Human Computer Interaction for Direct Brain-Computer Interfaces

Georgia State University Research Foundation, Inc., Atlanta GA

Investigators

Abstract

Human-Computer Interaction for Direct Brain-Computer Interfaces This is a the first year funding of a 3-year continuing award. Recent developments in medical technology have brought closer the possibility of direct control of a computer by the human brain, e.g. using recordings from electrodes placed on the scalp or a neurotrophic electrode that is implanted in the brain. Although advances in these biometric interface device technologies hold much promise, there are many aspects yet to be researched. For the half-million people with locked-in syndrome (completely paralyzed and unable to speak), and for many others with severe and progressive disabilities such as quadriplegia or ALS, the potential impact of BCI technology are staggering; preliminary results achieved by the PI encourage vigorous pursuit of refinements and improvements in BCI technology. In this project the PI's objectives will be: to establish a theoretical framework for the field of Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) research; to investigate the effectiveness of various user interaction styles for existing brain-computer interface device technologies; and to validate various interaction styles in two quality-of-life application domains, a basic communications application and an environmental control application.