Frontiers in Neuroscience (Dec 2010)

The Berlin Brain-Computer Interface: Non-Medical Uses of BCI Technology

  • Benjamin Blankertz,
  • Benjamin Blankertz,
  • Michael Tangermann,
  • Carmen Vidaurre,
  • Siamac Fazli,
  • Claudia Sannelli,
  • Stefan Haufe,
  • Cecilia Maeder,
  • Lenny E Ramsey,
  • Irene Sturm,
  • Gabriel Curio,
  • Klaus R Mueller

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2010.00198
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 4

Abstract

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Brain-Computer Interfacing (BCI) is a steadily growing area ofresearch. While initially BCI research was focused on applicationsfor paralyzed patients, increasingly more alternative applications inhealthy human subjects are proposed and investigated. In particular,monitoring of mental states and decoding of covert user states haveseen a strong rise of interest. Here, we present some examples ofsuch novel applications which provide evidence for the promisingpotential of BCI technology for non-medical uses. Furthermore, wediscuss distinct methodological improvements required to bringnon-medical applications of BCI technology to a diversity of laypersontarget groups, e.g., ease of use, minimal training, general usability,short control latencies.

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