Principles of a brain-computer interface (BCI) based on real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Author

Weiskopf, Nikolaus ; Mathiak, Klaus ; Bock, Simon W. ; Scharnowski, Frank ; Veit, Ralf ; Grodd, Wolfgang ; Goebel, Rainer ; Birbaumer, Niels

Author_Institution

Center for Neurology, Univ. of Tubingen, Germany

Volume

51

Issue

6

fYear

2004

fDate

6/1/2004 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

966

Lastpage

970

Abstract

A brain-computer interface (BCI) based on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) records noninvasively activity of the entire brain with a high spatial resolution. We present a fMRI-based BCI which performs data processing and feedback of the hemodynamic brain activity within 1.3 s. Using this technique, differential feedback and self-regulation is feasible as exemplified by the supplementary motor area (SMA) and parahippocampal place area (PPA). Technical and experimental aspects are discussed with respect to neurofeedback. The methodology now allows for studying behavioral effects and strategies of local self-regulation in healthy and diseased subjects.

Keywords

bioelectric potentials; biomedical MRI; brain; feedback; haemodynamics; handicapped aids; medical image processing; neurophysiology; brain-computer interface; data processing; differential feedback; hemodynamic brain activity; neurofeedback; parahippocampal place area; real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging; self-regulation; supplementary motor area; Biomedical imaging; Blood; Brain computer interfaces; Delay; Electroencephalography; Hemodynamics; Magnetic resonance imaging; Neurofeedback; Psychology; Spatial resolution; Adult; Biofeedback (Psychology); Brain; Brain Mapping; Feasibility Studies; Feedback; Female; Hippocampus; Humans; Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Motor Cortex; Online Systems; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity; User-Computer Interface;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Biomedical Engineering, IEEE Transactions on

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0018-9294

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/TBME.2004.827063

Filename

1300789