(IJARAI) International Journal of Advanced Research in Artificial Intelligence,

Vol. 1, No. 7, 2012

Brain Computer Interface

Boulevard of Smarter Thoughts

Sumit Ghulyani , Yashasvi Pratap, Sumit Bisht, Ravideep Singh

Department Of Computer Science & Engineering
Dronacharya College of Engineering
Gurgaon, Haryana, India

Abstract — The Brain Computer Interface is a major

breakthrough for the technical industry, medical world, military
and the society on a whole. It is concerned with the control of
devices around us such as computing gears & even automobiles
in the near future without really the physical intervention of the
user. It helps bridge the communication gap between the society
and the disabled. This mainly lays its focus on people suffering
from brainstem stroke, going through a spinal cord injury or
even blindness. BCI helps such patients to retain or restore
communication with the outside world through intelligent signals
from the brain due to the high risk of paralysis under such
circumstances. This is achieved by a signal acquisition technique
and converting these signals available from the sensors placed on
the scalp into real-time computer commands that can be visually
operated and understood. It has nothing to do with the natural
neural transmission of brain signals but extracts them with the
help of sensors to be processed and direct the outputs to an Figure 1. BCI Developed by Emotiv Systems
external device.
This may also prove to be a major military gadget where troops MRI or Magnetic Resonance Imaging technique is under
may communicate their thoughts in highly stressed situations research to be used in BCIs as an effective approach to map
without breaking the hush. But, as every technology have some actual part of the brain with the task to be performed. With
merits and demerits, so does BCI. Brain Computer Interface, the control of the world, on a
whole, lays in the hands of thoughts & emotions. The power
Keywords- Brain Computer Interface (BCI); Blood Oxygen Level behind the advent of this technology is the working of the
Dependent (BOLD); Electrocorticography (ECoG); Practical human brain itself. Though a person maybe disabled with
Electrical Stimulation (PES); Electroencephalograph (EEG); speech, hearing or a total “locked-in”, the brain never stops
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI),Functional Magnetic functioning. This feature is made use of in BCI using external
Resonance Imaging (fMRI) brain scythe, motor cortex. peripheral gears to detect these signals and convert them into
visual commands that can be read and understood. In the
I. OVERVIEW
course of this, the actions of the brain are manipulated to
A plethora of thoughts is ready to open up and make things control the computing gears and communication devices
work just fine as they did ever. In the human brain, the instead of generating signals using the traits of a motor
thoughts and emotions are transmitted in the form of electric movement.
signals with the help of those millions of neurons. The
following figure below displays a wireless neuro-headset The figure 2 is a depiction of the BrainGate technology
developed by Emotiv Systems which detects brainwave which is a part of the research carried on at the Brown Institute
signals and categorizes them specifically into conscious &non- for Brain Science. It aims at implanting a baby sensor in the
conscious thoughts gray matter which will read the electric signals and transmit
them to the computer system. Evenly, the research in the field
This makes possible selected processing of only of Human Computer Interaction has achieved impressive
appropriate signals that are meant to be transmitted by the user results in the rapid & heavy transmission of signals from the
[1]. This device makes use of the same set of electrodes as computer to the human brain using sensory channels and vice
sensors which are used in the medical examination known as versa. A phase of perceptual computing is about to begin
electroencephalograph, or in short EEG. The display is which studies user’s psychology and operating environment to
maintained by an advanced software program than the old process the information about a user’s intent.
EEG paper & pen tracker scheme.

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 (IJARAI) International Journal of Advanced Research in Artificial Intelligence,
Vol. 1, No. 7, 2012

reproduced by decoding the neural shots in the cat’s brain. In

this process, the electrodes were implanted in the region of the
dual lobed grey matter called the thalamus, which records the
actions perceived by the retina. The generation and
reconstruction of the data was hack done by gradually
synthesizing and decoding the signals obtained over a period
of time with the visual perceptions involved.
The human intervention as subjects took place in Japan
when researchers implanted electrodes to a patient’s scalp and
similar results were achieved. A further research at the
University of Pittsburgh led to the use of even fewer neurons
than ever in a working Brain Computer Interface. They
brought about a jaw-breaker advancement which displayed a
monkey’s brain activity to control a robotic arm that fed him
with fruits kept beside him. Research groups all around the
globe are working towards applying kinematics to the concept
of BCIs to retain normal muscle movement of the patient by
Figure 2. Chip Implantation stimulating the muscles electrically.
In this way, a computer can adapt itself according to the
user and the task to be performed thereby giving phenomenal
results. If extensive research is done and one succeeds in
recognizing the signals transmitted when light falls on the
retina it may lead to a major breakthrough of BCI in the
medical world which may grant artificial vision to the blind.
And as we see, possibilities are endless.
II. HISTORY
The past of the Brain Computer Interface can be dated
back to the time when Electroencephalography was in his
early years of birth. This became possible with the successful Figure 3. Association of brain signals with movement of hand
research of German scientist Hans Berger, who in 1924,
succeeded in recording the electrical signals in the human III. OPERATIONAL TRAITS
brain. He successfully analyzed the oscillatory activity of the The performance of a BCI is completely based on the
brain and discovered the Alpha wave, also popularly known as approach our intellect functions. Our brain is crammed with
the Berger’s wave. Though his instrumentation, which neurons, entity nerve cells allied to one another by dendrites
consisted of Lippmann capillary electrometer and silver wires, and axons that bear electronic signals all through the entire
was very desolate and led to unsuccessful results in advanced body. Every time we think, budge, sense or consider
phases, he was able to mark the start of a revolution. Success something, our neurons are at labour. That work is carried out
was later achieved with the help of Siemens double coil by these miniature electric signals that whiz from neuron to
recording galvanometer which made recording of electric neuron as prompt as 250 mph. The signals are generated by
signals as small as one ten thousandth of a volt. Berger’s differences in electric prospective carried by ions on the
preliminary work led to success in elimination of various membrane flanked by two neurons. Although the routes the
diseases related to brain cells and the advancement of the signals take are insulated by something called myelin, some of
Electroencephalography or EEG, in short. The actual birth of the electric signal escape [3].
the first relative to Brain Computer Interface took place in
1969 at the University Of Washington, School of Medicine Scientists with the exploit of modern technology can
(UWSOM), Seattle [2]. A monkey was used as the subject perceive those signals, construe what they mean and utilize
where he successfully deflected a biofeedback meter them to direct a device of some breed. It can also work the
measuring arm with the intervention of his neural activity. other way around. For example, researchers could outline out
Another subsequent research used the same subject, but in what signals are sent to the brain by the diverse sensory organs
numbers to announce the voluntary control of solo and for example, the signals in the aural nerve can be traced and
multiple neurons in the primary cortex. Many research groups the task of hearing can be mapped. An even more remarkable
have been able to record the neurological stimuli and depict use of this technology is that the signals can be generated to be
them with the various body movements thus controlled. sent to the brain and a enthused sense of hearing can be
induced in the subject even if one is deaf. One of the biggest
A major breakthrough was achieved when Philip Kennedy challenges in front of brain-computer interface researchers at
were successful in implanting electrodes in a monkey’s cortex. the moment is the basic technicalities of the interface itself.
With the passage of time, a change in the subject was brought The sleekest and least detrimental is a set of electrodes, an
when monkeys and rats were replaced by cats for further apparatus known as an electroencephalograph (EEG) which is
research issues at Berkeley when visual images were attached to the scalp.

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 (IJARAI) International Journal of Advanced Research in Artificial Intelligence,
Vol. 1, No. 7, 2012

Dependent in fMRI. It is advancement to MRI and measures

brain activity, but by detecting changes in the flow of blood.

Figure 4. Electroencephalogram (EEG) scan

The electrodes interpret brain signals. However, the

cranium restricts a lot of electrical signal, and distorts
whatever does get through it.
As a resolution, scientists may implant electrodes directly
into the brain, or on the facade of the brain. This aids in higher Figure 6. Blood flow imagery obtained from an fMRI
reception of electric signals and allows electrode positioning
in the particular area where those explicit signals are With this advancement, on might just sneak in someone
generated. The electrodes assess minuscule differences in the else’s brain and derive its thoughts and even detect lies. The
voltage amid neurons. The signals are then augmented and basic idea behind this technology originated from the fact that
interpreted by a computer program. In the case of an infix blood rich in oxygen behaves differently to a magnetic field
BCI, the method is overturned. A mainframe will renovate a than deoxygenated samples. In other words, both have
signal, like from a tape, into the voltages that would elicit different magnetic resonance traits. The more active parts of a
neurons. The signal generated from a peripheral apparatus is brain receive higher flow of oxygenated blood. The procedure
sent to an electroencephalograph (EEG) detector installed in for the test is similar to the present MRI and uses only
the relevant quarter of the brain. The neurons in the head are magnetic fields and radio waves. Though no radiations are
enthused with these signals and the subject obtains an used, it is highly advised not to be performed during
illustration, reverberation or a related sensory familiarity pregnancy, and on people with artificial limbs or pacemaker
parallel to whatsoever gear is used. [4].
This technique is medically used rarely but to monitor the
growth of tumors and regulate the normal functioning of the
brain after a stroke. Brain Mapping is an emerging field for
fMRI which will make Brain Computer Interfaces even
superior as it determines the areas of brain that control the
various body movements and moreover on planning surgery
and market survey & research.
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) also
possesses certain vantages and detriments. The major breaker
is that this technology is still in its birth phase and the
researchers know very less regarding the overall working of
the apparatus. Moreover, the setup is really expensive to be
used for research and brain computer interfaces. To continue,
it works only when the subject lays still and thus a lot of work
Figure 5. MRI Scanner
needs to be done.
A substitute approach to scrutinize and assess brain bustle
The major breakthrough that gets it going is the absence of
is using a Magnetic Resonance Image (MRI). The MRI setup
any radiation in any phase of the scan as in X-ray scan and
is a colossal and convoluted apparatus. It produces high decree
PET and the positive feedback and response from the tests
imagery of the brain, but it can't be used as component of an
carried out. Though scores of tests resulted in a higher level of
enduring BCI. Researchers use it to swot up definite brain
bewilderment amongst the researchers since fMRI relates to
functions or to plot in the brain the quarter where electrodes
the blood flow only and not on the individual neuron
should be sited to evaluate an unambiguous task.
functioning in the brain and the blood flow measure was not
IV. FMRI enough to critically examine and complement on the results
thus obtained.
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging or more
popularly fMRI is a non-invasive, much similar technique as V. BCI SPEECH
the MRI or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, the only difference
The BCI system can be trained what an individual’s brain
being the basic measure of BOLD i.e. Blood Oxygen Level
scrutiny or EEG looks like when one is focused on a fussy

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article, since the electrical oomph in the brain changes in into the brute muscle of the subject’s upper limb. When the
proportion to what the individual is doing. The rise of Electro- subject tries to shift his arm, the huddle of 100 neurons
corticography (ECoG) has been a new hint podium for brain- activates, creating a torrent of data which can be examined and
computer interface systems. Consequently, it was anonymous analyzed by the BCI to foresee what muscles the subject is
whether further neuro-physiological substrates, such as the trying to budge, and with what intensity. This interpreted
vocalization net, might be used to further develop on or statistics is conceded to the PES, which then triggers the
harmonize on motor-based power paradigms. For the foremost correct muscles to execute the preferred movement. The last
instance, that ECoG signals allied with diverse, blatant and part outcome is a mainframe network that in actual fact
anticipated phoneme enunciation can facilitate invasively replaces the nervous structure and restores fine motor control
monitored patients to manage a one-dimensional computer to a paralyzed arm.
pointer precisely.
C. Bionic prosthetic ogle
This stuff was discernible within upper gamma regularity A bionic prosthetic ogle is the mock eye for the sightless or
oscillations and enabled clients to realize concluding object a being with a hitch in seeing matter due to a defected retina. It
accuracies flanked by 68% and 91% in 15 minutes [5]. In speaks the tongue of the brain by transmitting the signals fired
addition, one of the patients achieved full-bodied control via by the retina when something is seen. This is the sense in the
recordings from a micro array that consisted of 1 mm spaced wake of the prosthetic eye. Electric pulses are measured by
micro wires. These results proposed that the cortical system attaching electrodes to an animal’s optic nerves.
allied with verbal communication could present an added
cognitive substrate for BCI maneuver. Subsequently, these
signals can be recorded from a cortical assortment that is
minute and austerely invasive.
VI. APPLICATIONS
A. Brain scythe
It’s trouble-free to scythe a computer, but nearly everyone
always considered that hacking the human intellect was
unfeasible. As seen in science fiction movies and novels like
the Matrix, Brainstorm & Surrogates, play around with
gaining admittance to the human mind. But, researchers have
finally confirmed the leeway to hack the human brain [6]. The
Figure 8. Components of a Bionic Prosthetic Eye
researchers used a brain mainframe interface, usually used in
following a line of investigation that scans brain patterns. One might not know, but if a retina at all times generates
the same electric cipher when looking at a building, and a
dissimilar code when a being is in sight, work can be retreated
to derive the retina’s tangible programming procedure. This
revolution would leave mankind startled when a silicon chip
would be installed into the eye and then wired to the optic
nerves.
D. Restored neurological implementation
Brain computer interface can facilitate the cases where
flexibility has been smacked or got narrow by a stroke.
Scientists in St. Louis have revealed the detection of the brain
Figure 7. Brain Scythe signals simply thinking on affecting a partly or wholly
paralyzed limb. The damaged half of the brain that is
The contemporary models consent to users to be in charge responsible normally for moving the hand can no longer do so,
of their computers with their thoughts, but the researchers so the hint arrives from the unharmed other half of the brain.
have verified that it goes well both ways. The panel built a part To lay bare the prospective to help restore motion, scientists
of custom software that can, in essence, interpret the mind. allied electrode-detected brain signals to the movement of a
They were proficient enough to effectively use the software marker on the computer panel. Researchers are now working
pooled with the brain scanner to mine susceptible data out a motorized glove which will turn all the imagination into
including credit card PINs, address, DOB and other. a reality.
B. Restores spinal coordination
VII. DETRIMENTS
Researchers at Chicago have lucratively bypassed the
spinal flex and restored well motor control to paralyzed limbs Every technology suffers severe drawbacks, but it does not
by means of a brain-computer interface. The researchers have halt the research process, although slows down the speed at
shaped a neuro-prosthesis that groups a BCI that is wired which advancements appear. The major breaker of this
directly into 100 neurons in the motor cortex of the subject, technology is that BCIs are still in crude form and need to be
and a Practical Electrical Stimulation (PES) tool that is wired refined for the ‘future of thoughts’ to come alive. The

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development process is further slowed by certain ethical issues IX. PROPOSED WORK
on the road to success. The complexity of the brain adds up to
the massacre being equipped with a staggering 100 billion (i) Advancements in fMRI must occur so as to scan and
neurons, and detecting the association of the type of neurons process even the moving parts of subject and not the part
with specific body movements looks arduous. which lies still.
(ii) Development of robotic limbs to provide co-ordination
The structure and placement of electrodes needs a research with the brain computer interface.
in itself since the one placed outside the skull are unable to (iii) The electrodes to be used in the interface carcass should
detect appropriate signal voltage to produce optimal results. be made highly sensitive so as to provide exterior signal
Moreover, the electrodes implanted inside the skull cause detection without the installation of the electrodes in the
damage to the tissues and may even lead to serious scars
grey matter.
resulting in undesired effects
(iv) Combined tests to be conducted based on both MRI &
VIII. VANTAGES fMRI to determine collectively the association of
different hotspots in the brain to diverse body
But, as BCIs appear to be the gate to an era of thoughtful
communication, the research goes on keeping in mind the movements by deriving the relationship between blood
extra edge its merits showcase despite its failures. Paralysis flow and neuron activity.
will never stay a curse as in the history of medical sciences (v) Development of high resolution interface displays to
since the patients will be able to communicate with their mates record brain activity.
and docs through a graphical BCI. To add to it, they may even (vi) Provisions and techniques to restrict unauthorized
help in the movement of prosthetic limbs to sink the effect of enforced access to someone else’s brain.
any motion related impairment. Visual & hearing impairments
may become history as these interfaces act as artificial eyes & X. CONCLUSION
ears transmitting data to and fro the human mind successively. The research goes on and the possibilities of refinement are
as vast as the universe, never ending. The maximum a human
brain can think of what it can do is the result in the making of
the American science scripture Surrogates (2009) directed by
Jonathan Mostow [8].
The scripture shows how the world of humans turns into an
era of surrogates which are none other than robotic bodies
which are controlled by human brains from home. The
surrogates are set to work almost everything physically, be it
routine tasks or strategic war situations without any human
intervention but mind control.
The world changes and divides into 2 parts – humans &
machines until the surrogate inventor himself devises a deadly
weapon on seeing the far-sighted fate of his invention that
starts wiping out the surrogates along with its users. But, this
is as we know long way ahead in the future.
Figure 9. Military “Surrogate” Robots
As of the birth of the Brain Computer Interface, it is bliss
With gradual improvements, the armed forces may get on medical grounds for the patients suffering from spinal cord
even better armed with this interface. Communication can injuries or impaired hearing or vision. A new era of thought
occur without any vocal disturbance, and who knows armed has raised its head in this chaotic world which will help
surrogates may come in effect very soon [7]. change the way of communication, since humans appeared
This will lead to less loss of men but money on the first on earth.
battlefield, as they are stationed far away and connected to Partial immobility or paralysis will disappear from the
their subject surrogate machines which operate in the main medical books as a curse. This can also be a major
field and the troops live even if their surrogate is blown away breakthrough for the armed forces to communicate with each
by a grenade. This means a commandment of 1000 soldiers other in highly stressed situations like war & terrorism, but
may fight all their life with different bodies. The world of this may even lead to a major demerit if gone in wrong hands.
entertainment is about to get vowed with this new technology, By wrong hands I mean wrong minds which may use this boon
as gamers will now control their milieu with the might of their as a bane against the human society as a whole.
mind.

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With progress in research, one may forget his very own AUTHORS PROFILE
mouse and keyboard, the somewhat most essential input Sumit Ghulyani is presently a final year student pursuing
components of a computer system as they are replaced with degree in Bachelor of Technology in the field of Computer
these interfaces. When applied to robotics, these interfaces Science Engineering from Dronacharya College of
Engineering, Gurgaon, India. Other than being the
may help physically challenged people to gain the same place campus ambassador for a couple of organisations, he has
in the society as any other normal person. been one of the soul limbs in successfully coordinating &
hosting technical events with Microsoft and HRs of various
With advancements, BCIs may help such people to control other technical giants. Authored a couple of research
robotic bodies with their brain to cope with their routine tasks. papers, the fields of his research interest include Brain Computer Interface,
So, let the brain do the talking and send your jaw muscles on a Windows Operating Systems, Apple MAC OS, Android Operating Systems,
Wireless Power Transmission Artificial Intelligence & Virtual Reality. Email:
vacation, just saying. Despite of all the detriments, the merits sumit.ghulyani@live.com, GSM: +91-9910550618
give the BCIs that extra edge which makes it a possible suitor
for a better future. Yashasvi Pratap is a final year student pursuing degree in
Bachelor of Technology in the field of Computer Science
REFERENCES Engineering from Dronacharya College of Engineering,
Gurgaon, India. Being a fresh seed in the field of research,
[1] Emotiv: EEG Systems http://emotiv.com/
his major interests include Computer Mediated Reality and
[2] About BCIs http://inventors.about.com/od/bstartinventions/a/John- Ubiquitous Computing. He is actively engaged in other
Donoghue.htm activities which include interest in world geography,
[3] HowStuffWorks: Brain Computer Interfaces historical timeline & zoology. Email:
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/brain-computer- interface.htm yashasvi000pratap@gmail.com, GSM: +919968052498
[4] How fMRI Works http://science.howstuffworks.com/fmri.htm Sumit Bisht is a final year student pursuing degree in
[5] Using Electrocorticography speech for BCI Bachelor of Technology in the field of Computer Science
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21471638 Engineering from Dronacharya College of Engineering,
Gurgaon, India. A soul coordinator for several technical &
[6] Gaining Access To Brain at $300 only
cultural events at college, he never halts at thriving for the
http://www.webpronews.com/your-brain-can-now-be-hacked-for-under- best. Stepping forward to publish his second work of
200-2012-08 brilliance, his major interests include Programming
[7] Mind Controlled Robots http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/132389- Paradigms, ATM Networks & Wireless Computing. Email:
real-life-avatar-the-first-mind-controlled-robot-surrogate sumitbisht@live.com, GSM: +919968803069
[8] Surrogates (2009) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0986263/plotsummary
Ravideep Singh is a final year student pursuing degree in
Bachelor of Technology in the field of Computer Science
Engineering from Dronacharya College of Engineering,
Gurgaon, India. Other than his proficiency in learning
foreign languages, his major interests include Distributed
Operating Systems, Artificial Intelligence & Neural
Networks. Email: ravideep_singh@live.com,GSM:
+919891912029

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