Brain-Computer Interface

BCI is an acronym that stands for Brain-Computer Interface, also called as direct neural interface. The BCI can provide an alternative communication and control option for persons with severe handicaps and thus improve the quality of life of paralyzed people. It is composed of a series of electrodes surgically implanted to the patient’s scalp that are connected to a computer. The computer translates the brain’s electrical output and controls a number of operations, permitting the immobilized people to send e-mails, operate TV sets and maybe in the future even control robotic arms.
There are two types of brain-computer interfaces. The one-way BCIs computer can accept commands from the brain or send signals to it, but not both. Two-way BCIs would allow brains and external devices to exchange information in both directions but have yet to be successfully implanted in animals or humans.