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Brain Computer Interfaces
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Controlling computers by thoughts

Abstract
The field of Human Computer Interaction (HCI) is an interdisciplinary development having roots in
computer graphics, operating systems, human factors, ergonomics, cognitive psychology, and
others [SIGCHI_HCI]. This term implies that there is a bidirectional communication between the
computer and the user where each communication channel may utilize very different techniques and
devices for effective communication (one channel for user input and one channel for feedback to
the user by the computer).
Current devices for achieving input into the computer mainly require physical or more precisely
mechanical operation by the user, e.g. mouse and keyboard. Feedback from the computer is
commonly given by audio/visual elements, e.g. speakers and monitors showing GUIs. However, the
limitations in terms of usability and accessibility are well understood and have become apparent
throughout the course of time. The main principle in overcoming these limitations is called
Multimodal Interaction and there is a lot of ongoing research in this field. For example, current
developments in Multimodal Interaction propose a combination of a visual modality with a voice
modality for better usability and accessibility.
A somewhat unconventional approach to achieving human-computer-interaction involves directly
translating thoughts of the user into commands to the computer. In this context the term “thought”
refers to the computer-aided interpretation of neuronal activities of the user. Neuronal activities may
be recorded either at certain extremities of the human (arms, legs, etc.) or at the brain itself by
analyzing brain waves. In principle, this approach is not limited to input into the computer but
moreover may include methods for the computer to give feedback to the user by directly stimulating
neurons.
This paper gives an overview of this small subset of HCI putting an emphasis on Brain-Computer-
Interaction (BCI). We will elaborate on its historical background, technologies used for
implementing it and finally we will discuss possible and current applications.




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