Brain-computer interface challenges and solutions for communication and cognitive-linguistic development or assessment

Commercial translation of brain-computer interface (BCI) technology is advancing. BCIs provide a unique access method for communication and cognitive-linguistic assessment. BCI can also be used as an intervention to develop cognitive-linguistic skills. However, challenges remain to achieve effective and efficient clinical and home use by people with complex communication needs. The situation is further complicated by media hype that builds unrealistic expectations or fears regarding BCIs.BCI applications are being studied across the range of designs. BCI recording technology includes non-implanted (wearable) BCIs (EEG, fNIRs, MEG, etc.) or implanted (ECoG, microelectrodes, endovascular electrodes, depth electrodes, etc.) Mental strategies used for BCI control include motor imagery, P300, cognitive tasks, etc. Hybrid BCI systems combine multiple types of brain activity or may combine brain activity with input from physical movements. This Research Topic seeks studies identifying challenges and solutions for real-world implementation of BCI-based communication, computer access, and cognitive-linguistic development or assessment using BCI. Previously identified challenges include caregiver participation, situational anxiety and motivation, task demands, choice-making experience, BCI stimuli and screen layout, comprehension of task, age and attention span, processing speed, calibration time, electrode locations, and EEG headgear. Some challenges are well-studied and solutions are emerging. However, other challenges have been largely ignored and require both quantification and innovative solutions. Understudied challenges include teaching the BCI to people without established communication, having the BCI available but inactive when the user is not trying to use it, and variations in visual processing. Much work remains if BCIs are to provide the maximum benefit to individuals across the lifespan, both those with complex communication needs from infancy and those who have degenerative or acquired disabilities. Challenges can relate to technical issues or to social or environmental issues of system deployment and independent in-home use. Examples of in-scope topics include: Identifying challenges to BCI use or addressing a specific challenge. Methods, processes, protocols for introducing BCI incrementally.Challenges or solutions related to establishing realistic expectations as part of recruitment, assent, and consent of BCI research participants with limited communication ability.Solutions and strategies related to deployment/delivery of BCIs for independent in-home use. Metrics for measuring progress and outcomes.Outcome and performance measurement tools and protocols.Intervention plan for enabling BCI use by people without evidence of established language. Methods to introduce BCI to people (children or adults) without reliable current communication.Methods to teach BCI use to people (children or adults) who have never been successful using technology for communication.Approaches to teaching BCI to people (children or adults) who have limited attention spans. Topic editors: Jane E. Huggins, Mariska J Vansteensel, Petra Karlsson, Sonja C Kleih Dahms Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79959/brain-computer-interface-challenges-and-solutions-for-communication-and-cognitive-linguistic-development-or-assessment