BRAIN-COMPUTER INTERFACE

Smart overview of the Invention

A brain-computer interface (BCI) system utilizes a visual stimulus that overlays one or more objects, featuring distinct modulation characteristics. This system measures the neural responses of users to the visual stimuli presented, allowing it to differentiate between passive viewing and active selection of objects. By correlating the neural responses to the modulation of the visual stimuli, the BCI can determine whether a user intends to interact with an object or is simply exploring it.

Technical Background

In existing visual BCIs, challenges arise when users are presented with multiple stimuli. Current methods can identify when a stimulus is perceived but struggle to pinpoint which specific object is being focused on. Surface electroencephalography (EEG) is often employed for its non-invasive nature and ability to capture real-time brain activity. However, distinguishing between mere observation and intentional selection remains a significant hurdle in accurately interpreting user intentions.

Challenges in Existing Interfaces

The “Midas Touch” problem complicates interactions in visual BCIs, where users may unintentionally trigger actions simply by looking at a target. Traditional eye-tracking methods rely on dwell time to infer user intent, which can be frustrating and inaccurate. This issue is prevalent in both eye-tracking systems and BCIs, as users may focus on objects without intending to interact with them.

Proposed Solution

The proposed BCI system introduces a compound visual stimulus composed of two distinct portions, each with unique modulations and visual properties. By capturing neural responses to these stimuli, the system can assess whether a user is merely observing or intentionally focusing on an object. For example, using different colors for each portion helps users consciously discriminate between them, enhancing the accuracy of intention recognition.

System Components and Functionality

The BCI system consists of several components: a display unit for showing image data, a stimulus generator for creating visual stimuli with specific modulations, and a neural signal capture device to monitor brain activity. An interfacing device processes the captured neural signals to determine which visual stimulus corresponds to the user's focus. By generating compound stimuli with distinct properties, the system improves the ability to infer user intentions accurately.