Human-Computer Interface Technologies for the Motor Impaired

"Human-Computer Interface Technologies for the Motor Impaired" is the most recent book from Dinesh Kumar and Sridhar Arjunan that examines both the technical and social aspects of Human-Computer Interface (HCI). 

This book introduces to the concept of HCI, identifies and describes the fundamentals associated with a specific technology of HCI, and provides examples for each. It is presented with the following chapters:

• Human-computer interface: Mechanical sensors;
• Brain-computer interface based on thought waves and Evoked potentials-based;
• Myoelectric-based hand gesture recognition for HCI;
• Video-based hand movment and electrooculography for HCI;
• Video-based eye tracking and speech for controlling computers;
• Lip movment for humam-computer interface.

If you want to take a look inside press here.

Fundamentals in Neuroscience - A Deep Look at the Brain, BCI and EEG

The School of Health Sciences offers advanced training courses in medicine, health sciences and medical education. The fundamentals of neuroscience are one of them where it is possible to learn and understand better several subjects related with BCI/EEG. 

Some of the goals are to describe the anatomical and functional relations between major brain areas, to identify the cell types of the nervous system and also to describe the physical and functional interactions between them and explain their role in the nervous system.

The 15 days program, for graduate students and postdocs, include some labs-on sessions and is focused on various subjects such as:

• Brain Anatomy and Nervous impulse;
• Neurotransmission and neurotransmitters;
• Learning, Memory and Sensory Systems;
• Visual, Auditive and Olfactive Systems;
• Brain-machine interface and neurorehabilitation;
• Electrophysiological studies.

For more informations about this course and the ICVS press here.

Brain Driver - Control a Car using Your Mind

AutoNOMOS Labs is a German company that is working on a modular system for the operation of autonomous or semi-autonomous cars. 

Using AutoNOMOS, it is be possible to detect impending dangers on roads, highways, and crossings at an early stage and accidents can be prevented. Once the technology is ready, it will be introduced at first on private property and, finally, in public traffic. The project will make a significant contribution to the development of accident-free, efficient, and environmentally friendly mobility.

In the following video we can see the use of the device EPOC from the Emotiv company. By reading the brain electrical signals recorded at the level of the scalp (EEG) it is possible to identify patterns of behavior. In this particular case driver intentions are identified to turn left, turn right and also accelerate or brake. 

At this moment tests are being carried out on a large place as the airport runway. In my understanding this "car technology" will need time to grow up until a complete solution can be used in a real scenario within our roads.
Not advancing a date in concrete, one day will be possible to think something like: "Stop here and park on the right side!" :-)

BrainiHack Event

In March 2015 it took place in Israel the Brainihack event. Although it has taken place for some time ago it have some interested information to publish related to Brain-Computer Interfaces.

"From virtual reality games, through automatic panic alerts to mind-based dating apps, we’ve seen many incredible apps built using some of the cutting edge devices in the field: InteraXon’s Muse, OpenBCI, Neuroelectrics’ Enobio and the not-yet published Neurosteer."

Some interesting projects submited in this event:

• Emochat – An emotion-enriched chat experience that aims to bridge the emotional divide in a chat vs. real life;
• BlueGSD – A labyrinth game (maze ball) using SSVEP;
• Deja-View – A externally-created automatic memory using virtual reality. 

There are also other projects included as Right Path, Hive Mind, Brainifeed or Shoni.

In my opinion this type of meeting is very important to share knowledge and experience providing the openness to new ideas. More information here.

Performance Brain Training with VERSUS

One more BCI solution is on the market! It's called VERSUS and it was made to be easily used by anyone training the brain to improve your concentration.

Versus provides performance brain training through a brain sensing headset and app. It goes beyond cognitive brain games and promotes high-performance brain function increasing impulse control, regulate emotions, stay focused, and sleep better.

The great advantages explored and presented by this system are related to the brain's ability to improve, the measuring mental performance, the strengthening the optimal brain state and the training into practice that constantly pushes the brain activity into a stronger position.

I confess I am a little apprehensive about the results obtained with this commercial solution but nothing better than reading the published case studies as Kerri Walsh Jennings, Carlos Quentin or UCLA Golf and take your conclusions.

Introduction To Modern Brain-Computer Interface Design - BCIlab

The Swartz Center for Computational NeuroScience (SCCN) as provided an online course on Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) design with a focus on modern methods. Christian Kothe is the video speaker and the course includes basics of EEG, BCI, signal processing, machine learning, and also contains tutorials on using BCILAB and the lab streaming layer software.

It is divided in three parts with some exercice materials in the end:

• Part I: Introduction to BCI Design
• Part II: The BCILAB Toolbox
• Part III: Handling Complex Brain Processes
• Exercise Materials

To access the video course press here.

World BCI Market - Opportunities and Forecasts, 2013 - 2020

Would you like to know the trends and investment in Brain Computer Interface (BCI) Market until 2020? According to the report by Allied Market Research entitled, "Global Brain Computer Interface (BCI) Market - Size, Industry Analysis, Trends, Opportunities, Growth and Forecast, 2013-2020", this market is expected to reach $1.460.000.000 until 2020. 

A global rise in the count of brain disorders along with the increasing government funding to improve healthcare systems, would supplement the growth of this market. The non-invasive BCI technology accounted for about 85% of the total BCI market revenue in 2013, and demonstrate a steady growth in future, thus, eliminating the need to perform surgeries and implant BCI devices.

This study analysis the global BCI market which is expected an imminent investment. It also present the market segmentation by type, application and geography. Read the free report created by Allied Market Research.

NeuroTechMTL - Neurotech Hackers Network

NeuroTechX is a bottom-up initiative to create an international neurotech hackers network. This community aim to provide key resources and learning opportunities contributing "to better understanding and to improving who we are".

A group of 9 people promote neurotechnology fields organizing events such as meetups, hackathons and workshops:

• Connect with researchers, professionals, entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts;
• Heads up to new challenges, great ideas and rewards;
• Get bottom-up knowledge from the source to get your skill to a new level.

This site has also the BCI Montreal Blog with some important information.

Neuroplasticity using a Bicycle

Here is an excellent example of neuroplasticity where the brain reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. In this funny and simple experience the wheel of the bicycle was changed, reversing the direction of intention. The instantaneous result was the expected: Falls to the ground! 

But the most interesting is how our brain, after some days or weeks, is able to adapt to this new reality. Especially if you are a child! :-)

Watch this unmissable video!

For more information about BCI/EEG press here.

NeuroMore - New Research Brain Tool

Neuromore is a new research brain tool to capture and analyze bio signals in real-time. Its possible to visualize brain waves activity, export data captured or control some devices around using multiple simultaneous biosensors. Three different components can be used: Engine, Studio and Cloud as described below.

Neuromore Engine

• Fully customizable signal processing pipeline
• Graph-based model for an intuitive data flow paradigm
• Easy-to-use high-level algorithms for data analysis
• Sample level synchronization for input devices
• Usable for real-time, post processing and concurrent analysis applications
• (...)

Neuromore Studio

• Interactive classification graph designing tools
• Fully customizable user interfaces
• Intuitive tools and workflows and highly optimized user interface
• Data visualization and real-time signal analysis
• Signals over time, power spectrum (bars, lines) and 3D
• (...)

Neuromore Cloud

• Highly secured and scalable storage solution for biodata
• Customer relationship management
• Powerful activity monitoring tools
• Convenient and full featured front-end
• REST API

This free application can be used by diferent EEG devices:

After 25 minutes of downloading and installing it in my windows system I've tried to run the application and ... surprise: It crashed!!! Then I changed the firewall settings, antivirus, the installation folder permissions, etc but the problem remained. After sending 3 error reports  to Neuromore I hope to have soon the resolution to this problem!

More posts about brain tools or BCI press here.

NeuroMore - New Research Brain Tool

Neuromore is a new research brain tool to capture and analyze bio signals in real-time. Its possible to visualize brain waves activity, export data captured or control some devices around using multiple simultaneous biosensors. Three different components can be used: Engine, Studio and Cloud as described below.

Neuromore Engine

• Fully customizable signal processing pipeline
• Graph-based model for an intuitive data flow paradigm
• Easy-to-use high-level algorithms for data analysis
• Sample level synchronization for input devices
• Usable for real-time, post processing and concurrent analysis applications
• (...)

Neuromore Studio

• Interactive classification graph designing tools
• Fully customizable user interfaces
• Intuitive tools and workflows and highly optimized user interface
• Data visualization and real-time signal analysis
• Signals over time, power spectrum (bars, lines) and 3D
• (...)

Neuromore Cloud

• Highly secured and scalable storage solution for biodata
• Customer relationship management
• Powerful activity monitoring tools
• Convenient and full featured front-end
• REST API

This free application can be used by diferent EEG devices:

After 25 minutes of downloading and installing it in my windows system I've tried to run the application and ... surprise: It crashed!!! Then I changed the firewall settings, antivirus, the installation folder permissions, etc but the problem remained. After sending 3 error reports  to Neuromore I hope to have soon the resolution to this problem!

For more informations about BCI/EEG press here.

Annual BCI Award 2015 - 10 Projects nominated

BCI Award 2015 announced the 10 projects that have been nominated from the submissions received:

1. An ECoG-Based BCI on Auditory Attention to Natural Speech; 
2. Easy riders: BCI for enhancing driving experience; 
3. Sensorimotor Modulation Assessment and BCI Training with Auditory feedback; 
4. Brain-to-Text: Towards continuous speech as a paradigm for BCI; 
5. De-novo experience-based learning in rats interfaced with a "cerebellar chip"; 
6. Individual Finger Control of the Modular Prosthetic Limb; 
7. Restoration for the volitional motor function via an artificial neural connection; 
8. BCI Controlling Cyborg: A Functional Brain-to-Brain Interface between Human and Cockroach; 
9. A BCI to combat musculoskeletal pain; 
10. Increasing the useful lifespan of intracortical BCIs. 

For more information press here.

Call for Workshops - 6th International BCI

I give knowledge of an email I received from Jane Huggins, PhD, BCI Meeting Chair, about the 6^th International BCI Meeting calling for workshops.  

Up to 15 workshops will be held in each time slot and will be devoted to 3 hour workshops that will run concurrently. Each workshop will engage 10-40 participants and focus on a specific topic. Workshops can combine invited talks, targeted discussions, demonstrations, hands-on exercises and/or sharply focused debates as the leaders see fit. Workshop organization should include the participation of senior researchers to ensure proper coverage of the topic.

Researchers and/or practitioners wishing to organize workshops should submit an informal 5-line workshop description to workshops@meetings.bcisociety.org for pre-acceptance. These short descriptions will be screened to minimize topic overlaps and to join groups together.  

Main proposals should include:

• Workshop title
• Leader(s) Name(s) and Email(s) and short Bio(s)
• Description of the workshop topic and goals
• Detailed workshop timetable

Important dates deadlines:

• Proposal Pre-Submission: November 1 2015 
• Main Proposal Submission: December 1 2015

OpenBCI - 32 bit board kit

OpenBCI is a group of  researchers, engineers, scientists, designers, etc, that "shares a passion for harnessing the electrical signals of the human brain and body to further understand and expand who we are". 

OpenBCI stands for open-source brain-computer interface (BCI). with an hardware device that has a bio-sensing microcontroller that can sample electrical brain activity (EEG), muscle activity (EMG), heart rate (EKG).

The price of the new 32-bit Board Kit (chipKIT™-compatible) version is about $449,99. More infomation can be obtained in his forum.

BCI Events 2015 / 2016

Interest in BCIs is growing both by the scientific community, medical and general public. An example of this is the growing number of solutions, published articles and events related to this area.

Here's the list for the next world events described by name, local and date:

• Cybathlon 2016 – Switzerland, October 2016 
• International BCI Meeting 2016 – USA, May 2016 
• IEEE World Congress on Computational Intelligence – Canada, July 2016 
• 4th International Winter Conference on BCI – Korea, February 2016 
• German-Japanese workshop on Adaptive BCI - Japan, October 2015 
• International Conference on Systems and Cybernetics - China, October 2015 
• IEEE SMC 2015 5th Workshop on BMI Systems - China, October 2015 
• 4th International Workshop on Symbiotic Interaction – Germany, October 2015 
• 7th Computer Science & Electronic Eng. Conference – UK, September 2015 
• 6th International Conference on Affective Computing – China, September 2015 
• 4th Workshop on Affective Brain-Computer Interaction – China, September 2015 
• 2015 Summer School on Neurorehabilitation – Spain, September 2015

This list was obtained from BNCI Horizon 2020.

Faculty positions in Biomedical Engineering / BCI

The University of California at Davis has positions available in Brain-Computer Interfaces area. 

The research program of a successful candidate is expected to integrate campus strengths in engineering, neurosciences, and medicine. Candidates interested in helping lead efforts to integrate these disciplines on the UC Davis campus, possibly as part of a new Center for Neuroengineering & Medicine, are encouraged to apply. The current positions are part of a cluster of hires that will also include an associated position in neurobiology/motor control.

For more information press here.

International Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) Meeting 2016

The new BCI meeting is schedule for May 30, 2016 in California, USA. 

Main objectives of this event:

1. Bringing together and fostering productive interactions (...);
2. Presenting a comprehensive review of the current state of BCI research;
3. Addressing in focused workshops (...) for continued progress in BCI research;
4. Promoting the education and development of new researchers (...);
5. Maximizing the (...) meeting impact through publication by the BCI Journal (...);
6. Defining member benefits and Society-led projects for the newly formed BCI Society. 

6. 
   

This meeting will bring together scientists, engineers, and clinicians involved in BCI research and clinical use and will contribute greatly to BCI development.

For more informations press here.

Neuroanatomy - Human Brain

A new online application HNBS allows you to identify the various areas of the human brain just clicking the interest point.

The module interface is meant to mimic a radiology workstation with adjacent image scrolling via arrow keys and or mouse wheel button. Hover the cursor over a structure of interest; if active, its name will appear underneath the image. Clicking the mouse button in an active area will synchronize and cross reference all image planes.  To instantly navigate in all image planes move the mouse while holding down the mouse button.

Try it now pressing here.

BCI job (PhD position) at Université de Genève

The Swiss Center for Affective Sciences and Computer Vision and Multimedia Laboratory (CVML) are looking for a candidate with a solid background in signal processing for a fully-funded PhD position at the computer science department, University of Geneva. 

The research focuses on analyzing the interactions between facial expressions and EEG signals with the aim of reducing unwanted interferences and recognizing emotions. Research will involve recording and analyzing EEG signals and facial expressions using Bayesian estimation methods.

Required qualifications

• An MSc in a field related to one or more of the following: electrical engineering, computer science, applied mathematics;
• Strong knowledge of signal processing and statistics;
• Strong programming skills in Matlab or Python;
• Interest in performing experiments with humans including recording multimodal sensorial data from volunteer participants;
• Ability to communicate and report research results in English.

Salary 

• CHF52’000/year, +/- 4.000€/month, before tax and social charges

Starting date 

• Preferably by January 2016

For more informations press  here.

FlexCtrl - A new EEG / BCI capture device

A new EEG capture device with 32-channel headset was announced.  This project was found as a BCI crowdfunding campaign in Indiegogo.

Their web page is still under constrution and in my opinion this project does not respond to some fundamental questions: 

• What kind of dry sensors are used?
• How does it react with long hair?
• When the SDK will be available?

Let's wait for the answers...!

Play computer games without using your hands or feet

New BCI solutions are increasingly common in laboratories and research institutes. One such example is the project developed by Christoph Hintermüller and his team from g.tec Guger Technologies. He says: “We have developed so called brain-computer interfaces which allow the user to control different devices and programmes without hands, by means of the user’s thoughts.”

This is one more approach to play a computer game hands-free. Using SSVEP the user selects the commands by simply looking at the blinking arrows on the screen. The frequency of the flashing is reproduced in the brain cortex and read by the electrodes at occipital area.

Also Arnau Manzanal of the research and development department says: "As soon as we have understood the electroencephalography patterns produced by the groups of neurons in the brain, we can map the brain activity to any commands for any device, like a television or a motorised system for the home".

More information about this article can be found here.

Structural change of brain cells caused by depression

The Champalimaud Foundation has just acquired a ultra-high field scanner that can deliver results 10x above the conventional MRI. It can be used in several studies of diseases such as multiple sclerosis or depression.

“In depressed patients, cells change structure, change shape and size. With the method that we have been developing in this lab, it could become possible to study these processes and, hopefully, to see these changes as they occur. Potentially in the future it will be useful for clinicians to select treatments and better diagnosis depression.”

This type of equipment can provide new answers on how the human brain works. Watch the video report here.

The future of BCI - From the state of the art to Vision

The BNCI Horizon 2020 Consortium have just released the final version of the roadmap for the field of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs).

• Who should read this roadmap?
• Aim and Executive summary
• What is a BCI and Vision for 2025
• Use case scenarios
• Unlocking the locked-in and NeuroTutor
• BCI-controlled neuroprosthesis
• Hybrid BCI-driven FES for stroke rehabilitation
• Research tool for cognitive neuroscience
• Horizon 2020 and the place for BCIs
• BCI market, stakeholders and Ethics
• General recommendations
• Appendix
• Research, Industry and End Users
• Use cases, focus groups and BCI Society
• Consortium

Vision for 2025

"In 2025, a wide array of applications will use brain signals as an important source of information. We will see routine applications in professional context, personal health monitoring, and medical treatment. We envision a future where humans and information technology are seamlessly and intuitively connected by integrating various biosignals, particularly brain activity. People will be supported in choosing the best time for making difficult and important decisions. People working in safety-relevant fields will be capable of anticipating fatigue, and authorities may find good (evidence-based) reasons to incorporate such applications in regulations. (...)"

The following graph shows the potential that the BCI has for the next two decades:

It's also possible to download the summarized roadmapping activities. For more informations visit bnci-horizon-2020.eu

Tracking pilots’ brains using EEG / BCI

Announced on the science channel from Euronews, scientists from 3 different countries are working to better understand pilot’s brain functions and to prevent human errors.

“We are trying to better understand what can cause human error by using the same tools as neuroscientists, like electroencephalography (EEG), measuring the heart rate, the pupil diameter, eye tracking, which means tracking the pilot’s gaze at any given moment.”

This research have a great potential to be used during the pilot selection process and for monitoring the training techniques and cockpit designs. Watch the video pressing here.

3rd International Winter BCI Conference - 49 Publications

All the links to the 49 publications from the 3rd International BCI Conference, presented in this blog some weeks ago, are available here or at IEEE Xplore Digital Library.

• Tutorial on multimodal neuroimaging for brain-computer interfacing
• Bayesian common spatial patterns
• Brain-computer interface for stroke rehabilitation with clinical studies
• Mobile real-time EEG imaging Bayesian inference with sparse, temporally smooth source priors
• Neuro-driving: Automatic perception technique for upcoming emergency situations
• Spatial projections of neural arrays: A short guide to classic and new signal analysis techniques
• Divergence estimation for machine learning and signal processing
• Progress toward a high-performance neural prosthetic
• Decoding cognitive brain states
• Eeg/sonication-based brain-brain interfacing
• Japanese SRPBS for BMI research: Decoded neurofeedback as a causal tool in systems neuroscience
• A Bayesian approach for spatio-spectral filter optimization in BCI
• A novel P300-based BCI system for words typing
• Non-homogeneous spatial filter optimization for EEG-based brain-computer interfaces
• A novel tactile stimulation system for BCI feedback
• A study on information transfer rate by brain-computer interface (BCI) using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS)
• BMFLC with neural network and DE for better event classification
• Classifying ECoG signals prior to voluntary movement onset
• Common spatial patterns based on generalized norms
• Decoding three-dimensional arm movements for brain-machine interface
• Design of a robotic wheelchair with a motor imagery based brain-computer interface
• Detection of multi-class emergency situations during simulated driving from ERP
• Dry electrode design and performance evaluation for EEG based BCI systems
• EEG asymmetry and anxiety
• Eeg-based emotion recogntion during emotionally evocative films
• Eeg-based person authentication using face stimuli
• Effects of rest frames on cybersickness and oscillatory brain activity
• Efficient edge detection method for anatomic feature extraction of neuro-sensory tissue image based on optical coherence tomography
• Emotion classification in movie clips based on 3D fuzzy GIST and EEG signal analysis
• Estimation on the development of cerebral edema from computed tomography preliminary studies for pediatric traumatic brain injury patients
• Ethical and social issues behind brain-computer interface
• Evaluation of feature extraction methods for motor imagery-based bcis in terms of robustness to slight changes of electrode locations
• “Eyes-closed” SSVEP-based BCI for binary communication of individuals with impaired oculomotor function
• Implementation of a mental spelling system based on steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP)
• Learning Markov random field image prior for pixelation removal of fiber microscopy using sparse coding based on Bayesian framework
• Modified pattern-reversal visual checkerboard stimuli with dual alternating frequencies for multi-class ssvep-based brain-computer interfaces
• Motor trajectory decoding based on fMRI-based BCI — A simulation study
• Multimodal imaging technique for rapid response brain-computer interface feedback
• Optimal channel selection based on statistical analysis in high dimensional NIRS data
• P300 speller using a new stimulus presentation paradigm
• Power consumption of wireless EEG device for BCI application: Portable EEG system for BCI
• The beginning of neurohaptics: Controlling cognitive interaction via brain haptic interface
• The effectiveness of epidural ECoG on brain computer interface in primate
• Three-dimensional upper limb movement decoding from EEG signals

Shining light on Depression - Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown

Depression is a complicated and heterogeneous mood disorder. It affects a big part of the adult population and results in a significant financial and social liability for countries worldwide. But what really is depression and what are its causes? How can it be treated and prevented?

On January 22nd a group of neuroscience students and researchers from Champalimaud Neuroscience Programme will explore this subject and try to find some answers about it.
If tickets (free) are sold out live streaming will be available during the event. Don't miss!

Muse: the brain sensing headband.

Interaxon from Canada recently announced the launch of a new EEG reading device: MUSE (version 2). As the old version, it measures the electric activity produced by the brain searching for behavior patterns and identifying states of mind. Basically uses alpha waves (8-12Hz) to find if the person is calm and focused or when is wandering.

Muse is the mental equivalent of a treadmill, which helps you exercise your brain with focused attention training. It improves your attention by training you to become aware of your distractions quicker and react faster to regain focus on what you’re doing.

Connected to a Smartphone it will process the signals in real-time alerting you if get distracted and helping you catch to regain focus increasing the productive in your activity.

According to the company, the main advantages that this product offers are:

It motivates you to change your brain

Studies show that the focused-attention and mindfulness exercises upon which Muse is based can cause the brain to change itself, making it more resistant to distractions. Muse makes this process more motivating, fun and efficient.

It improves how you respond to stress

In the short-term, this training has been shown to trigger the natural relaxation response – a state of deep rest that changes the physiological and emotional responses to stress. Your metabolism decreases and your heartbeat slows. The muscles relax, breathing becomes slower, and blood pressure decreases.

It gives you a lasting feeling of self-control

Stress is thought of as a perceived lack of control or unpredictability, associated with impaired cognitive performance, higher blood pressure, lowered immunity, and many more negative effects. 

It can improve your emotional state

We often think of distraction as something external, like the sound of a nearby conversation. However, Muse’s feedback algorithms are tailored to respond to both external and internal distractions.

Extended use can have amazing and lasting results

A study showed that 20 minutes of focused attention training for 3 days in a row has been shown to reduce pain, reduce anxiety, improve mood, and reduce heart rate. 

It is designed to help you form the habit

Research has shown using an app and starting with 3-5 minutes can dramatically help you with mental exercises like meditation. Muse starts you with 3 minute sessions and rewards you for your achievements, making sure it’s easy and motivating to train with Muse.

Waitting to receive posts from people who have tested this new MUSE.

The Future of Brain/Neural Computer Interaction: Horizon 2020

The European Commission's Framework Programme 7 as created a Coordination and Support Action (CSA) called BNCI Horizon 2020. This project aims to foster communication and collaboration among stakeholders in the field of BCIs.

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) have become a popular topic for research in recent years. A BCI is a communication device which allows people to control applications through direct measures of their brain activity. A BNCI (brain/neuronal computer interaction) system extends a BCI by including other physiological measures such as muscle or eye movement signals. 

The number of BCI research groups around the world, peer-reviewed journal articles, conference abstracts, and attendance at relevant conferences are indicators of the rapid growth of this field. With dozens of companies and research groups actively participating in the development of BCIs and related technologies, collaboration, a common terminology, and a clear roadmap have become important topics.

For more informations visit the Horizon 2020 Web page.

3rd International Winter Workshop on Brain-Computer Interfaces

From 12 until 14 January, 2015, at Seoul - Korea, will be held the conference 3rd International Winter Workshop on Brain-Computer Interfaces.

Different approaches to Brain-Computer Interfaces have been developed, each one with specific solutions that range from understanding and explaining cognitive functions over communicating with real and virtual environments by thought alone to real-time monitoring of cognitive states. 
The 3rd International Winter Conference on Brain-Computer Interface aims to encourage overview, in-depth talks and discussions on the latest research at all levels of BCI research. 
Its devotion includes:

• invasive recording, 
• semi-invasive ECoG, 
• non-invasive EEG, 
• non-invasive NIRS and fMRI measurement and 
• potential combinations of the different methods furthermore advances in data analysis. 

The Path to Happiness - Peace or Pleasure?

Next December 4th, Champalimaud Center of the Unknown will discuss what bring us happiness. Dr. Morten Kringelbach and Scott Rennie will talk about meditative practices and their impact on how the brain works.

Is it the pleasure of good wine or great sex? 
The lasting pleasure of helping people in need? 
Or perhaps it is simply the quiet moments free from stress when we are truly relaxed? 

A very interesting event to assist!  I will be there!  :-)

How to reduce your required sleep time to just 2 hours a day

Intelclinic presents a new project called NeuroOn. Using EEG/EOG/EMG and with a sleep mask it will be possible to switch from two different sleep states: monophasic and polyphasic. The result is a solution that offers less and better sleep.

What is polyphasic sleep?
It is a term referring to alternate sleep patterns that can reduce the required sleep time to just 2-6 hours daily. It involves breaking up your sleep into smaller parts throughout the day, which allows you to sleep less but feel as refreshed as if you slept for 8 hours or more.
Simply put, it's a series of fine-tuned power naps that allow you to sleep effectively, rest better and perform at optimum energy levels during the day.
Additionally, NeuroOn monitored polyphasic sleep allows you to sync your body clock to very demanding schedules at whatever time is convenient or required.
In conclusion, through great sleep efficiency, Polyphasic sleep can give you an extra 4 hours of free time every day. That’s up to 28 hours (1 day+) a week, 1460 hours a year.

This project will be completed in July 2014. For more information press here.

iPhone Mobile App that Reads your Brain Activity

MELON company from USA created a headband, very simple to use, that reads your brain activity. This device uses the electroencephalography to measure your focus level and process it to show the results in your iPhone.

Gain insight into how your mind works by tracking your focus during any activity you choose. Understand yourself. Learn differently. Imagine if you could see and understand the invisible activity of your brain. Could you transform how you work? Improve the way you meditate? Find a new way to be creative? Melon is a headband and mobile app duo that tracks and helps you improve your focus in relation to your activity, your environment, your emotions, and any other behavior you want to track.

For the developer community there are a Software Development Kit for iOS and Android apps, where it is possible to access to raw data, list of algorithms for different mental states and connect to and control other Bluetooth devices

This project is undoubtedly one step further to the future of BCI.