The human brain: During the last decades a lot of research has been conducted, and many theories have been developed trying to unveil some of the secrets behind its enormous complexity. One of those theories called type physicalism asserts that all mental events can be translated into physical events like the firing of certain neurons of our nervous system. In other words, brain activity, thoughts and mental states can be measured and analyzed provided that we possess the appropriate equipment to do this. (1) Brain – Computer Interface (BCI), Setting Up Communication Channels Between The Inanimate And The Living

During each mental process, ionic fluent flows within the neurons of the brain. The result is the production of small currents that can be measured in the scalp using devices specially designed to do so, called EEG (Electroencephalograms) machines. EEG’s not only measure those signals but they can also analyze and translate them based on patterns. The basic components of an EEG machine include electrodes, connecting wires and amplifiers for data acquisition, a computer control module for analysis and signal translation, and a display device for user interface and information output. (2)(3) Electroencephalograms are said to be a non-invasive method since signal acquisition is evitable externally without any device penetrating the scalp. However, other methods such as brain implants exist using different approaches. The Brain implants solution is called an invasive method and in some cases it provides better results due to the direct faster and closer communication with the brain. Brain implants are widely used nowadays for neuroprosthetics applications, restoring hearing, sight or movement in people with disabilities.

EEG Based Application : A mind controlled wheelchair using EEG along with a programmed computer using the BCI 2000 software. A set of electrodes on a cap is wired to an amplifying, filtering, digitizing device which transfers the signals to a computer for analysis. The associated electronic equipment is smaller than a laptop and weighs less than on kilogram. (“Non invasive brain computer interface for movement control”) (4) (5) Invasive Method Application: A Cochlear Implant. Microphone: “collects” the sound Sound processor: receives the sound and changes it into an electrical signal. The audiologist programs the device through a computer to provide the best possible sound to the child. Transmitter coil: Sound is then sent through a cable to the transmitter coil and passes through the skin as an FM signal to an internal receiver/stimulator (the only part which is surgically implanted). The internal receiver/stimulator takes the FM signal and translates it back into an electrical signal. This electrical signal is then sent down a wire which has been surgically placed inside the cochlea. Electrodes on that wire then stimulate the auditory nerve (hearing nerve), which sends the information to the brain.

The System is an internationally acclaimed standard for electrode placement during EEG. The letters used are: "F" - Frontal lobe, "T" - Temporal lobe, "C" - Central lobe, "P" - Parietal lobe, "O" - Occipital lobe. (Note: There is no central lobe in the cerebral cortex. "C" is just used for identification purposes only.) Even numbers (2, 4, 6, 8) refer to the right hemisphere and odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7) refer to the left hemisphere. "Z" refers to an electrode placed on the mid line. The smaller the number, the closer the position to the mid line. "Fp" stands for Front polar. "Nasion" is the point between the forehead and nose. "Inion" is the bump at the back of the skull. The "10" and "20" (10-20 system) refer to the 10% and 20% inter electrode distance. (6) (7) The system is based in a neurostimulator, a machine that it is surgically implanted most usually at the subject’s clavicle. It is a battery powered device used to send and receive signals to the patient brain. To extract information from the brain, a custom designed Brain Activity Sensing Interface Integrated Circuit (BASIC) is added for sensing neural activity

Typical Datasheet signals from EEG’s. The reproducibility of these signals makes them perfect candidates for clinical test usage. The control unit of the EEG machine (embedded computer) receives the signal and compares them with previously stored results to identify patterns and translate the signal into simple commands. (“Non invasive brain computer interface for movement control “) (8)(9)

The EEG measurements are being done with the use of electrodes acting as sensors (input) and a statistical classifier which identifies mind states from data fed with the use of mathematical formulas. (Non invasive brain actuated control of a mobile robot by human EEG) “Class conditional probability function activation level” computation

Applications like Brain Downloads or Direct Knowledge implants may be reality someday in the future. New unprecedented ways of communication between human and computers will be possible. Being able to directly beam information from the web to your brain would increase at tremendous rates the ways people acquire and learn data. On the other hand direct brain manipulation raises many ethical concerns. Knowledge true or false may come in microchips. A chasm between the rich and the poor may be created. The reproduction of feelings in virtual brain stimulated realities will make current reality less interesting and lead people to live in virtual worlds. The wealthy may evolve into a superior race compared to the poor. An altered human nature could result in radical inequality. (10) (11)

Human Body Version 2.0 In the coming decades, a radical upgrading of our body’s physical and mental systems, already underway, will use nanobots to augment and ultimately replace our organs. We already know how to prevent most degenerative disease through nutrition and supplementation; this will be a bridge to the emerging biotechnology revolution, which in turn will be a bridge to the nanotechnology revolution. By 2030, reverse engineering of the human brain will have been completed and nonbiological intelligence will merge with our biological brains “Ray Kurzweil, Published on KurzweilAI.net February 17,2003” (12) If you are interested in more details on the subject you can contact me at