The Potential of Potentials Brendan Allison, Ph.D. gave a
presentation to a Microsoft Research audience in June 2006,
titled Brain Computer Interface Systems: Progress and
Opportunities, covering some exciting R&D. Brain computer
interfaces (BCIs) use neuroimaging systems (most commonly EEG)
to measure brain activity and process signals to control
software. Research is underway on implants/neural prosthetics,
but EEG is non-invasive and getting more accessible. The
familiar bulky array of 8 to 256 electrodes with conductive gel
stuck to a user's head, impractical for portable consumer use,
is changing as companies develop caps, glasses and similar small
devices that allow freedom of movement and no professional
assistance to hook up. For people with locked-in syndrome from
ALS, who cannot move any muscles in their body but remain
conscious and alert, BCIs can be their sole means of
communication with the world. Thought Translation Devices (it's
not quite thought, rather ERPs) are used to write, and patients
c