A BCI is a computer-based system that acquires brain signals, analyzes them, and translates them into commands that are relayed to an output device to carry out the desired action.
A BCI system consists of 4 sequential components: signal acquisition, feature extraction, feature translation, and device output. These systems use different brain signals, recording methods, and signal-processing algorithms. They can operate many different devices, from cursors on computer screens to wheelchairs to robotic arms.
The dream of being able to control one's environment through thoughts had been in the realm of science fiction. However, the advance of technology has brought a new reality: Today, humans can use the electrical signals from brain activity to interact with, influence, or change their environments. The emerging field of brain-computer interface (BCI) technology may allow individuals unable to speak and/or use their limbs to once again communicate or operate assistive devices for walking and manipulating objects. With better signal-acquisition hardware, clear clinical validation, viable dissemination models, and, probably most important, increased reliability, BCIs may become a major new communication and control technology for people with disabilities and possibly for the general population also.
Brain-computer interface research is an area of high public awareness. Videos on YouTube as well as news reports in the lay media indicate intense curiosity and interest in a field that hopefully one day soon will dramatically improve the lives of many disabled persons affected by a number of different disease processes.
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