server.pt?open=512&objID=260&mode=2&PageID=3460702&resId=1414917&ref=QuickSearch&content=html#h-N66586 Niccolai J. “Scientists show thought-controlled computer at Cebit”. PC World. Mar 15, 2007. http://www.pcworld.com/article/129889/scientists_show_thoughtcontrolled_computer_at_cebit.html Steere, M. “The future of gaming is all in the mind”. CNN Tech. Vol. 45, September 08,2008. http://articles.cnn.com/2008-09-08/tech/Futureofgaming_1_emotiv-systems-games-and-reality-gaming-market/2?_s=PM:TECHYoutube. “ A headset that read your brainwaves”. Ted Talk. June 22, 2011http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVhggGSjXVg