Brain-Computer Interface: Control Any Machine Using Your Thoughts
We all love science fiction movies and novels, don’t we? In science fiction movies and novels, we often see that the protagonist or the antagonist has the superpower to control any machine using only his/her thoughts. Do you ever wonder is it feasible in real life? Surprisingly a similar result can be achieved using a brain-computer interface (in short BCI).
You may have encountered the term “Brain-Computer Interface” before as it is a buzzword. But do you really apprehend it? If the answer is ‘No’, then don’t worry. This article strives to make you understand the concept of the brain-computer interface and its use cases in simple language.
What Is a Brain-Computer Interface?
At first, let’s address the question: what is a brain-computer interface. In plain words, a brain-computer interface is a machine that can read electric signals generated in the brain. It not only reads signals but also analyzes the signals. If we want to elaborate on the definition, then a brain-computer interface (BCI) is a machine that connects the brain with an external device (such as a computer). As a brain-computer interface is a machine, it is also known as a brain-computer machine.
Working Procedure
Now it’s time to dive into the working procedure of the brain-computer interface. We all know that our brain cells (neurons) communicate via electric signals. In a brain-computer interface, an EEG machine (i.e. electrode) is attached to the scalp to read the signals of our brain.
EEG stands for Electroencephalogram. This machine can detect electric signals of our brain using metal electrodes.
Then another question may come to our mind. How can we attach the electrodes (a.k.a. EEG machine) to the scalp? The answer is simple. The electrodes can be added in two methods. The first one is an invasive method. In this method, surgery is needed. The electrodes are implanted directly in the brain through surgery. As a result, the electrodes get strong signals. Another method is non-invasive. Electrodes are attached to the head in this method. But which method is more suitable? Obviously, the second one. Because doing surgery is a time-consuming process and it has some side-effects. Though we get weak signals from the non-invasive method, the signals are strong enough to perform our task.
After attaching electrodes to the scalp, we need to connect the electrodes with a computer. Wire medium can be used to connect the electrodes and the computer. We can also use wireless systems (such as Bluetooth, internet) if we want.
Next, the computer will analyze the signals obtained from electrodes. The computer needs to be equipped with a special algorithm. This algorithm is like a dictionary of human brain signals. That means the computer (algorithm) needs to know which signal means what.
Finally, the computer will perform tasks according to the signal.
A Real-Life Use Case
Enough has been said about the working procedure of the brain-computer interface. Now let’s consider a practical scenario so that the use cases of a brain-computer interface can be understood from the heart.
Suppose, Robin has an accident. His hands and legs have been paralyzed. He has lost his ability to talk. He is leading a measurable life sitting in a wheelchair. His wife Sophia helps him to move from one place to another place and perform daily tasks. But the problem begins when Sophia is out of the home. Because Robin can’t move the wheelchair. It will be great if he can move the wheelchair-using his thoughts.
Robin’s problem can be solved using a brain-computer interface. Suppose he wants to move forward. For that, he has to imagine that he is moving forward. The brain will produce a signal that contains the information ‘move forward’. This signal will be read by the electrodes (EEG machine) attached to his head. Then the signal will be sent to a computer. Next, the computer will analyze the signal. According to that, the computer will send a command to move forward to the electric wheelchair. Finally, the wheelchair will move forward.
This way, any electric device can be controlled using only thoughts.
Another Use Case
Suppose, Robin wants to play a video game named ‘PUBG’. Recall that he can’t move his hands. Can a paralyzed person be able to play video games?
Technology’s main aim is to make human life easier and more comfortable. Can technology be able to fulfill Robin’s desire? The answer is yes. It is possible using a brain-computer interface.
While discussing the working procedure of the brain-computer interface, I have told that wireless systems (such as Bluetooth, internet) can be used to connect the electrodes with a computer. But the main surprising fact is:
“You can connect one brain to another brain using the internet.”
For that, the signal-receiver needs to wear a cap. The cap needs to be equipped with a transcranial magnetic stimulation coil placed near the part of the brain that controls hand movements.
Let’s presume that an appropriate electrode and a cap have been attached to Robin’s and Sophia’s head. The electrode in Robin’s head and the cap in Sophia’s head are connected via the internet.
Robin is sitting before a smartphone and the PUBG match has started. In the game, an opponent’s enemy is coming towards Robin to kill. Now, Robin needs to shoot bullets. For that, he thinks of shooting a bullet using a rifle. As a consequence, the brain generates a signal. The electrodes read the signal and send it to Sophia’s head (cap) through the internet. Sophia’s brain receives the signal with the help of a transcranial magnetic stimulation coil. According to the signal, Sophia touches the shoot icon on the game screen. Thus the game continued.
The process is nearly instantaneous. You will be surprised to know that a similar kind of experiment has already been done in the year 2014 by the researchers of the University of Washington. The main lesson from the experiment is one can control other’s body parts using only his/her thoughts.
From all these discussions, we can realize the promising capability of the brain-computer interface. What can be done is only limited by one’s imagination. It is just a matter of time to come to the stories of science fiction movies true.
References:
- Ma, Michelle. “UW Study Shows Direct Brain Interface between Humans.” UW News, 5 Nov. 2015, www.washington.edu/news/2014/11/05/uw-study-shows-direct-brain-interface-between-humans/.
- Barnatt, C. [ExplainingComputers]. (2018, September 2). Brain-Computer Interfaces [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMxJYhUg0pc
