Abstract
Brain-Computer Interfaces allow for a more immersive connection with Digital Media. By using a BCI as a source of human input, we can further blur the line of X-reality by creating more immersive experiences with virtual reality. We’re also given the ability to explore a new form of communication, whether it be strengthening existing methods, allowing us to communicate with those we couldn’t before who suffer from disabilities, or expressing ourselves in new ways through experimental art. By using BCIs Digital Media can be expanded into new territories, and even help us learn more about ourselves.
Current State of BCIs
Brief overview of the technology behind BCIs
Brain Computer Interfaces (BCI) are nowadays more and more popular and they continue their blistering development. This technology now allows “interaction between humans and artificial devices” [2, p.1], interpreting the smallest signals in the brain and transmitting them to a device. Brain activity is reordered from the cortex, analyzed and filtered.
This technology is important because of the high cost of its analogues Electroencephalography (EEG) and Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (FMRI). All these devices have almost the same mechanism of work, however, while the price for the last two procedures starts from 499$, BCI are expected to be less expensive and allow wider access to analysis of the brain activity. That is why, its development seem to be one of the main priorities for computer science as it will guarantee the improvement of services connected with the brain analysis.
Main principle of the work of this device is based on the recording of the brain activity and brain waves. Recorded data should be compared with the data obtained in the process of investigation and then analyzed.
Current applications
Nowadays, existing devices allow usage of this technology even on current stage of its development. First of all, it can be used to investigate the level of concentration and performed actions in games. While using BCI, players show better level of concentration and results, as the information goes directly from the brain to different devices, omitting intermediate stages.
That is why, these devices suggest great variety of their usage in video games and virtual reality. There will be no need in keyboard anymore, as a player will be able to give orders only with the help of his brain and by means of his/her cerebral activity [3, p. 66]. It will obviously help to create the effect of immersive interplay. This technology is also absolutely necessary for virtual reality as it can guarantee the feeling of being involved in the process.
Moreover, being less expensive, this technology can give more opportunities for different researches and studies of the human brain, its activity and main processes. These investigations can lead to better understanding of the work of human consciousness and discovery of different ways to correct existing brain disorders.
Especially helpful this technology can be for disabled people as it was one of the main purposes which creators of devises of this sort pursued. “BCI was researched with the aim to help disabled persons and provide them, among other things, with a hands-free ‘communication channel’ to type messages, to control prostheses, or to navigate a wheelchair” [4, p. 652]. That is why, it is obvious that this technology can serve as a real salvation for these people, especially for those, who suffer from total paralysis, whose brain, however, still works [1].
Virtual World Immersion
Educational and Training Applications
Having already said about the application of BCI in the virtual world for gaming, it is also necessary to admit its importance for study and training. Undeniable advantage of using this technology for educational purposes is, that a person can get information directly, without paying attention to some input mediums or other devices which are aimed to help a man in his study.
Having understood advantages of this method, army men designed several devices which help to teach their pilots. These simulators create a special kind of virtual reality in which a pilot can train his skills not risking his life or a jetfighter. These simulators are proved to be effective and they continue to train pilots.
One of the reasons of such a great efficiency of this method is its ability to convert the information that is not available for human senses into the forms that are readable and measurable. That is why, it is much easier to analyze and adopt the data obtained due to devices of that kind. They influence directly human consciousness, allowing more accurate and adjusted training sequences.
Entertainment and Socializing
Modern games become more and more complicated and real. Moreover, with the development of devices which allow creation of virtual reality, the shift to a world of imagination, adventure and exploration can be observed. That is why, leading game producers look for more natural ways of interaction [5]. BCI can help to make X reality even more complicated and influence its following development, turning games of this sort into another kind or reality.
Such a great influence of the BCI can be explained by absolutely new way of connection which these devices allow. Due to the absence of necessity to type some commands or perform some other actions, a person can feel higher level of intercommunion between him/her and the virtual world. Obviously, such a tight bond leads to appearance of brighter feeling of reality of this world. That is why, BCI has such a great influence on the development of this sort games.
Nevertheless, such type of cooperation between players in the virtual world seems to be more realistic than usual mediated communication which is executed with the help of keyboard. That is why, it is possible to speak about more useful character of BCI if to compare them with the previous ways of communication in the virtual world.
Expanding Communication
Everyday Communication Value/Efficiency
Outlining advantages of BCI in the virtual world and among mediated forms of communication, it is necessary to underline positive effects which this technology can operate on face to face communication. The main advantage is that devices of this type can allow a person to formulate his thoughts more distinct. Very often, there is a problem with voicing of thoughts, while this technology deprives a person of the necessity of this action.
Taking it into account, it is possible to say that BCI can propel business relations to the next level. Partners will always understand each other, as there will be no need in some long introductions and explanations. Moreover, the level of trust will be much higher. In its turn, this fact can lead to increase of the level of incomes and improve the state of the world economy.
This improvement can be also achieved because of blurring of ethics distinctions. However, at the same time it can be a sort of a problem as it is always possible to get some extra information from somebodys head. That is why, it is possible to predict, that some ethic code should appear with the further development of BCI.
Those Who Couldn’t Communicate Freely
Speaking about BCIs influence on social sphere, its importance for people, who could not communicate freely, should be mentioned. It is obvious, that all restrictions can be destroyed. There is a great number of talented people who are not able to fulfill their potential because of different disabilities not connected with their brain activity. With this in mind, BCI can be applied to help them.
Devices of this sort are expected to help people which suffer from the locked-in syndrome. The problem is, that their brain works perfect, while their body functions not well. That is why, it is possible to scan their brain waves to determine their brain activity and help them to communicate and socialize.
Moreover, people, which are physically disabled in the real world, can enjoy being absolutely healthy in virtual world. BCI can allow these people to feel even more realistic emotions as signals can be transmitted directly to their cortex. That is why, this idea can be taken as some sort of salvation for them.
Abstract Art
Development of these technologies also influences another sphere of human society. BCI supplies artists with new ways of expressing their thoughts and views. “It allows them to glimpse at human mental capabilities using a low-cost off-the-shelf affective neuro system to interface with computers in order to explore and experiment with human mind’s untapped potential” [6, p. 642]. Feelings and emotions can be expressed as brightly as they never have been before.
The fact is, that devices of this sort allow deeper investigation of the human brain which, in its turn, results in better understanding of what kind of art is needed and preferred. That is why, it is possible to say that music of the future could be composed entirely through BCI as this way gives deeper understanding of processes and emotions.
Conclusion/The Future
BCIs’ Premises of Further Development
Having analyzed the data connected with BCI and possible ways of development and application of this technology, it is possible to make some conclusions. First of all, it should be said that BCI allow further development of virtual devices and deeper immersion in this sphere. Application of BCI can be done both for entertaining and educational purposes as the results achieved with the help of this technology will be higher.
Moreover, it is very important discovery for disabled people. Being locked in their body, they are not able to move or socialize, while application of the BCI can change this situation for better, suggesting some new ways for these people to express their feelings and emotions without the help of their weak body.
Technical progress has always meant introducing of new ways of expressing feelings and emotions for artists. That is why, the application of BCI can also influence appearance of new kinds of art. People will be able to look into their brain and consciousness deeper, that is why their works will be more emotional.
Moreover, some positive shift can be observed in the ways of communicating in virtual space. BCI will be able to change existing image of games and means of communication due to the character of data interchange. Transmitting signals directly to the brain of another player, a person will be able to communicate more lively and become more socialized than using other mediated ways of communication.
Predictions of Further Development
That is why, it is possible to predict further development of BCI and technologies of this sort, as it can promote further improvement of the virtual reality and means of communication.
Positive influence of the BCI on professional collaborations should also be taken into account and some certain investigations in this field should be expected.
Moreover, these technologies give countless number of abilities for art, that is why it is obvious, that BCI will continue their development and growth.
References
- A. Kübler, et al., “Brain-Computer Communication: Unlocking the Locked In” Psychological Bulletin, vol. 127, no. 3, pp. 358-375, 2001.
- A. Kübler and K. Müller, “An Introduction to Brain-Computer Interfacing” in Toward Brain-Computer Interfacing, G. Dornhege, et al., Eds. Cambridge: The MIT Press, 2007, pp. 1-25.
- A. Lecuyer, et al., “Brain-Computer Interfaces, Virtual Reality, and Videogames” Computer, vol. 41, no. 16, pp. 66-72, 2008.
- A. Nijholt and H. Gürkök, “Multi-Brain Games: Cooperation and Competition” in Universal Access in Human-Computer Interaction. Design Methods, Tools, and Interaction Techniques for eInclusion, UAHNCI 2013, Las Vegas, NV, USA, July 21-26, 2013, C. Stephanidis and M. Antona, Eds. Berlin: Springer, 2013. pp. 652-661.
- D. Plass-Oude Bos, et al., “Brain-Computer Interfacing and Games” in Brain-Computer Interfaces: Applying our Minds to Human-Computer Interaction, T. Desney and A. Nijholt Eds. Berlin: Springer, 2010. pp. 149-178.
- T. Fraga. “Experimental Art with Brain Controlled Interface” in Universal Access in Human-Computer Interaction. Design Methods, Tools, and Interaction Techniques for eInclusion, UAHNCI 2013, Las Vegas, NV, USA, 2013, C. Stephanidis and M. Antona, Eds. Berlin: Springer, 2013. pp. 642-651.