Can brain computer interfaces become practical assistive devices in the community?

A Brain Computer Interface (BCI) provides direct communication from the brain to a computer or electronic device. In order for BCIs to become practical assistive devices it is necessary to develop robust systems, which can be used outside of the laboratory. This paper appraises the technical challenges, and outlines the design of an intuitive user interface, which can be used for smart device control and entertainment applications, of specific interest to users. We adopted a user-centred approach, surveying two groups of participants: fifteen volunteers who could use BCI as an additional technology and six users with complex communication and assistive technology needs. Interaction is based on a four way choice, parsing a hierarchical menu structure which allows selection of room location and then device (e.g. light, television) within a smart home. The interface promotes ease of use which aim to improve the BCI communication rate.

A qualitative study adopting a user-centered approach to design and validate a brain computer interface for cognitive rehabilitation for people with brain injury.

Cognitive rehabilitation is established as a core intervention within rehabilitation programs following a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Digitally enabled assistive technologies offer opportunities for clinicians to increase remote access to rehabilitation supporting transition into home. Brain Computer Interface (BCI) systems can harness the residual abilities of individuals with limited function to gain control over computers through their brain waves. This paper presents an online cognitive rehabilitation application developed with therapists, to work remotely with people who have TBI, who will use BCI at home to engage in the therapy. A qualitative research study was completed with people who are community dwellers post brain injury (end users), and a cohort of therapists involved in cognitive rehabilitation. A user-centered approach over three phases in the development, design and feasibility testing of this cognitive rehabilitation application included two tasks (Find-a-Category and a Memory Card task). The therapist could remotely prescribe activity with different levels of difficulty. The service user had a home interface which would present the therapy activities. This novel work was achieved by an international consortium of academics, business partners and service users.