Neural Signal Based Control of the Dasher Writing System

Integration of the Dasher text-entry program with a brain-computer interface (BCI) system may give individuals with severe motor disabilities the ability to write using their neural signals. Five able-bodied participants previously trained to control their neural signals using motor imagery in an electroencephalogram-based BCI study were trained to control the Dasher program using similar methods. The time to write simple phrases in Dasher using BCI and standard mouse inputs were compared. To compare with existing technology, four disabled participants wrote the same phrases using their own augmentative communication input. The time to input phrases with Dasher-BCI was greater than that for Dasher-mouse and other alternative inputs. However, as Dasher is optimized for BCI control, it will become increasingly useful for people with severe motor and speech disabilities.