Download BrainGate Chip

Brain-Computer Interface BrainGate Chip
Hillary Grimes III
Homework 6
COMP 4640
Brain-Computer Interface (BCI)
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BCI – direct communication pathway between
a brain or brain cell culture and a device
(computer)
One way BCIs
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information passes from brain to computer or
computer to brain
Two way BCIs

information is exchanged between brain and
computer
Invasive BCI
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Invasive BCI – the chip is implanted directly
into the grey matter of the brain
produces the highest quality signals but are
prone to scar tissue buildup

Scar tissue causes the signal to become weaker
and even lost as the body reacts to a foreign object
BrainGate Chip
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Chip implant system
developed by
Cyberkinetics in 2003
Designed to help those
who have lost control
of their limbs or other
bodily functions
BrainGate Chip
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Monitors brain activity
in the patient and
converts the intention
of the user into
computer commands
This can be used to
control a robot arm or a
cursor on a screen
BrainGate Chip

100 hair thin electrodes to sense the electro-magnetic
signature of neurons firing in specific areas of the
brain
BrainGate Chip

Chip is implanted on
the surface of the brain
in the motor cortex
area, the area that
controls movement
BrainGate Chip
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Monitored signature is
translated into
electrically charged
signals
Signals are then sent
and decoded using a
program to move
cursor, robot arm, etc.
BrainGate Chip

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Only a few people have been implanted so far
during clinical trials
One is Matthew Nagle, a quadriplegic
paralyzed from the neck down
The device was implanted in 2004 over the
portion of the motor cortex that controled his
left hand and arm
Matthew Nagle

Using the BrainGate system, Matt could
control a cursor on a computer screen
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Control TV
Check e-mail
Draw on screen
He could also send commands to an external
prosthetic hand
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Open
Close
BrainGate Chip
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“I can't put it into words. It's just—I use my
brain. I just thought it. I said, "Cursor go up to
the top right." And it did, and now I can
control it all over the screen. It will give me a
sense of independence.”

Matt Nagle
BrainGate Chip

In the next two years, Cyberkinetics hopes to
refine the chip to develop a wireless version
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No need for a plug
Safer
Less visible
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIG47YgndP8