Brain-Computer Interface, and Brainternet [Linking biology with technology]

Introduction

As this era advances in complex technological evolution, the fine line dividing biology and technology keeps blurring out. There has been a speculation that humans are evolving alongside their devices. Well, I believe that as the abilities and complexities of the post-modern computers develop alongside the understanding of the human brain, we would be drawn closer to finally blurring out the dividing line between biology and technology. And one of such technologies to achieve this is the "Brain-Computer interface" (BCI).

[Image Source: Pixabay]

Concept of BCI

Have you ever imagined transmitting signals directly from your brain into a computational device without passing through any intervening medium? Well, that is what BCI is all about.

Brain-Computer interface is the technology that can communicate with neural structures by encoding, decoding, and translating information in form of signals from the human thought. Source. [Paraphrased by me]

The coining of the term "BCI" has been credited to Professor Jacques J. Vidal in the early 1970s, and ever since then, it has seen astronomical advances. For easier understanding of this survey; I will be sub-categorizing the concept of BCI.

The Brain Signal

The main reason behind the working of the BCI is because of the manner in which the human brain functions. We've already known that the human brain is filled with some nerve impulse-transmitting cells (neurons) which transmit electrical impulses within the brain.

Now, this is exactly where the technology of BCI has leveraged on. Because these brain signals are transmitted in form of electrical impulses, it can be picked "electroencephalographically". But the question is, how does the brain transmit these signals to a computer device? This question will lead me to the types of BCI; and of course, the transmission pattern in each of them.

Types of BCI

Before I proceed, let me drop a little tree diagram that I made; as an instructional material for better understanding.

[Image Source: Home made by me @samminator]

1. Non-Invasive BCI

Yes! I chose to start from the non-invasive BCI because it is one of the earliest breakthroughs in the technology of BCI, and it works on the technology of EEG (electroencephalogram). You won't be wrong to call this the EEG-Based BCI.

How does it work? Very simple; an EEG headgear is usually worn by the individual. The work of this headgear is to read and pick up the brain signals in form of electrical impulses, which is then transmitted to a computer device for processing and interpretation. Note: No surgery is required here.

[Image Source: Pixabay]

The signal generated in this type of BCI could be interpreted in form of images or just plain stimulus signals which can include; auditory signals (signals relating to sound), visual signals, tactile signals, gustatory signals, and even olfactory signals.

Though this type of BCI is the easiest; because the interface can be worn and removed at will; the signals generated here is fairly poor. This is due to the fact that the skull has a dampening effect on the transmission of signals. Because of this impedance to signals, another option had to be sought out for.

2. Partly-Invasive BCI

In this type of BCI, the need for EEG headgear is completely sidelined, as the BCI devices (signalling electrodes) are surgically implanted directly into the skull. Note; it is implanted outside the brain, but within the skull (hence; the name "partly-invasive").

In contrast to the non-invasive BCI that uses the EEG technology, the partly-invasive BCI uses the ECoG (Electrocorticography) which also has similar function, only that the ECoG detects the brain activity and signals from inside the skull. Though this one produces better signals than the non-invasive BCI, there is also another type that produces a high resolution frequency signal.

3. Invasive BCI

In this type, the BCI devices are surgically implanted right inside the brain's grey matter. And yes; it produces the best signal quality. But of course; the invasive BCI has its own perks: Firstly, it carries a bigger risk. Also, scar-tissues can be built up over time in the BCI electrodes, and can weaken the signals with time. Finally, there is a risk of rejection by the brain.

[Image Source: Wikimedia Commons. Author: Paul Wicks. CC licensed]

So, as it were, the partly-invasive BCI has been seen to have taken a center-stage and preferred to both the invasive and the non-invasive types. The reason being that; it carries lower risk than the invasive BCI, and also provides better signals than the non-invasive BCI.

Applications of BCI

There are numerous applications of the BCI, but I will take a few; as they relate to emerging technology.

Brainternet

Now we are aware of the emerging technology of IoT (Internet of Things) in which every of our devices will be linked together to a single internet hub. Now that the neurofrontiers and BCI technologies are advancing, the human brain can also be linked to the Internet of Things. The idea here is to create the possibility of accessing the internet directly from the brain; and of course; controlling of other internet-enabled devices directly from the brain. 

Imagine a case where you're lost of direction, you can access the local gps directly from the brain. This is one of the things that brainternet can offer. There are other possibilities too.

Controlling of industrial machines

Have you ever imagined the possibility of controlling factory robots (for example; car assembling robotic arm) just with the mind? Okay, this is not science fiction, as the possibility has arrived.

Instead of making factory machines fully automated, it could be better to incorporate a human-driving force into them to manage their functionality. And this can be achieved through the BCI technology.

Mind-control prosthetics

Yeah! This is exactly where the mind of many would go as the application of BCI. Controlling of either bionic arm or limb with the mind is an emerging technology that has come to shimmer rays of hope on the path of people with decapitated arms or limbs.

[Image Source: Wikimedia Commons. CC licensed]

Brain Telepathy

This is also one of the potential applications of BCI. Here, people would be able to communicate within themselves directly from the brain without speaking a single word (Lol, this is not magic; it is technology). The signals would be transmitted from the sender's brain via the BCI device into a computer system for processing. The computer will then relay the information to the receiving brain (and vice versa; in real time).

Conclusion

As technology is evolving, it has handed over to us the abilities to hack the human brain, which has unfolded the immerse possibilities in the field of BCI. Very soon, the gap between humans and machines may be completely bridged; all thanks to brain-computer interface.

The only thing we have to do is to brace up and flow with the waves of technological evolution.

Technology can only get better

Thanks for reading

References for further reading: Ref1, Ref2, Ref3, Ref4, Ref5

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