title: Can brain computer interfaces become practical assistive devices in the community?
abstract: A Brain Computer Interface (BCI) provides direct communication from the brain to a computer or electronic device. In order for BCIs to become practical assistive devices it is necessary to develop robust systems, which can be used outside of the laboratory. This paper appraises the technical challenges, and outlines the design of an intuitive user interface, which can be used for smart device control and entertainment applications, of specific interest to users. We adopted a user-centred approach, surveying two groups of participants: fifteen volunteers who could use BCI as an additional technology and six users with complex communication and assistive technology needs. Interaction is based on a four way choice, parsing a hierarchical menu structure which allows selection of room location and then device (e.g. light, television) within a smart home. The interface promotes ease of use which aim to improve the BCI communication rate.
authors.affiliation: School of Computing and Mathematics, University of Ulster, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: McCullagh
authors.forename: Melanie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ware
authors.forename: Maurice
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mulvenna
authors.forename: Gaye
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Lightbody
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Nugent
authors.forename: Gerry
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: McAllister
authors.forename: Eileen
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Thomson
authors.forename: Suzanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mathews
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Todd
authors.forename: Vicente
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Cruz Medina
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Carro
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D003196:Computer Graphics; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000379:methods*; D020380:Needs Assessment; D012656:Self-Help Devices; D006113:United Kingdom; D014584:User-Computer Interface