@article {2194, title = {Brain-computer interfacing based on cognitive control.}, journal = {Ann Neurol}, volume = {67}, year = {2010}, month = {06/2010}, pages = {809-16}, abstract = {

OBJECTIVE:\ 

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) translate deliberate intentions and associated changes in brain activity into action, thereby offering patients with severe paralysis an alternative means of communication with and control over their environment. Such systems are not available yet, partly due to the high performance standard that is required. A major challenge in the development of implantable BCIs is to identify cortical regions and related functions that an individual can reliably and consciously manipulate. Research predominantly focuses on the sensorimotor cortex, which can be activated by imagining motor actions. However, because this region may not provide an optimal solution to all patients, other neuronal networks need to be examined. Therefore, we investigated whether the cognitive control network can be used for BCI purposes. We also determined the feasibility of using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) for noninvasive localization of the cognitive control network.

METHODS:\ 

Three patients with intractable epilepsy, who were temporarily implanted with subdural grid electrodes for diagnostic purposes, attempted to gain BCI control using the electrocorticographic (ECoG) signal of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC).

RESULTS:\ 

All subjects quickly gained accurate BCI control by modulation of gamma-power of the left DLPFC. Prelocalization of the relevant region was performed with fMRI and was confirmed using the ECoG signals obtained during mental calculation localizer tasks.

INTERPRETATION:\ 

The results indicate that the cognitive control network is a suitable source of signals for BCI applications. They also demonstrate the feasibility of translating understanding about cognitive networks derived from functional neuroimaging into clinical applications.

}, keywords = {Cognition, Computers, Electrodes, Electroencephalography, Epilepsy, Humans, Image Processing, Computer-Assisted, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Neuropsychological Tests, Oxygen, Prefrontal Cortex, Psychomotor Performance, Spectrum Analysis, Time Factors, User-Computer Interface}, issn = {1531-8249}, doi = {10.1002/ana.21985}, url = {http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20517943}, author = {Vansteensel, Mariska J and Hermes, Dora and Aarnoutse, Erik J and Bleichner, Martin G and Gerwin Schalk and van Rijen, Peter C and Leijten, Frans S S and Ramsey, Nick F} } @article {2244, title = {Brain-computer symbiosis.}, journal = {J Neural Eng}, volume = {5}, year = {2008}, month = {03/2008}, pages = {P1-P15}, abstract = {

The theoretical groundwork of the 1930s and 1940s and the technical advance of computers in the following decades provided the basis for dramatic increases in human efficiency. While computers continue to evolve, and we can still expect increasing benefits from their use, the interface between humans and computers has begun to present a serious impediment to full realization of the potential payoff. This paper is about the theoretical and practical possibility that direct communication between the\ brain\ and the\ computer\ can be used to overcome this impediment by improving or augmenting conventional forms of human communication. It is about the opportunity that the limitations of our body{\textquoteright}s input and output capacities can be overcome using direct interaction with the\ brain, and it discusses the assumptions, possible limitations and implications of a technology that I anticipate will be a major source of pervasive changes in the coming decades.

}, keywords = {Brain, Computers, Humans, User-Computer Interface}, issn = {1741-2560}, doi = {10.1088/1741-2560/5/1/P01}, url = {http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18310804}, author = {Gerwin Schalk} } @article {2176, title = {BCI meeting 2005 - Workshop on Technology: Hardware and Software.}, journal = {IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng}, volume = {14}, year = {2006}, month = {06/2006}, pages = {128-31}, abstract = {

This paper describes the outcome of discussions held during the Third International BCI Meeting at a workshop to review and evaluate the current state of BCI-related hardware and software. Technical requirements and current technologies, standardization procedures and future trends are covered. The main conclusion was recognition of the need to focus technical requirements on the users{\textquoteright} needs and the need for consistent standards in BCI research.

}, keywords = {Algorithms, Biotechnology, Brain, Communication Aids for Disabled, Computers, Electroencephalography, Equipment Design, Humans, Internationality, Man-Machine Systems, Neuromuscular Diseases, Software, User-Computer Interface}, issn = {1534-4320}, doi = {10.1109/TNSRE.2006.875584}, url = {http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16792276}, author = {Cincotti, F and Bianchi, L and Birch, Gary and Guger, C and Mellinger, J{\"u}rgen and Scherer, Reinhold and Schmidt, Robert N and Y{\'a}{\~n}ez Su{\'a}rez, Oscar and Gerwin Schalk} }