ABSTRACT

This chapter investigates the techniques and technologies of the brain–computer interface (BCI). BCI is a subset of the human–computer interface (HCI) that seeks to establish data input and output connections between the central and peripheral nervous systems and various computer devices and applications. The investigation is divided into three sections. The first undertakes a critical review of BCI in science fiction, since the technology is first presented and prototyped in fiction. The second section evaluates current BCI design and development, investigating state-of-the-art technology for both non-invasive and invasive BCI systems. The third and final section takes stock of the difference separating science fiction from science fact in order to account for current expectations and future opportunities in BCI design, development, and deployment. In the end, it is argued that BCI, although initially promising a kind of direct connection between the brain and computer applications, is no more or less mediated than other forms of HCI. For this reason, current and near-term future BCI holds greater promise for the development of neuroprostheses than it does for achieving full brain emulation or the uploading and downloading of human consciousness.