Let's Build Something Incredible

Introduction

The Objective

There are over 40 million people world-wide who have severe motor impairments that prevent them from using a computer. We are going to build a brain-computer interface (BCI) technology suite that allows them to interact with a computer using just their thoughts. Sound like science fiction? It's not. BCIs will represent the next great leap in computing and communication.

Introduction to Brain-Computer Interface and the Future of the Technology

Brain-Computer Interfaces in MedicineBrain-computer interfaces (BCIs) acquire brain signals, analyze them, and translate them into commands that are relayed to output devices that carry out desired actions. BCIs do not use normal neuromuscular output pathways. The main goal of BCI is to ...

Additional BCI Info

Here are some good introductory materials for you to get started with (left).

For other tutorializing resources, check out our YouTube tutorials and demonstrations!

RIT Neurotechnology Exploration

For this project we will be using non-invasive EEG and EMG technology to collect biosignal data for decoding. Once it is decoded into the preset actions, the action will be executed in the custom interface in real-time. This approach is different from BCI projects because we will be combining multiple assistive technologies to achieve the best possible result for the subjects.

This research project will be run with start-up like efficiency. Throughout our development, we must keep in mind the end goal of getting use BCI technology out to the public which will require us to always be considering usability, design, efficiency, and cost.

Collect > Encode > Deploy

To build input functionality we will incorporate a series of event related potentials (ERPs), both from EEG and EMG signals, and build complexity. When approaching the development of a new action, we will use the simple formula Collect > Encode > Deploy to make the use of our system intuitive and a custom experience for each user.

P300 Keyboard is shown here, if you're curious!

Timeline and Objectives

The primary purpose of semester I of this research project is to bring the team to expert status on the technology, build a support network of RIT staff and industry leaders, and build support in the community for our work. By the end of the semester we will need to be able to demonstrate bi-directional functionality (up and down) using existing technology and layout a comprehensive plan and development strategy for the project going forward.

Why It's Worth Doing

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