Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are the new frontier in technology that allows for direct communication between the brain and computers. This new technology creates opportunities to improve the accessibility of information, entertainment, work, and healthcare via mobile applications. In this blog, we will discuss how BCIs can be incorporated into mobile apps, what advantages and disadvantages may exist, and what other possibilities exist for this rapidly developing area.
What Are Brain-Computer Interfaces?
Brain-computer interfaces are devices that enable the user to control outside devices using signals from the brain. Usually, BCIs employ electroencephalogram (EEG) to capture the brain signals. These EEG signals are then translated and understood by complex software to perform particular tasks. The fundamentals of BCIs include signal recording and amplification, signal processing, feature extraction, classification, and application control.
- Signal Acquisition: The first process is to record the brain signals through some non-invasive procedures such as electroencephalogram. These signals depict the electrical activity in the brain.
- Preprocessing: This raw EEG data is usually contaminated by noise. Filtering and artifact removal steps are very important to obtain clean signals.
- Feature Extraction: This step involves extracting relevant features from preprocessed EEG signals that are important when classifying the signals.
- Classification: They are categorized by the machine learning algorithms into various mental states or commands.
- Application Control: The classified signals are then converted into commands that are used to control other outside devices including mobile applications.
Applications of BCIs in Mobile Apps
Mobile apps are one of the most common applications of BCIs among people, and they are widely used in different areas.
Accessibility
One of the most significant benefits for BCIs in mobile apps is to improve the accessibility for people with motor disabilities. Because BCIs allow for control of mobile devices through signals in the brain, this makes it possible for the user to manipulate his or her phone without having to come into contact with the device. It is especially helpful for those with diseases like ALS or spinal cord injuries.
Example: A proof of concept using BCI is the ability of fully locked-in syndrome patients to operate applications on their smartphones, which is an invaluable aid to increase the quality of their lives.
Gaming
The incorporation of BCIs into mobile gaming can help augment the experience by enabling the users to manipulate game objects through their minds. This not only makes the user interact more with the game but also opens up new genres of games that are controlled with mental commands. Games that incorporate BCI technology can provide the players with various possibilities where they can influence certain aspects of the game world with focus, relaxation, or other mental states.
Example: Leveraging BCI for gaming involves the process of creating a dataset, training the learning algorithms, classification, and the final decision of the game results based on the brain signals.
Productivity
It is possible to enhance the development of productivity apps that interact with the user’s cognitive state through BCIs. For instance, an application that is BCI-controlled could change notifications or recommend a rest when it identifies signs of information overload or the user’s fatigue. These apps can assist the user in organizing their work most effectively depending on the mental load and suggesting interventions at the right time.
Example: A brain-machine interface implemented on a mobile phone can analyze multi-channel signals received from a Bluetooth headset to recognize movements respond to commands and boost the clients’ experience when using productivity applications.
Healthcare
In the healthcare industry, BCIs can be applied in the monitoring and treatment categories. Mobile applications that are linked to BCIs can be useful in mental health management by offering feedback on neurological conditions. For example, an application built on BCI could track the brain signals that could indicate stress or anxiety and then prescribe relaxation techniques.
Example: When implemented in the user experience design, BCI technology will be considerable in the advancement of the health monitoring and therapy interfaces which will in one way or another help in improving the experience of the patients.
Challenges and Limitations
While the potential of BCIs in mobile applications is vast, several challenges need to be addressed:
Accuracy and Reliability
Thus, for BCIs, the ability to interpret the signals similarly for different settings and different users is of primary importance. Variability of signal and noise from one subject to another in the EEG data can be a challenge to BCI systems.
Example: In the case of the BCI-based smart-home interfaces’ studies, it is essential to underline that signal processing and the selection of the classification algorithm define the possibility of the right usage of home devices.
User Experience
Maintaining the naturalness of the interface that is enabled by the BCI is important when it comes to usage. In general, the incorporation of BCI technology in the design of applications will enhance the performance of the applications, but the comfort of the users has to be put into consideration.
Example: Controlling a smartphone with BCIs is directed at the enhancement of the GUI and the ergonomics of the BCI such as neck discomfort.
Privacy and Security
Since BCIs may have access to the user’s information, the issue of privacy and security should be well implemented. This involves ensuring that the brain signal data is secured from access from other people and ensuring that the applications that integrate with BCIs are not violating the privacy of the users.
Example: A study on the privacy and security of BCI applications describes the possibility of decoding private information from the recorded EEG signal and the necessity for security measures.
New Opportunities for Mobile Applications Based on BCI
Personalized Learning
One of the most promising areas of BCIs’ application is individual training. The educational apps controlled by BCI can be adjusted to the current load on the student’s brain and their learning rate. For instance, if a student is having difficulty in solving a problem, the app can sense that the cognitive load is high and offer more information or change the approach to cater to the student’s learning style. This adaptability can help improve the learning outcomes in a big way.
Entertainment and Media
Besides gaming, BCIs can be used to transform other entertainment and media-related activities. For instance, BCIs can be applied in interactive storytelling applications where the plot of the story shifts depending on the user’s emotions and cognitive processes. This could build a new groundwork for interaction and personalization of the media content delivery to the users.
Virtual and Augmented Reality
BCIs combined with virtual reality and augmented reality technologies can offer very effective environments. The control of the VR worlds or AR overlays is not only through the hands but also through the mind hence more natural. This can be particularly helpful in the context of training and development, therapy and rehabilitation, and gaming applications.
Remote Work and Collaboration
In light of the increasing trend of remote work, BCIs can improve applications for remote work. Applications based on BCI can assess the level of overload and stress during videoconferencing and give recommendations on how to improve the effectiveness of interaction. For example, if the system realizes that the participant is too tired, it can recommend taking a break or changing the form of the meeting to increase efficiency and avoid fatigue.
Conclusion
The interaction of BCI with mobile applications presents a wide and diverse possibility of changing several areas of our existence. From increasing the quality of life for persons with disabilities to creating better gaming experiences, increasing efficiency, and furthering the medical field, BCIs offer many possibilities. However, achieving this potential is not without its major concerns in accuracy, usability, and security.
Future advancements in BCI technology may address these issues to enable new applications that can revolutionize the way people use their portable devices. Continuing with the possibilities, it is highly likely that BCIs are going to play a vital role in advancing the mobile technology experience in the future.
