Abstract:
Brain Computer Interface is a direct way for humans to communicate with a computer or any external device using only their thoughts. There are 3 ways to achieve this. Two of these are invasive, are dangerous to perform and have serious side effects in some cases. The third is non-invasive in which electrodes are placed on the scalp of the scull and the signal is acquired. The acquired signal is very very weak and requires much amplification and filtration. After this hardware process the signal is sent to a computer where the required feature is extracted and used to perform physical action.
Such systems can be used in different fields of life. The greatest use is to the patient who has severe motor disability. He/She can experience normal life style again. Another use can be in the military. Like the robots in the movie “Surrogates” soldiers can control a humanoid from his base while that robot is fighting a war. The greatest advantage….lives are saved. This technology is also being used to enhance the gamming experience. The games under development first train the user and then let him sit back and enjoy the game. A lot of research is being done on BCIs, many systems have also been built but they are usually very expensive and not accessible to the general public. The aim and motivation here is to use the resources available within our own country and make this project as efficient as possible.
For the acquisition a circuit is designed and simulated which amplifies the signal from micro volts (uV) to milli volts and then volts. Also the signal passes through different filters so that the element of noise is removed. After this and the analogue to digital conversion the signal is sent to a computer. There using special tools feature extraction and then pattern detection is performed. After the required signal is achieved it is sent to an external actuator interface.
