MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'brain-computer interface'. Tue, 04 May 2010 18:46:17 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3084859&cid=t_99981_113_f&fid=34637&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgaggio.blogspirit.com%2Farchive%2F2009%2F12%2F13%2Fbe-a-junior-jedi.html USA Today reports about a new device that uses brain waves to allow players to manipulate a sphere within a clear 10-inch-tall training tower, analogous to Yoda and Luke Skywalker's abilities in the Star Wars films. The Force Trainer is expected to be priced at $90 to $100. Image is from USA Today article   (Source: Positive Technology Journal) Positive Technology Journal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3084859 Sun, 13 Dec 2009 21:22:00 +0100 3084859 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3084822&cid=t_99981_109_f&fid=34730&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychiatrist-blog.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Ftagging-pictures-by-just-looking-at.html Reading your mind via EEG to label your snapshots. Very cool!-via SciTe Daily:"Assigning textual tags to an image is an important task because tags are needed for things like image search. When you search for an image of a “cat,” modern search engines can only identify an image as containing a cat if the tag “cat” is associated with it.Having people tag images by hand is an onerous task. Shenoy and Tan of Microsoft Research developed a way to tag images automatically by reading people’s brain scans while they look at images. The people did not even have to specifically think about trying to tag the image; they merely had to passively observe it."  [more][photo credit: krischall via flickr] ----- Listen to our latest podcast at mythreeshrinks.com or subscribe to our rss ... Shrink Rap blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3084822 Sun, 13 Dec 2009 19:00:00 +0100 3084822 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2855676&cid=t_99981_113_f&fid=34637&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgaggio.blogspirit.com%2Farchive%2F2009%2F10%2F02%2Fnatural-weelchair-control.html Have a look at this demo of an electric wheelchair under control of an Emotiv EEG/EMG headset. The control system developed by Cuitech, detects when the user winks or smiles, and translates these signals into commands to control the wheelchair. (Source: Positive Technology Journal) Positive Technology Journal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2855676 Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:22:00 +0100 2855676 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2814514&cid=t_99981_113_f&fid=34637&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgaggio.blogspirit.com%2Farchive%2F2009%2F09%2F21%2Fneurofeedback-based-motor-imagery-training-for-brain-compute.html Authors: Hwang HJ, Kwon K, Im CH In the present study, we propose a neurofeedback-based motor imagery training system for EEG-based brain-computer interface (BCI). The proposed system can help individuals get the feel of motor imagery by presenting them with real-time brain activation maps on their cortex. Ten healthy participants took part in our experiment, half of whom were trained by the suggested training system and the others did not use any training. All participants in the trained group succeeded in performing motor imagery after a series of trials to activate their motor cortex without any physical movements of their limbs. To confirm the effect of the suggested system, we recorded EEG signals for the trained group around sensorimotor cortex while they were imagining either left o... Positive Technology Journal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2814514 Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:53:19 +0100 2814514 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2814515&cid=t_99981_113_f&fid=34637&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgaggio.blogspirit.com%2Farchive%2F2009%2F09%2F21%2Fneurofeedback-and-brain-computer-interface-clinical-applicat.html Authors: Birbaumer N, Ramos Murguialday A, Weber C, Montoya P Most of the research devoted to BMI development consists of methodological studies comparing different online mathematical algorithms, ranging from simple linear discriminant analysis (LDA) (Dornhege et al., 2007) to nonlinear artificial neural networks (ANNs) or support vector machine (SVM) classification. Single cell spiking for the reconstruction of hand movements requires different statistical solutions than electroencephalography (EEG)-rhythm classification for communication. In general, the algorithm for BMI applications is computationally simple and differences in classification accuracy between algorithms used for a particular purpose are small. Only a very limited number of clinical studies with neurological patients ar... Positive Technology Journal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2814515 Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:46:00 +0100 2814515 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2572987&cid=t_99981_113_f&fid=34637&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgaggio.blogspirit.com%2Farchive%2F2009%2F07%2F06%2Fthought-controlled-wheelchairs.html Via Sentient Development The BSI-Toyota Collaboration Center (BTCC) is developing a wheelchair that can be navigated in real-time with brain waves. The brain-controlled device can adjust itself to the characteristics of each individual user, thereby improving the efficiency with which it senses the driver's commands. That way, the driver is able to get the system to learn his/her commands (forward/right/left) quickly and efficiently; the system boasts an accuracy rate of 95%. (Source: Positive Technology Journal) Positive Technology Journal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2572987 Mon, 06 Jul 2009 10:35:16 +0100 2572987 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2375935&cid=t_99981_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnitrolab.engr.wisc.edu%2Fmedia%2FP3Twitter.mov A University of Wisconsin biomedical engineering doctoral student posted a message on Twitter, a popular social media network, simply by thinking about it. His  message “using EEG to send tweet” was the result of using a brain-computer interface system that consisted of a electrode-studded cap which was wired to the computer. The student, Adam Wilson, wore the cap and then focused on the computer screen where the keyboard as displayed. (watch video) Justin Williams, a UW-Madison assistant professor of biomedical engineering and Wilson’s adviser, describes how it works… “The way this works is that all the letters come up, and each one of them flashes individually, And what your brain does is, if you’re looking at the ‘R’ on the screen and all the other l... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2375935 Wed, 29 Apr 2009 10:50:41 +0100 2375935 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2190519&cid=t_99981_113_f&fid=34637&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgaggio.blogspirit.com%2Farchive%2F2009%2F02%2F16%2Fimproving-the-performance-of-brain-computer-interface-throug.html Authors: Eskandari P, Erfanian A Cognitive tasks using motor imagery have been used for generating and controlling EEG activity in most brain-computer interface (BCI). Nevertheless, during the performance of a particular mental task, different factors such as concentration, attention, level of consciousness and the difficulty of the task, may be affecting the changes in the EEG activity. Accordingly, training the subject to consistently and reliably produce and control the changes in the EEG signals is a critical issue in developing a BCI system. In this work, we used meditation practice to enhance the mind controllability during the performance of a mental task in a BCI system. The mental states to be discriminated are the imaginative hand movement and the idle state. The experiments were... Positive Technology Journal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2190519 Mon, 16 Feb 2009 21:57:28 +0100 2190519 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2115539&cid=t_99981_113_f&fid=34637&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgaggio.blogspirit.com%2Farchive%2F2009%2F01%2F20%2Ffunctional-network-reorganization-during-learning-in-a-brain.html Authors: Jarosiewicz B, Chase SM, Fraser GW, Velliste M, Kass RE, Schwartz AB Efforts to study the neural correlates of learning are hampered by the size of the network in which learning occurs. To understand the importance of learning-related changes in a network of neurons, it is necessary to understand how the network acts as a whole to generate behavior. Here we introduce a paradigm in which the output of a cortical network can be perturbed directly and the neural basis of the compensatory changes studied in detail. Using a brain-computer interface, dozens of simultaneously recorded neurons in the motor cortex of awake, behaving monkeys are used to control the movement of a cursor in a three-dimensional virtual-reality environment. This device creates a precise, well-defined mapping be... Positive Technology Journal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2115539 Tue, 20 Jan 2009 05:00:25 +0100 2115539 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1998878&cid=t_99981_113_f&fid=34637&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgaggio.blogspirit.com%2Farchive%2F2008%2F12%2F01%2Fbrain-machine-interface-via-real-time-fmri.html Authors: Lee JH, Ryu J, Jolesz FA, Cho ZH, Yoo SS Real-time functional MRI (rtfMRI) has been used as a basis for brain-computer interface (BCI) due to its ability to characterize region-specific brain activity in real-time. As an extension of BCI, we present an rtfMRI-based brain-machine interface (BMI) whereby 2-dimensional movement of a robotic arm was controlled by the regulation (and concurrent detection) of regional cortical activations in the primary motor areas. To do so, the subjects were engaged in the right- and/or left-hand motor imagery tasks. The blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) signal originating from the corresponding hand motor areas was then translated into horizontal or vertical robotic arm movement. The movement was broadcasted visually back to the subject as a f... Positive Technology Journal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1998878 Sun, 30 Nov 2008 23:28:06 +0100 1998878 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1933088&cid=t_99981_113_f&fid=34637&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgaggio.blogspirit.com%2Farchive%2F2008%2F11%2F04%2Fbrain-controlled-cell-phones.html Via Textually.org NeuroSky Inc, a venture company based in San Jose, Calif, prototyped a system that reads brain waves with a sensor and uses them for mobile phone applications.               Software algorithms try to deduce from your brainwaves what you are thinking and pass on the appropriate commands to the cell phone.   (Source: Positive Technology Journal) Positive Technology Journal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1933088 Tue, 04 Nov 2008 21:09:00 +0100 1933088 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1596329&cid=t_99981_113_f&fid=34637&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgaggio.blogspirit.com%2Farchive%2F2008%2F07%2F09%2Fbrain-motor-system-function-in-a-patient-with-complete-spina.html Authors: Enzinger C, Ropele S, Fazekas F, Loitfelder M, Gorani F, Seifert T, Reiter G, Neuper C, Pfurtscheller G, Müller-Putz G Although several features of brain motor function appear to be preserved even in chronic complete SCI, previous functional MRI (fMRI) studies have also identified significant derangements such as a strongly reduced volume of activation, a poor modulation of function and abnormal activation patterns. It might be speculated that extensive motor imagery training may serve to prevent such abnormalities. We here report on a unique patient with a complete traumatic SCI below C5 who learned to elicit electroencephalographic signals beta-bursts in the midline region upon imagination of foot movements. This enabled him to use a neuroprosthesis and to "walk from thought" i... Positive Technology Journal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1596329 Tue, 08 Jul 2008 22:42:02 +0100 1596329 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1596331&cid=t_99981_113_f&fid=34637&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgaggio.blogspirit.com%2Farchive%2F2008%2F07%2F08%2Fnew-bci-system-for-gaming-applications.html Emotiv Systems has developed a new brain computer interface headset for video games and other uses. Emotiv’s president Tan Le claims that the headset will be on sale around the end of this year ($299). (Source: Positive Technology Journal) Positive Technology Journal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1596331 Tue, 08 Jul 2008 16:41:42 +0100 1596331 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1275985&cid=t_99981_113_f&fid=34637&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgaggio.blogspirit.com%2Farchive%2F2008%2F03%2F03%2Fbrain-computer-interfaces-in-the-continuum-of-consciousness.html Authors: Kübler A, Kotchoubey B PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To summarize recent developments and look at important future aspects of brain-computer interfaces. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent brain-computer interface studies are largely targeted at helping severely or even completely paralysed patients. The former are only able to communicate yes or no via a single muscle twitch, and the latter are totally nonresponsive. Such patients can control brain-computer interfaces and use them to select letters, words or items on a computer screen, for neuroprosthesis control or for surfing the Internet. This condition of motor paralysis, in which cognition and consciousness appear to be unaffected, is traditionally opposed to nonresponsiveness due to disorders of consciousness. Although these groups of patients m... Positive Technology Journal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1275985 Mon, 03 Mar 2008 22:24:32 +0100 1275985 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1173104&cid=t_99981_113_f&fid=34637&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgaggio.blogspirit.com%2Farchive%2F2008%2F01%2F23%2Fusing-brain-computer-communication-to-navigate-virtual-envir.html Brain-computer communication: motivation, aim, and impact of exploring a virtual apartment. IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng. 2007 Dec;15(4):473-82 Authors: Leeb R, Lee F, Keinrath C, Scherer R, Bischof H, Pfurtscheller G The step away from a synchronized or cue-based brain-computer interface (BCI) and from laboratory conditions towards real world applications is very important and crucial in BCI research. This work shows that ten naive subjects can be trained in a synchronous paradigm within three sessions to navigate freely through a virtual apartment, whereby at every junction the subjects could decide by their own, how they wanted to explore the virtual environment (VE). This virtual apartment was designed similar to a real world application, with a goal-oriented task, a high mental ... Positive Technology Journal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1173104 Wed, 23 Jan 2008 17:55:43 +0100 1173104 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1139736&cid=t_99981_113_f&fid=34637&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgaggio.blogspirit.com%2Farchive%2F2008%2F01%2F09%2Fbrain%E2%80%93computer-communication-motivation-aim-and-impact-of-ex.html Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering, IEEE Transactions on [see also IEEE Trans. on Rehabilitation Engineering] Leeb, R.   Lee, F.   Keinrath, C.   Scherer, R.   Bischof, H.   Pfurtscheller, G.   Publication Date: Dec. 2007 Volume: 15,  Issue: 4 On page(s): 473-482 ISSN: 1534-4320     The step away from a synchronized or cue-based brain–computer interface (BCI) and from laboratory conditions towards real world applications is very important and crucial in BCI research. This work shows that ten naive subjects can be trained in a synchronous paradigm within three sessions to navigate freely through a virtual apartment, whereby at every junction the subjects could decide by their own, how they wanted to... Positive Technology Journal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1139736 Wed, 09 Jan 2008 21:45:00 +0100 1139736 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1131681&cid=t_99981_113_f&fid=34637&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgaggio.blogspirit.com%2Farchive%2F2008%2F01%2F05%2Ftowards-an-independent-brain-computer-interface-using-steady.html CONCLUSIONS: The data demonstrate that SSVEP differences sufficient for BCI control may be elicited by selective attention to one of two overlapping stimuli. Thus, some SSVEP-based BCI approaches may not depend on gaze control. The nature and extent of any BCI's dependence on muscle activity is a function of many factors, including the display, task, environment, and user. SIGNIFICANCE: SSVEP BCIs might function in severely disabled users unable to reliably control gaze. Further research with these users is necessary to explore the optimal parameters of such a system and validate online performance in a home environment. (Source: Positive Technology Journal) Positive Technology Journal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1131681 Sat, 05 Jan 2008 16:07:33 +0100 1131681 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1113293&cid=t_99981_113_f&fid=34637&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgaggio.blogspirit.com%2Farchive%2F2007%2F12%2F22%2Ftowards-an-independent-brain-computer-interface-using-steady.html CONCLUSIONS: The data demonstrate that SSVEP differences sufficient for BCI control may be elicited by selective attention to one of two overlapping stimuli. Thus, some SSVEP-based BCI approaches may not depend on gaze control. The nature and extent of any BCI's dependence on muscle activity is a function of many factors, including the display, task, environment, and user. SIGNIFICANCE: SSVEP BCIs might function in severely disabled users unable to reliably control gaze. Further research with these users is necessary to explore the optimal parameters of such a system and validate online performance in a home environment. (Source: Positive Technology Journal) Positive Technology Journal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1113293 Sat, 22 Dec 2007 17:36:35 +0100 1113293 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1097439&cid=t_99981_113_f&fid=34637&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgaggio.blogspirit.com%2Farchive%2F2007%2F12%2F16%2Ftowards-an-independent-brain-computer-interface-using-steady.html CONCLUSIONS: The data demonstrate that SSVEP differences sufficient for BCI control may be elicited by selective attention to one of two overlapping stimuli. Thus, some SSVEP-based BCI approaches may not depend on gaze control. The nature and extent of any BCI's dependence on muscle activity is a function of many factors, including the display, task, environment, and user. SIGNIFICANCE: SSVEP BCIs might function in severely disabled users unable to reliably control gaze. Further research with these users is necessary to explore the optimal parameters of such a system and validate online performance in a home environment. (Source: Positive Technology Journal) Positive Technology Journal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1097439 Sun, 16 Dec 2007 13:30:18 +0100 1097439 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1081498&cid=t_99981_113_f&fid=34637&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgaggio.blogspirit.com%2Farchive%2F2007%2F12%2F08%2Fself-initiation-of-eeg-based-brain-computer-communication-us.html Authors: Scherer R, Müller-Putz GR, Pfurtscheller G Self-initiation, that is the ability of a brain-computer interface (BCI) user to autonomously switch on and off the system, is a very important issue. In this work we analyze whether the respiratory heart rate response, induced by brisk inspiration, can be used as an additional communication channel. After only 20 min of feedback training, ten healthy subjects were able to self-initiate and operate a 4-class steady-state visual evoked potential-based (SSVEP) BCI by using one bipolar ECG and one bipolar EEG channel only. Threshold detection was used to measure a beat-to-beat heart rate increase. Despite this simple method, during a 30 min evaluation period on average only 2.9 non-intentional switches (heart rate changes) were detected. (S... Positive Technology Journal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1081498 Sat, 08 Dec 2007 18:10:07 +0100 1081498 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1048967&cid=t_99981_113_f&fid=34637&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgaggio.blogspirit.com%2Farchive%2F2007%2F11%2F25%2Fbrain2robot.html     Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Architecture and Software Technology FIRST and the Charite hospital in Berlin have developed a new EEG-controlled robot arm, which might one day bring help to people with paralysis.   Electrodes attached to the patient's scalp measure the brain's electrical signals, which are amplified and transmitted to a computer. Highly efficient algorithms analyze these signals using a self-learning technique. The software is capable of detecting changes in brain activity that take place even before a movement is carried out. It can recognize and distinguish between the patterns of signals that correspond to an intention to raise the left or right hand, and extract them from the pulses being fired by millions of other neurons in th... Positive Technology Journal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1048967 Sun, 25 Nov 2007 22:50:00 +0100 1048967 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1034824&cid=t_99981_113_f&fid=34637&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgaggio.blogspirit.com%2Farchive%2F2007%2F11%2F18%2Fvirtual-reality-hardware-and-graphic-display-options-for-bra.html Authors: Marathe AR, Carey HL, Taylor DM Virtual reality hardware and graphic displays are reviewed here as a development environment for brain-machine interfaces (BMIs). Two desktop stereoscopic monitors and one 2D monitor were compared in a visual depth discrimination task and in a 3D target-matching task where able-bodied individuals used actual hand movements to match a virtual hand to different target hands. Three graphic representations of the hand were compared: a plain sphere, a sphere attached to the fingertip of a realistic hand and arm, and a stylized pacman-like hand. Several subjects had great difficulty using either stereo monitor for depth perception when perspective size cues were removed. A mismatch in stereo and size cues generated inappropriate depth illusions. This phen... Positive Technology Journal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1034824 Sun, 18 Nov 2007 21:59:33 +0100 1034824 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=965751&cid=t_99981_113_f&fid=34637&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgaggio.blogspirit.com%2Farchive%2F2007%2F10%2F20%2Fa-low-cost-human-computer-interface-based-on-eye-tracking.html Authors: Hiley JB, Redekopp AH, Fazel-Rezai R This paper describes the implementation of a human computer interface based on eye tracking. Current commercially available systems exist, but have limited use due mainly to their large cost. The system described in this paper was designed to be a low cost and unobtrusive. The technique was video-oculography assisted by corneal reflections. An off-the shelf CCD webcam was used to capture images. The images were analyzed in software to extract key features of the eye. The users gaze point was then calculated based on the relative position of these features. The system is capable of calculating eye-gaze in real-time to provide a responsive interaction. A throughput of eight gaze points per second was achieved. The accuracy of the fixations based ... Positive Technology Journal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=965751 Sat, 20 Oct 2007 15:36:40 +0100 965751 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=965756&cid=t_99981_113_f&fid=34637&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgaggio.blogspirit.com%2Farchive%2F2007%2F10%2F20%2Fa-brain-computer-interface-with-vibrotactile-biofeedback-for.html CONCLUSIONS: Subjects are able to control the BCI using only vibrotactile feedback with an average accuracy of 56% and as high as 72%. These accuracies are significantly higher than the 15% predicted by random chance if the subject had no voluntary control of their Mu-rhythm. The results of this study demonstrate that vibrotactile feedback is an effective biofeedback modality to operate a BCI using motor imagery. In addition, the study shows that placement of the vibrotactile stimulation on the biceps ipsilateral or contralateral to the motor imagery introduces a significant bias in the BCI accuracy. This bias is consistent with a drop in performance generated by stimulation of the contralateral limb. Users demonstrated the capability to overcome this bias with training. (Source: Positive ... Positive Technology Journal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=965756 Sat, 20 Oct 2007 14:47:24 +0100 965756 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=965758&cid=t_99981_113_f&fid=34637&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgaggio.blogspirit.com%2Farchive%2F2007%2F10%2F20%2Fmicrosoft-mind-reader.html Via NewScientist Tech   Microsoft plans to use EEG signals for task classification and activity recognition of users. The software giant has applied a new patent for a method that will allow to separate useful cognitive information from EEG artifacts and noise.   Read the full Microsoft mind reading patent application   (Source: Positive Technology Journal) Positive Technology Journal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=965758 Sat, 20 Oct 2007 14:44:07 +0100 965758 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=947280&cid=t_99981_113_f&fid=34637&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgaggio.blogspirit.com%2Farchive%2F2007%2F10%2F12%2Fbrain-computer-interface-for-second-life.html Great catch by Pink Tentacle: researchers at Keio University Biomedical Engineering Laboratory have developed a brain-computer interface that allows the user controlling his avatar in Second Life by thinking about movements — the avatar walks forward when the user thinks about moving his/her own feet, and it turns right and left when the user imagines moving his/her right and left arms. A future goal is to improve the system and make Second Life avatars perform more complex movements and gestures.     video (14,9 MB) (Source: Positive Technology Journal) Positive Technology Journal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=947280 Fri, 12 Oct 2007 16:04:27 +0100 947280 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=849938&cid=t_99981_113_f&fid=34637&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgaggio.blogspirit.com%2Farchive%2F2007%2F09%2F07%2Fmotorized-wheelchair-guided-by-thoughts.html Via NewScientist.com US company Ambient has unveiled a motorized wheelchair that moves when the operator thinks of particular words. The wheelchair works by intercepting signals sent from their brain to their voice box, even when no sound is actually produced. The wheelchair was developed in collaboration with the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. It could help people with spinal injuries, or neurological problems like cerebral palsy or motor neuron disease, operate computers and other equipment despite serious problems with muscle control. Read Original Article                 (Source: Positive Technology Journal) Positive Technology Journal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=849938 Fri, 07 Sep 2007 15:55:00 +0100 849938 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=843708&cid=t_99981_113_f&fid=34637&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgaggio.blogspirit.com%2Farchive%2F2007%2F09%2F05%2Fbrain-computer-interface-a-reciprocal-self-regulated-neuromo.html Authors: Angelakis E, Hatzis A, Panourias IG, Sakas DE Brain-computer interface (BCI) is a system that records brain activity and process it through a computer, allowing the individual whose activity is recorded to monitor this activity at the same time. Applications of BCIs include assistive modules for severely paralyzed patients to help them control external devices or to communicate, as well as brain biofeedback to self regulate brain activity for treating epilepsy, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, and other psychiatric conditions, or to enhance cognitive performance in healthy individuals. The vast majority of BCIs utilizes non-invasive scalp recorded electroencephalographic (EEG) signals, but other techniques like invasive intracortical EEG, or near-infrared ... Positive Technology Journal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=843708 Wed, 05 Sep 2007 16:11:43 +0100 843708 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=785857&cid=t_99981_113_f&fid=34637&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgaggio.blogspirit.com%2Farchive%2F2007%2F08%2F07%2Fan-meg-based-brain-computer-interface-bci.html In this study, we investigated the utility of an MEG-based BCI that uses voluntary amplitude modulation of sensorimotor mu and beta rhythms. To increase the signal-to-noise ratio, we present a simple spatial filtering method that takes the geometric properties of signal propagation in MEG into account, and we present methods that can process artifacts specifically encountered in an MEG-based BCI. Exemplarily, six participants were successfully trained to communicate binary decisions by imagery of limb movements using a feedback paradigm. Participants achieved significant mu rhythm self control within 32 min of feedback training. For a subgroup of three participants, we localized the origin of the amplitude modulated signal to the motor cortex. Our results suggest that an MEG-based BCI is f... Positive Technology Journal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=785857 Tue, 07 Aug 2007 16:50:00 +0100 785857 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=717981&cid=t_99981_113_f&fid=34637&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgaggio.blogspirit.com%2Farchive%2F2007%2F07%2F06%2Fbrain-computer-interface-systems-progress-and-prospects.html Authors: Allison BZ, Wolpaw EW, Wolpaw JR Brain-computer interface (BCI) systems support communication through direct measures of neural activity without muscle activity. BCIs may provide the best and sometimes the only communication option for users disabled by the most severe neuromuscular disorders and may eventually become useful to less severely disabled and/or healthy individuals across a wide range of applications. This review discusses the structure and functions of BCI systems, clarifies terminology and addresses practical applications. Progress and opportunities in the field are also identified and explicated. (Source: Positive Technology Journal) Positive Technology Journal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=717981 Fri, 06 Jul 2007 13:20:42 +0100 717981 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=713089&cid=t_99981_113_f&fid=34637&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgaggio.blogspirit.com%2Farchive%2F2007%2F07%2F03%2Fpentagon-to-merge-next-gen-binoculars-with-soldiers-brains.html Via Networked Performance     From Pentagon to Merge Next-Gen Binoculars With Soldiers' Brains by Sharon Weinberger, Wired: "U.S. Special Forces may soon have a strange and powerful new weapon in their arsenal: a pair of high-tech binoculars 10 times more powerful than anything available today, augmented by an alerting system that literally taps the wearer's prefrontal cortex to warn of furtive threats detected by the soldier's subconscious. In a new effort dubbed "Luke's Binoculars" -- after the high-tech binoculars Luke Skywalker uses in Star Wars -- the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is setting out to create its own version of this science-fiction hardware. And while the Pentagon's R&D arm often focuses on technologies 20 years out, this new effort is dramatical... Positive Technology Journal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=713089 Tue, 03 Jul 2007 20:09:25 +0100 713089 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=599099&cid=t_99981_113_f&fid=34637&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgaggio.blogspirit.com%2Farchive%2F2007%2F05%2F07%2Fa-meg-based-brain-computer-interface.html In this study, we investigated the utility of an MEG-based BCI that uses voluntary amplitude modulation of sensorimotor mu and beta rhythms. To increase the signal-to-noise ratio, we present a simple spatial filtering method that takes the geometric properties of signal propagation in MEG into account, and we present methods that can process artifacts specifically encountered in an MEG-based BCI. Exemplarily, six participants were successfully trained to communicate binary decisions by imagery of limb movements using a feedback paradigm. Participants achieved significant mu rhythm self control within 32 min of feedback training. For a subgroup of three participants, we localized the origin of the amplitude modulated signal to the motor cortex. Our results suggest that an MEG-based BCI is f... Positive Technology Journal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=599099 Mon, 07 May 2007 19:50:20 +0100 599099 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=566168&cid=t_99981_113_f&fid=34637&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgaggio.blogspirit.com%2Farchive%2F2007%2F04%2F24%2Fthe-ieice-transactions-on-communications-special-section-on.html Recent progress in brain science, especially in non-invasive methods, has enabled quantitative evaluation of human behavior and operation of electronic communication devices by direct brain-derived signals. Neural activities in cerebral cortex and peripheral nerves have been analyzed using imaging techniques, providing us with several models associated with human recognition and action. These advancements have lowered the barrier to realize the seamless communication between human and machine. In view of these circumstances, an interdisciplinary and comprehensive approach incorporating basic research is important to develop future brain-communication networks and to facilitate human communication effectively. The approach should include biosignal-based communication network technology, nov... Positive Technology Journal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=566168 Tue, 24 Apr 2007 12:28:32 +0100 566168 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=563418&cid=t_99981_113_f&fid=34637&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgaggio.blogspirit.com%2Farchive%2F2007%2F04%2F22%2Fan-efficient-p300-based-brain-computer-interface-for-disable.html Authors: Hoffmann U, Vesin JM, Ebrahimi T, Diserens K A brain-computer interface (BCI) is a communication system that translates brain-activity into commands for a computer or other devices. In other words, a BCI allows users to act on their environment by using only brain-activity, without using peripheral nerves and muscles. In this paper, we present a BCI that achieves high classification accuracy and high bitrates for both disabled and able-bodied subjects. The system is based on the P300 evoked potential and is tested with five severely disabled and four able-bodied subjects. For four of the disabled subjects classification accuracies of 100% are obtained. The bitrates obtained for the disabled subjects range between 10 and 25bits/min. The effect of different electrode configurations ... Positive Technology Journal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=563418 Sun, 22 Apr 2007 20:31:23 +0100 563418 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=515475&cid=t_99981_113_f&fid=34637&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgaggio.blogspirit.com%2Farchive%2F2007%2F04%2F01%2Felectrocorticographically-controlled-brain-computer-interfac.html Authors: Felton EA, Wilson JA, Williams JC, Garell PC Brain-computer interface (BCI) technology can offer individuals with severe motor disabilities greater independence and a higher quality of life. The BCI systems take recorded brain signals and translate them into real-time actions, for improved communication, movement, or perception. Four patient participants with a clinical need for intracranial electrocorticography (ECoG) participated in this study. The participants were trained over multiple sessions to use motor and/or auditory imagery to modulate their brain signals in order to control the movement of a computer cursor. Participants with electrodes over motor and/or sensory areas were able to achieve cursor control over 2 to 7 days of training. These findings indicate that sensory... Positive Technology Journal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=515475 Sun, 01 Apr 2007 18:34:08 +0100 515475 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=463563&cid=t_99981_113_f&fid=34637&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgaggio.blogspirit.com%2Farchive%2F2007%2F03%2F10%2Fbci-for-communication-and-motor-control.html Breaking the silence: brain-computer interfaces (BCI) for communication and motor control. Psychophysiology. 2006 Nov;43(6):517-32 Authors: Birbaumer N Brain-computer interfaces (BCI) allow control of computers or external devices with regulation of brain activity alone. Invasive BCIs, almost exclusively investigated in animal models using implanted electrodes in brain tissue, and noninvasive BCIs using electrophysiological recordings in humans are described. Clinical applications were reserved with few exceptions for the noninvasive approach: communication with the completely paralyzed and locked-in syndrome with slow cortical potentials, sensorimotor rhythm and P300, and restoration of movement and cortical reorganization in high spinal cord lesions and chronic stroke. It was demonstrate... Positive Technology Journal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=463563 Sat, 10 Mar 2007 19:22:16 +0100 463563