@article {2195, title = {A procedure for measuring latencies in brain-computer interfaces.}, journal = {IEEE Trans Biomed Eng}, volume = {57}, year = {2010}, month = {06/2010}, pages = {1785-97}, abstract = {

Brain-computer interface (BCI) systems must process neural signals with consistent timing in order to support adequate system performance. Thus, it is important to have the capability to determine whether a particular BCI configuration (i.e., hardware and software) provides adequate timing performance for a particular experiment. This report presents a method of measuring and quantifying different aspects of system timing in several typical BCI experiments across a range of settings, and presents comprehensive measures of expected overall system latency for each experimental configuration.

}, keywords = {Brain, Computer Systems, Electroencephalography, Evoked Potentials, Humans, Models, Neurological, Reproducibility of Results, Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted, Time Factors, User-Computer Interface}, issn = {1558-2531}, doi = {10.1109/TBME.2010.2047259}, url = {http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20403781}, author = {Adam J Wilson and Mellinger, J{\"u}rgen and Gerwin Schalk and Williams, Justin C} } @article {2187, title = {Real-time detection of event-related brain activity.}, journal = {Neuroimage}, volume = {43}, year = {2008}, month = {11/2008}, pages = {245-9}, abstract = {

The complexity and inter-individual variation of\ brain\ signals impedes real-time detection of events in raw signals. To convert these complex signals into results that can be readily understood, current approaches usually apply statistical methods to data from known conditions after all data have been collected. The capability to provide meaningful visualization of complex\ brain\ signals without the requirement to initially collect data from all conditions would provide a new tool, essentially a new imaging technique, that would open up new avenues for the study of\ brain\ function. Here we show that a new analysis approach, called SIGFRIED, can overcome this serious limitation of current methods. SIGFRIED can visualize\ brain\ signal changes without requiring prior data collection from all conditions. This capacity is particularly well suited to applications in which comprehensive prior data collection is impossible or impractical, such as intraoperative localization of cortical function or detection of epileptic seizures.

}, keywords = {Adult, Algorithms, Brain Mapping, Computer Systems, Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted, Electroencephalography, Epilepsy, Evoked Potentials, Female, Humans, Male, Pattern Recognition, Automated, Reproducibility of Results, Sensitivity and Specificity}, issn = {1095-9572}, doi = {10.1016/j.neuroimage.2008.07.037}, url = {http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18718544}, author = {Gerwin Schalk and Leuthardt, E C and Peter Brunner and Ojemann, J G and Lester A Gerhardt and Jonathan Wolpaw} } @proceedings {2245, title = {Non-invasive brain-computer interface system to operate assistive devices.}, year = {2007}, month = {04/2007}, pages = {2532-5}, abstract = {In this pilot study, a system that allows disabled persons to improve or recover their mobility and communication within the surrounding environment was implemented and validated. The system is based on a software controller that offers to the user a communication interface that is matched with the individual{\textquoteright}s residual motor abilities. Fourteen patients with severe motor disabilities due to progressive neurodegenerative disorders were trained to use the system prototype under a rehabilitation program. All users utilized regular assistive control options (e.g., microswitches or head trackers) while four patients learned to operate the system by means of a non-invasive EEG-based Brain-Computer Interface, based on the subjects{\textquoteright} voluntary modulations of EEG sensorimotor rhythms recorded on the scalp.}, keywords = {Brain, Communication Aids for Disabled, Computer Systems, Humans, Neurodegenerative Diseases, Quality of Life, Self-Help Devices, Software, User-Computer Interface}, issn = {1557-170X}, doi = {10.1109/IEMBS.2007.4352844}, author = {Cincotti, F and Aloise, Fabio and Bufalari, Simona and Gerwin Schalk and Oriolo, Giuseppe and Cherubini, Andrea and Davide, Fabrizio and Babiloni, Fabio and Marciani, Maria Grazia and Mattia, Donatella} } @article {2268, title = {Brain-computer interfaces for communication and control.}, journal = {Clin Neurophysiol}, volume = {113}, year = {2002}, month = {06/2002}, pages = {767-91}, abstract = {

For many years people have speculated that electroencephalographic activity or other electrophysiological measures of brain function might provide a new non-muscular channel for sending messages and commands to the external world - a brain-computer interface (BCI). Over the past 15 years, productive BCI research programs have arisen. Encouraged by new understanding of brain function, by the advent of powerful low-cost computer equipment, and by growing recognition of the needs and potentials of people with disabilities, these programs concentrate on developing new augmentative communication and\ controltechnology for those with severe neuromuscular disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, brainstem stroke, and spinal cord injury. The immediate goal is to provide these users, who may be completely paralyzed, or {\textquoteright}locked in{\textquoteright}, with basic communication capabilities so that they can express their wishes to caregivers or even operate word processing programs or neuroprostheses. Present-day BCIs determine the intent of the user from a variety of different electrophysiological signals. These signals include slow cortical potentials, P300 potentials, and mu or beta rhythms recorded from the scalp, and cortical neuronal activity recorded by implanted electrodes. They are translated in real-time into commands that operate a computer display or other device. Successful operation requires that the user encode commands in these signals and that the BCI derive the commands from the signals. Thus, the user and the BCI system need to adapt to each other both initially and continually so as to ensure stable performance. Current BCIs have maximum information transfer rates up to 10-25bits/min. This limited capacity can be valuable for people whose severe disabilities prevent them from using conventional augmentative communication methods. At the same time, many possible applications of BCI technology, such as neuroprosthesis\ control, may require higher information transfer rates. Future progress will depend on: recognition that BCI research and development is an interdisciplinary problem, involving neurobiology, psychology, engineering, mathematics, and computer science; identification of those signals, whether evoked potentials, spontaneous rhythms, or neuronal firing rates, that users are best able to\ control\ independent of activity in conventional motor output pathways; development of training methods for helping users to gain and maintain that\ control; delineation of the best algorithms for translating these signals into device commands; attention to the identification and elimination of artifacts such as electromyographic and electro-oculographic activity; adoption of precise and objective procedures for evaluating BCI performance; recognition of the need for long-term as well as short-term assessment of BCI performance; identification of appropriate BCI applications and appropriate matching of applications and users; and attention to factors that affect user acceptance of augmentative technology, including ease of use, cosmesis, and provision of those communication and\ control\ capacities that are most important to the user. Development of BCI technology will also benefit from greater emphasis on peer-reviewed research publications and avoidance of the hyperbolic and often misleading media attention that tends to generate unrealistic expectations in the public and skepticism in other researchers. With adequate recognition and effective engagement of all these issues, BCI systems could eventually provide an important new communication and\ control\ option for those with motor disabilities and might also give those without disabilities a supplementary\ control\ channel or a\ control\ channel useful in special circumstances.

}, keywords = {Brain Diseases, Communication Aids for Disabled, Computer Systems, Electroencephalography, Humans, User-Computer Interface}, issn = {1388-2457}, doi = {10.1016/S1388-2457(02)00057-3}, url = {http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12048038}, author = {Jonathan Wolpaw and Niels Birbaumer and Dennis J. McFarland and Pfurtscheller, Gert and Theresa M Vaughan} }