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Brain-computer Interfaces (BCIs) have been studied for nearly thirty years, with the primary motivation of providing assistive technologies for people with very severe motor disabilities. The slow speeds, high error rate, susceptibility to artifact, and complexity of BCI systems have been challenges for implementing workable real-world systems. However, recent advances in computing and bio-sensing technologies have improved the outlook for BCI applications, making them promising not only as assistive technologies but also for mainstream applications. This chapter presents a survey of applications for BCI systems, both historical and recent, in order to characterize the broad range of possibilities for neural control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The control interface is the primary component of a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) system that provides user interaction. The control interface supplies cues for performing mental tasks, reports system status and task feedback, and often displays representations of the user΄s brain signals. Control interfaces play a significant role in determining the usability of a BCI, and some of the traditional human-computer interaction design methods apply. However, the very specialized input methods and display paradigms of a BCI require consideration to create optimal usability for a BCI system. This chapter outlines some of the issues and challenges that make designing control interfaces for BCIs unique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct Brain Interfaces (DBIs) offer great possibilities for people with severe disabilities to communicate and control their environments. However, many DBI systems implement discrete selection, such as choosing a letter from an alphabet, which offers limited control over certain tasks. Continuous control is important for applications such as driving a wheelchair or drawing for creative expression. This paper describes two projects currently underway at the Georgia Tech BrainLab exploring continuous control interface paradigms for an EEG-based approach centered on responses from visual cortex, and functional near Infrared (fNIR) imaging of the language center of the brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The following paper reports on a prototype Brain-computer Interface designed for pervasive control by paralyzed users. Our study indicates that current control and communication devices for users with severe physical disabilities restrict control and independence, offer little articulation and communication capabilities. Integrating multiple devices and services, our application is based on the functional Near-Infrared Imaging technology. Based on the overarching Value-sensitive design framework, our solution is informed by the usage patterns of technology, living habits and daily activities of the disabled users. By designing the context-aware pervasive control solution, we create a venue for communication, environmental control, recreation, assistance and expression among physically disabled patients. The evaluations results of the prototype are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]