What are some brain computer interfaces (BCI)?
Brain computer interface (BCIS) with longer history in sci-fi (since the 1950s) and research and animal models (from 70 years) than practical implants for humans (90s). The brain computer interface connects the human brain directly to a computer where nerve signals are interpreted and used to perform tasks such as mouse manipulation. In this way, the paralyzed patient can surf on the web or even move the prosthetic arms with their minds.
Healthy people can even use a non -invasive brain computer interface as another type of computer input device such as a mouse or keyboard, although this technology has to be commercialized. The brain computer interface can also send information back to the brain, for example using electrodes to stimulate the visual cortex to "see" a scene that removes an external camcorder, allowing blind patients to learn again, albeit far from perfect.
Several technologies have been used to obtainBasic signals, of which and to the computer. These are divided into invasive BCIS, where electrodes are implanted into the gray mass of the brain; partially invasive BCIS, implanted inside the skull, but only on the upper part of the brain; And a non -invasive BCIS, including plastic devices that slip over the head like a shower cap. In general, the more invasive BCI, the more scar, possible complications and costs, but greater input and output resolution.
Starting with rats in the early 90s. Brain implants have been developed to allow external manipulators or cursors to control. The monkeys were in addition to gaining implants, and the species continues to be the goal of the most demanding BCI research today. A great milestone for people came in 1998 when a patient named Johnny Ray, who suffered "locked syndrome" due to a stroke affecting his brain stem, was a given implant and after a few weeks of TREentem could use it to handle the cursor and the announcement of words. It was a transformative experience for the patient: without the implant, it would remain completely unable to contact the outside world that could quietly observe and reflect until death. BCI opened the communication channel and greatly improved the quality of life of the patient.
In 2002, Jens Naumann, a man who was blinded in adulthood, became the first of 16 paying patients to accept the vision from William Dobelle, a pioneer in the field. By this time, the miniaturization of computers and quality cameras has enabled the implant to be installed without the need to connect to a large main -main computer, as required for previous experiments in this direction. The implant only offered black and white vision at a relatively slow frame rate, but it was enough for the patient to slowly drive the car around the parking lot of the Research Institute. The first real commercialization of the brain computer interface.
In 2005, the tetraplegic Matt Nagle became the firstA person who controlled the prosthetic arm using a brain implant, developed by Cyberkinetics Neurotechnology under the name Braingate. Cyberkinetics neurotechnology is still trying to be the first society to bring the public in a great way.