BCI Drawbacks and Innovators
Two people in Germany use a brain-computer interface to write "how are you?"
Although we already understand the basic principles behind BCIs, they don't work perfectly. There are several reasons for this.
- The brain is incredibly complex. To say that all thoughts or actions are the result of simple electric signals in the brain is a gross understatement. There are about 100 billion neurons in a human brain [source: Greenfield]. Each neuron is constantly sending and receiving signals through a complex web of connections. There are chemical processes involved as well, which EEGs can't pick up on.
- The signal is weak and prone to interference. EEGs measure tiny voltage potentials. Something as simple as the blinking eyelids of the subject can generate much stronger signals. Refinements in EEGs and implants will probably overcome this problem to some extent in the future, but for now, reading brain signals is like listening to a bad phone connection. There's lots of static.
- The equipment is less than portable. It's far better than it used to be -- early systems were hardwired to massive mainframe computers. But some BCIs still require a wired connection to the equipment, and those that are wireless require the subject to carry a computer trhat can weigh around 10 pounds. Like all technology, this will surely become lighter and more wireless in the future.
Comments
Hi kaela creighton,
I know it's a primitive version but people not seems to know about it. We are just there to 'help' this technology - you know what I mean.
Take care.