Brain-computer interface, a direct connection created between the brain of a human or animal and an external device that enables the exchange of information between the brain and the device. When humans think, neurons in the cerebral cortex generate tiny electrical currents. Different neurons are activated when humans perform different thinking activities.
As the name suggests, a non-invasive brain-computer interface is an interface that works without invading the brain's programs. Non-invasive brain-computer interfaces work primarily on the principle of electroencephalography (EEG). EEG is mainly used in the medical field to observe and analyze the brain wave activity of a patient. In medical devices, EEG is achieved by attaching multiple electrodes to the patient's scalp. EEG measures voltage fluctuations caused by ionic currents within neurons in the brain. EEG records the self-generated activity of the brain over a period of time. Most non-invasive brain-computer interface models use the concept of EEG. One of the most famous is the Divine Mind Technology, a consumer-friendly product that uses the EEG concept.
Scientists actually had the idea of creating early brain-computer interface technology a long time ago, but due to technological limitations, there has been little substantial progress. In the time since then, people have continued to innovate algorithms and applications for the technology. If the development of brain-computer interface technology is divided into three stages: the first stage is the science fiction stage, the second stage is the scientific evidence stage, the third stage is the current stage, mainly focusing on what technology path to realize the brain-computer interface technology, there will be a variety of technological methods, into the "technological explosion period".
Brain-computer interface technology can control external devices by directly extracting these neural signals from the brain, which will bridge the gap between humans and machines, and ultimately facilitate communication between humans and create great value. The terms "neuroprosthetics" and "brain-computer interface" are often used interchangeably because of the similarity of goals and means of realization. Neuroprosthetics and brain-computer interfaces attempt to achieve a ****similar goal, such as restoring visual, auditory, motor, and even cognitive abilities. Both use similar experimental methods and surgical techniques.