Practical Designs of Brain–Computer Interfaces Based on the Modulation of EEG Rhythms

Abstract

A brain–computer interface (BCI) is a communication channel which does not depend on the brain’s normal output pathways of peripheral nerves and muscles [1–3]. It supplies paralyzed patients with a new approach to communicate with the environment. Among various brain monitoring methods employed in current BCI research, electroencephalogram (EEG) is the main interest due to its advantages of low cost, convenient operation and non-invasiveness. In present-day EEG-based BCIs, the following signals have been paid much attention: visual evoked potential (VEP), sensorimotor mu/beta rhythms, P300 evoked potential, slow cortical potential (SCP), and movement-related cortical potential (MRCP). Details about these signals can be found in chapter “Brain Signals for Brain–Computer Interfaces”. These systems offer some practical solutions (e.g., cursor movement and word processing) for patients with motor disabilities.