A Review on Brain Imaging Techniques for BCI Applications

Abstract

Evolution has endowed human race with the most adroit brain, and to harness its potential to the fullest the concept of brain computer interface (BCI) has emerged. One of the most crucial components of BCI is the technique of brain imaging. The first approach in the field of brain imaging was to measure the electrical and magnetic activity of the brain, the techniques being known as Electroencephalography and Magnetoencephalography. Striving for furtherance, researchers came up with another alternative known as Magnetic Resonance Imaging. But it being confined to only structural imaging, the functional aspects of brain were mapped using functional magnetic resonance imaging. A similar but comparatively newer neuroimaging modality is Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation neuro-physiological technique is based on the principle of electromagnetic induction. Based on nuclear medicine the brain imaging technologies that are widely explored in the world of BCI are Positron Emission Tomography and Single Positron Emission Tomography.