bci_cincotti.ppt 1827KB Jun 23 2011 12:10:24 PM

Workshop on direct
brain/computer interface &
control
Febo Cincotti
Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS
Brussels, August 2, 2006

BCI: logical scheme

appropriate feature extraction

Modification of
Brain Signals

Signal Features

Psychological
Effort
(Intention)

Classification

Of Intent

appropriate feedback strategy

computer training

user training

Increase of
performance

(yet another!)

Environment

Multiple aims



Study of brain functions

Rehabilitation







through substitution
through restoration

Enhancement of brain-environment
pathways
“Cyborg-like” applications

Technical Requirements
depend on the “User”
1.

End user

2.

Clinical researchers,
Neuroscientists
Technical operators,
Therapists
Gamers, entertainers

3.

4.

Cost/benefit of requirements
vary over User Level
Workshop IV: Tec
hnology

Topic 1: Technical Requir
ements

4

Disability Level and Application

Workshop IV: Tec
hnology



Communication



Environmental
control



Robotics / Mobility

devices



Neuroprosthetics

Topic 1: Technical Requir
ements

6

Effectiveness-applicationsatisfaction chart

Multiple points of view


Target users:








Researchers (e.g., clinical
researchers, neuroscientists,
signal processing experts,
etc.);
Technical operators (e.g.,
caregivers, therapists who
are in charge of training
someone on BCI operation);
End-users (e.g., people with
disabilities who rely on the
system for communication)
Casual end-users (e.g., those
who use a BCI as an
alternative input for
entertainment devices)



Disciplines involved in
research





Engineering
Clinical ...
Psychological
Neuroscience

Clinical applications of BCI are not…




… just application of potentially working
technologies to a new group of
experimental subjects.
Working with patients requires taking into
account new issues






Human computer interaction
Ease of use
Reliability
Sensible applications
…

Invasive vs. noninvasive techniques






Multi-electrode grids implanted in
cortex
Epi- or sub-dural implantation
Surface EEG
Non electrical signal (MEG, fMRI, NIRS,
…)

Integration with assistive
technologies






need for "BCI device“

integration of the BCI device as a
control into standard
domotic and robotic systems
optimization of the BCI interface (to
user and to caregiver: generalization
and simplification )

BCI-operated robot

BCI-operated Environmental
control

Standardization

Non-invasive cortical
Scalp
EEG
estimation
of brain activity
Linear inverse estimates

within a RoI are collapsed
(mean)

M1
Hand
area
RoI

“Virtual”

Role of technical standards in the
development of BCI systems




helpful to foster involvement of companies
into the field
important to promote cooperation among
research groups
Topics for standardization:







system architecture
relationship with existing human-computer
devices
training procedures
signal processing techniques
indices of performance
communication protocols with external devices

Advantage of Standards


Improved interoperability of components




Lowers need for expertise
Facilitates technology diffusion
Facilitates performance comparison



FDA/CE certification is cheaper



Helps to solve legal disputes

Standardization of software


Decision making
tool for operators



Documentation and
reference for “good
practice”

Pseudo-BCI applications





Monitoring
Biofeedback
Detection of psychological states
EEG-EMG-EOG integration

Conclusions










BCI field is out of the demonstrations phase and is
ready for clinical applications – need for more intense
multidisciplinary cooperation
Any new BCI technology should be focused on
improving the quality of life of the end user
Many technologies still do not meet the requirements
of particular BCI applications
The BCI community needs
a technology standardization committee
BCI systems that can improve people’s lives are within
reach