@article {2203, title = {Current Trends in Hardware and Software for Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs).}, journal = {J Neural Eng}, volume = {8}, year = {2011}, month = {04/2011}, pages = {025001}, abstract = {

A\ brain-computer interface\ (BCI) provides a non-muscular communication channel to people with and without disabilities.\ BCI\ devices consist of hardware and software.\ BCI\ hardware records signals from the\ brain, either invasively or non-invasively, using a series of device components.\ BCI\ software then translates these signals into device output commands and provides feedback. One may categorize different types of\ BCI\ applications into the following four categories: basic\ research, clinical/translational\ research, consumer products, and emerging applications. These four categories use\ BCI\ hardware and software, but have different sets of requirements. For example, while basic\ research\ needs to explore a wide range of system configurations, and thus requires a wide range of hardware and software capabilities, applications in the other three categories may be designed for relatively narrow purposes and thus may only need a very limited subset of capabilities. This paper summarizes technical aspects for each of these four categories of\ BCI\ applications. The results indicate that\ BCI\ technology is in transition from isolated demonstrations to systematic\ research\ and commercial\ development. This process requires several multidisciplinary efforts, including the\ development\ of better integrated and more robust\ BCI\ hardware and software, the definition of standardized\ interfaces, and the\ developmentof certification, dissemination and reimbursement procedures.

}, keywords = {Biofeedback, Psychology, Brain, Brain Mapping, Electroencephalography, Equipment Design, Equipment Failure Analysis, Humans, Man-Machine Systems, Software, User-Computer Interface}, issn = {1741-2552}, doi = {10.1088/1741-2560/8/2/025001}, url = {http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21436536}, author = {Peter Brunner and Bianchi, L and Guger, C and Cincotti, F and Gerwin Schalk} } @article {2185, title = {Non-invasive brain-computer interface system: towards its application as assistive technology.}, journal = {Brain Res Bull}, volume = {75}, year = {2008}, month = {04/2008}, pages = {796-803}, abstract = {

The quality of life of people suffering from severe motor disabilities can benefit from the use of current assistive technology capable of ameliorating communication, house-environment management and mobility, according to the user{\textquoteright}s residual motor abilities.\ Brain-computer interfaces\ (BCIs) are systems that can translate\ brain\ activity into signals that control external devices. Thus they can represent the only technology for severely paralyzed patients to increase or maintain their communication and control options. Here we report on a pilot study in which a system was implemented and validated to allow disabled persons to improve or recover their mobility (directly or by emulation) and communication within the surrounding environment. 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. Patients (n=14) with severe motor disabilities due to progressive neurodegenerative disorders were trained to use the system prototype under a rehabilitation program carried out in a house-like furnished space. All users utilized regular assistive control options (e.g., microswitches or head trackers). In addition, four subjects learned to operate the system by means of a non-invasive EEG-based BCI. This system was controlled by the subjects{\textquoteright} voluntary modulations of EEG sensorimotor rhythms recorded on the scalp; this skill was learnt even though the subjects have not had control over their limbs for a long time. We conclude that such a prototype system, which integrates several different assistive technologies including a BCI system, can potentially facilitate the translation from pre-clinical\ demonstrations to a\ clinical\ useful BCI.

}, keywords = {Activities of Daily Living, Adolescent, Adult, Brain, Child, Electroencephalography, Evoked Potentials, Motor, Female, Humans, Learning, Male, Middle Aged, Motor Skills, Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne, Pilot Projects, Prostheses and Implants, Robotics, Self-Help Devices, Software, Spinal Muscular Atrophies of Childhood, User-Computer Interface, Volition}, issn = {0361-9230}, doi = {10.1016/j.brainresbull.2008.01.007}, url = {http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18394526}, author = {Cincotti, F and Mattia, Donatella and Aloise, Fabio and Bufalari, Simona and Gerwin Schalk and Oriolo, Giuseppe and Cherubini, Andrea and Marciani, Maria Grazia and Babiloni, Fabio} } @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 {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} }