Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 18, 2025
Assessment and Communication for People with Disorders of Consciousness
Published on: August 1, 2017
Behind the Scenes of Noninvasive Brain-Computer Interfaces: A Review of Electroencephalography Signals, How They Are
Kevin M Pitt1, Jonathan S Brumberg2, Jeremy D Burnison3
1Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE.
Purpose:
Brain-computer interface (BCI) techniques may provide computer access for individuals with severe physical impairments. However, the relatively hidden nature of BCI control obscures how BCI systems work behind the scenes, making it difficult to understand how electroencephalography (EEG) records the BCI related brain signals, what brain signals are recorded by EEG, and why these signals are targeted for BCI control. Furthermore, in the field of speech-language-hearing, signals targeted for BCI application have been of primary interest to clinicians and researchers in the area of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). However, signals utilized for BCI control reflect sensory, cognitive and motor processes, which are of interest to a range of related disciplines including speech science.
Method:
This tutorial was developed by a multidisciplinary team emphasizing primary and secondary BCI-AAC related signals of interest to speech-language-hearing.
Results:
An overview of BCI-AAC related signals are provided discussing 1) how BCI signals are recorded via EEG, 2) what signals are targeted for non-invasive BCI control, including the P300, sensorimotor rhythms, steady state evoked potentials, contingent negative variation, and the N400, and 3) why these signals are targeted. During tutorial creation, attention was given to help support EEG and BCI understanding for those without an engineering background.
Conclusion:
Tutorials highlighting how BCI-AAC signals are elicited and recorded can help increase interest and familiarity with EEG and BCI techniques and provide a framework for understanding key principles behind BCI-AAC design and implementation.
