Friday, October 2, 2009

Brain-Computer Interfaces: Advantages and Disadvantages

A Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) is a technology which allows a human to control a computer, peripheral, or other electronic device with thought. It does so by using electrodes to detect electric signals in the brain which are sent to a computer. The computer then translates these electric signals into data which is used to control a computer or a device linked to a computer.

Advantages of BCI:

Eventually, this technology could:
  • allow paralyzed people to control prosthetic limbs with their mind
  • transmit visual images to the mind of a blind person, allowing them to see
  • transmit auditory data to the mind of a def person, allowing them to hear
  • allow gamers to control video games with their minds
  • allow a mute person to have their thoughts displayed and spoken by a computer
Disadvantages of BCI:
  • Research is still in beginning stages
  • The current technology is crude
  • Ethical issues may prevent its development
  • Electrodes outside of the skull can detect very few electric signals from the brain
  • Electrodes placed inside the skull create scar tissue in the brain