TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION TO BRAIN GATE TECHNOLOGY 1

1.1 BRAIN GATE 2

2 WORKING OF BRAIN GATE 3

2.1 THE BRAIN GATE COMPONENTS 5

2.1.1 THE CHIP 5

2.1.2 THE CONNECTER 6

2.1.3 THE CONVERTER 6

2.1.4 THE COMPUTER 6

3. NEED FOR BRAIN GATE TECHNOLOGY 8

4. RESEARCH AND EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS 9

5. APPLICATIONS 10

6. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES 11

7.1 ADVANTAGES 11

7.2 DISADVANTAGES 11

7. CONCLUSION 13

8. FUTURE SCOPE 14

REFERENCES
 LIST OF FIGURES

1.1.1 Brain Gate 2

2.1.1 Brain Gate Diagram 3

2.2.1 Brain Gate Deep Working 4

2.2.2 Chip Working 5

2.2.3 Brain Gate Working 7

 ABSTRACT

Thousands of people around the world suffer from paralysis, rendering them dependent
on others to perform even the most basic tasks. But that could change, thanks to the latest
achievements in the field of Brain-Gate Technology, which could help them regain a portion
of their lost independence. The mind-to-movement system that allows a quadriplegic man to
control a computer using only his thoughts is a scientific milestone. Brain-Gate neural interface
system is based on, Cyber kinetics platform technology to sense, transmit, analyze and apply
the language of neurons. Scientists are to implant tiny computer chips in the brains of paralyzed
patients which could ‘read their thoughts’. It would be a huge therapeutic application for people
who have seizures, which leads to the idea of a ‘pacemaker for the brain’.
Seminar 2019 Brain-Gate Technology

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION TO BRAIN GATE TECHNOLOGY

The main concept behind this technology is the idea of implanting tissue
microelectrodes known as cortical neural prosthetics (CNPs) into specific portions of the brain
to permit the recording of electrical signals sent from both the surface of the brain and within
the cerebral cortex region. The motor cortex is chosen as the location to implant the device
because it produces the cleanest movement signal. There are thousands of different portions of
the brain that control how we function and move. These signals are then translated into
command signals that drive a biomedical device, such as a prosthetic limb or computer display.
By implanting the CNP into the motor cortex section, nearly smooth movements can be
obtained .

Every CNP is composed of three building blocks without these the CNPs would not
work effectively:

a. Microelectrodes and Recording Electronics

Chronic electrodes provide many individual recording sites implanted permanently in

the cerebral cortex. The recording electronics condition and discriminate the recorded
signal.

b. Actuators

These can be animated computer displays, movement of a robot arm, or activation of

muscles in a subject’s own arm.

1.1 BRAIN GATE

Depth scientific findings from the pilot trial of a device called Brain Gate. The Brain
Gate Neural (mentioned in Figure 1.1.1 Brain Gate) Interface Device is a proprietary brain-
computer interface that consists of an internal neural signal sensor and external processors that
convert neural signals into an output signal under the users own control.

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Seminar 2019 Brain-Gate Technology

Figure 1.1.1: Brain Gate

The Brain Gate Neural Interface System is an investigational assistive device designed
by Cyber kinetics, Inc. Brain Gate, the technology includes an electrode array. The computer
chip, which is implanted into the brain, monitors brain activity in the patient and converts the
intention of the user into computer commands.

A monkey can feed itself with a robotic arm simply by using signals from its brain, an
advance that could enhance prosthetics for people, especially those with spinal cord injuries.
Now, using the Brain Gate system in the current human trials, a 25 year old quadriplegic has
successfully been able to switch on lights, adjust the volume on a TV, change channels and
read e-mail using only his brain. Crucially, the patient was able to do these tasks while carrying
on a conversation and moving his head at the same time.

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CHAPTER 2

WORKING OF BRAINGATE

The system is designed to restore functionality for a limited, immobile group of

severely motor-impaired individuals. It is expected that people using the Brain Gate System
will employ a personal computer as the gateway to a range of self-directed activities. These
activities may extend beyond typical computer functions (e.g., communication) to include the
control of objects in the environment such as a telephone, a television and lights.

Figure 2.1.1 Brain Gate diagram

The Brain Gate System is based on Cyber kinetics’ platform technology to sense,
transmit, analyze and apply the language of neurons. The System consists of a sensor that is
implanted on the motor cortex of the brain and a device that analyzes brain signals. The
principle of operation behind the Brain Gate System is that with intact brain function, brain
signals are generated even though they are not sent to the arms, hands and legs. The signals are
interpreted and translated into cursor movements, offering the user an alternate “Brain Gate
pathway” to control a computer with thought, just as individuals who have the ability to move
their hands use a mouse.The Diagram is briefly explained in Figure 2.1.1.

Cyber kinetics is further developing the Brain Gate System to potentially provide limb
movement to people with severe motor disabilities. The goal of this development program
would be to allow these individuals to one day use their own arms and hands again. Limb

Department of CSE 7
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movement developments are currently at the research stage and are not available for use with
the existing Brain Gate System. In addition Cyberkinetics is developing products to allow for
robotic control, such as a thought-controlled wheelchair.

The Brain Gate Neural Interface System is an investigational device. It is not

approved for sale and is available only through a clinical study.

The sensor consists of a tiny chip smaller than a baby aspirin, with one hundred
electrode sensors each thinner than a hair that detect brain cell electrical activity.

Figure 2.2.1.Brain Gate Deep Working

A man with paralysis of all four limbs could directly control objects around him – open
simulated email, play a game of Pong, adjust the volume on the television set – using only his
thoughts. These pilot clinical trial findings, featured on the cover of Nature, mark major
advance in neuroscience, one that offers hope to people with severe motor impairments .The
working in deep is explained in the above Figure 2.2.1.

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Seminar 2019 Brain-Gate Technology

2.1 THE BRAINGATE COMPONENTS

2.1.1 The Chip

A 4-millimeter square silicon chip (working is mentioned in Figure 2.2.3.) studded with
100 hair-thin microelectrodes is embedded in Nagle’s primary motor cortex – the region of the
brain responsible for controlling movement. When Nagle thinks “move cursor up and left”
(toward email icon), his cortical neurons fire in a distinctive pattern; the signal is transmitted
through the pedestal plug attached to his skull.

Figure 2.2.2. Chip Working

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Seminar 2019 Brain-Gate Technology

2.1.2 The Connector

When the person thinks of moving the computer cursor, electrodes on the silicon chip
implanted into the person’s brain detect neural activity. His cortical neurons fire in a distinctive
pattern, the signal is transmitted through the pedestal plug attached to the skull.

2.1.3 The Converter

The signal travels to a shoebox-sized amplifier mounted on Nagle’s wheelchair, where

it’s converted to optical data and bounced by fiber-optic cable to a computer.

2.1.4 The Computer

Brain Gate learns to associate patterns of brain activity with particular imagined movements –
up, down, left, right – and to connect those movements to a cursor.

A thin sensor the size of an aspirin is implanted on the brain’s surface to monitor the
signals that control muscles. The sensor is connected by wires to a small pedestal on the scalp.
This pedestal allows the Brain Gate computer to be connected to the brain by a fiber optic
cable. The System processes the brain signals, which may allow people to control the cursor
on a computer screen by thinking.

Without these 4 components, the neural signals would not be able to be properly
monitored and recorder. As Figure 2.2.3 (below) displays, the motor cortex, including the
somatic sensory cortex, is the chief connection between the brain and the movement.

Figure 2.2.3. Brain Gate Working

Department of CSE 7
Seminar 2019 Brain-Gate Technology

After allowing Nagle to recover from surgery for three weeks, the team was thrilled to
observe that the system was working correctly and they were able to accurately monitor
Nagle’s neural signals. Nagle then went through many training session to teach him carefully
concentrate on performing a skill in his mind only, instead of actually doing the task with his
hands.

Since the surgery, Nagel has been able to perform basic skills such as controlling a
computer cursor and turning down the television volume using only his mind. In order to
perform such activities, a connector in Nagle’s scalp is attached to computers by a bundle of
wires as thick as a coaxial cable . Nagle is also assisted by a team of technicians who are present
to help guide him through different thought processes and help with anything that he needs.
They are also there to monitor the signals being recorded and how much his progress increases
with each day.

Remarkable progress involving neuro-prosthetic research with human subjects has been
made recently, and these advances can potentially improve the lives of impaired individuals
around the world. There are currently four patients with these implantations who are being
worked with daily. These developments could not have been made without the principal
companies and universities that are behind the neurotechnology research.

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CHAPTER 3

NEED FOR BRAIN GATE TECHNOLOGY

Based on the requirement of these patients, the team outlines three key findings:

1. Movement signals persist in the primary motor cortex, the area of the brain
responsible for movement, long after a spinal cord injury;

2. Spiking from many neurons – the language of the brain – can be recorded and routed
outside the human brain and decoded into command signals;

3. Paralyzed humans can directly and successfully control external devices, such as a
computer cursor and robotic limb, using these neural command signals.

Currently available assistive devices have significant limitations for both the person in
need and the caregiver. For example, even simple switches must be adjusted frequently, a
process that can be time consuming. In addition, these devices are often obtrusive and may
prevent the user from being able to simultaneously use the device and at the same time establish
eye contact or carry on conversations with others.

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CHAPTER 4

RESEARCH AND EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS

The first reported experiments involving the implantation of the microelectrode array
in one human subject were carried out in 2002 by Kevin Warwick, Mark Gesson and Peter
Kyberd .The procedure, which was performed at the Radcliffe Infirmary, involved the
implantation of the array in the peripheral nerves of the subject in order to successfully bring
about both motor and sensory functionality, i.e. bi-directional signalling.

The subsequent full clinical trial of BrainGate, was led by researchers at Massachusetts
General Hospital, Brown University, and the Department of Veterans Affairs and ran from
2004 to 2006, involving the study of four patients with tetraplegia. The results, published in a
2006 article in the journal Nature, showed that a human with tetraplegia was able to control a
cursor on a computer screen just by thinking, enabling him to open emails, and to operate
devices such as a television. One participant, Matt Nagle, had a spinal cord injury, whilst
another had advanced ALS.

In July 2009, a second clinical trial (dubbed "BrainGate2") was initiated by researchers
at Massachusetts General Hospital, Brown University, and the Providence VA. In November
2011, researchers from the Stanford University Neural Prosthetics Translational Laboratory
joined the trial as a second site. This trial is ongoing.

In May 2012, Brain Gate researchers published a study in Nature demonstrating that
two people paralyzed by brainstem stroke several years earlier were able to control robotic
arms for reaching and grasping. One participant, Cathy Hutchinson, was able to use the arm to
drink coffee from a bottle, the first time she was able to drink unaided in 15 years. This took
place on site at The Boston Home in Dorchester, Massachusetts, a specialized residence where
Ms. Hutchinson resided. The study included researchers at Brown University, the Department
of Veterans Affairs, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and the German
Aerospace Centre.

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CHAPTER 5

APPLICATIONS

1. They believe the Brain Gate sensor, which involves implanting electrodes in the brain, could
offer new hope to people Paralyzed by injuries or illnesses.

2. It will now be possible for a patient with spinal cord injury to produce brain signals that relay
the intention of moving the paralyzed limbs, as signals to an implanted sensor, which is then
output as electronic impulses. These impulses enable the user to operate mechanical devices
with the help of a computer cursor.

3. Computer interface approaches include: its potential to interface with a computer without
weeks or months of training; its potential to be used in an interactive environment, where the
user’s ability to operate the device is not affected by their speech, eye movements or ambient
noise; and the ability to provide significantly more usefulness and utility than other approaches
by connecting directly to the part of the brain that controls hand movement and gestures.

4. Instead of a robotic hand, disabled users could have robotic braces attached to their own
limbs, allowing them to move and directly interact with the environment.

5. Signals could be sent to the appropriate motor control nerves in the hands, bypassing a
damaged section of the spinal cord and allowing actual movement of the subject’s own hands.

6. The brain gate system has allowed people with paralysis to operate a computer in order to
read e-mail, control a wheelchair and operate a robotic hand.

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CHAPTER 6

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

5.1 ADVANTAGES

1. Brain Gate can remain safely implanted in the brain for at least two years.

2. Later it can safely be removed as well.

3. Spiking from many neurons the language of the brain can be recorded, routed outside the
human brain and decoded into command signals.

4. Paralyzed humans can directly and successfully control external devices, such as a
computer cursor using these neural command signals.

5. The speed, accuracy, and precision are comparable to a non-disabled person there is no
training necessary (just the ability to think of an action).

5.2 DISADVANTAGES

1. One of the issues with this technology is that CNPs are implanted directly into the brain
tissue. This is a particularly dangerous process since brain tissue is very sensitive. All objects
that are inserted into the brain damage the parenchyma, the key elements of an organ essential
to its functioning.

2. Blood vessels can be damaged and cause micro haemorrhaging during insertion. Neurons
can also be ripped and destroyed. How to best avoid this type of tissue and cell damage during
implantation is still not well understood. The shape and size of the electrode, and the way it is
inserted, are probably critical factors in determining the type of damage incurred.

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3. Another practical concern is the speed at which a patient can learn how to control movement
in order to manage a number of tasks. The technology has to deliver to patients short-term
benefits while they continue to expand their capabilities over time. Minimizing the learning
curve is key.

4. As these technology hurdles are resolved and the capacity to deploy commercially improves,
the existing gaps between researchers, manufacturers, and patients will begin to dissipate.

5. Reading brain signals is not an easy task as even a simple movement, such as raising a hand,
requires electrical signals from many regions of the brain.

6. Implanted electrodes pick up just a tiny fraction of the signals from neurons that fire.

7. Difficult for the computer to convert signals resulting in the cursor jiggling and making
it difficult to select icons on the screen with accuracy.

8. Other Brain Gate shortcomings include:

a. Size: Brain gate right now has a bulky look with cables and processors. The device
has to be less bulky to make the technology mainstream.

b. Calibration: In its current form, it is essential to recalibrate the device before each
use by the patient. The team is working on automated calibration to allow greater
independence to the use.

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CHAPTER 7

CONCLUSION

The primary goal of this technology and devices like brain gate is to help those are who
are paralyzed to perform routine activities that are part of normal human existence.The brain
gate can be used to replace the memory centre in patients affected by strokes, epilepsy or
Alzheimer’s disease. The ‘Brain-Gate’ device can provide paralyzed or motor-impaired
patients a mode of communication through the translation of thought into direct computer
control. Normal humans may also be able to utilize Brain-Gate technology to enhance their
relationship with the digital world provided they are willing to receive the implant.

The idea of moving robots or prosthetic devices not by manual control, but by mere
“thinking” (i.e., the brain activity of human subjects) has been a fascinated approach. Medical
cures are unavailable for many forms of neural and muscular paralysis. The enormity of the
deficits caused by paralysis is a strong motivation to pursue BMI solutions. So this idea helps
many patients to control the prosthetic devices of their own by simply thinking about the task.
This technology is well supported by the latest fields of Biomedical Instrumentation,
Microelectronics; signal processing, Artificial Neural Networks and Robotics which has
overwhelming developments. Hope these systems will be effectively implemented for many
Bio-medical applications.

The Brain Gate Technology is used for the future implementation of neural networks.
In the future, the Brain Gate System could be used by those individuals whose injuries are less
severe. Next generation products may be able to provide an individual with the ability to control
devices that allow breathing, bladder and bowel movements.

"The results hold out the promise to one day be able to activate limb muscles with
these brain signals, effectively restoring brain to muscle control via a physical nervous system."

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CHAPTER 8

FUTURE SCOPE

Computer and human interface will probably be one of the most important areas of
development in next few decades. While we work to master our technology to make computers
work for us more efficiently, and double processing power every 18month, little we have seen
to improve our direct interaction with computers.

What we seen is form factor changes (tablet/smart phone), introduction to motion

sensing input (Kinect), use of GPS, accelerometer, google goggle, google glass, etc. In my
opinion, we probably took a step back by heavily depending upon touch keyboards moving
away from using 10 fingers (QWERTY keyboard) to 2 fingers. Fashion statements have
become one of the key driving factors in the market. Most of our attempts to make handwriting
recognition popular were never successful.

Our ability to instruct computers directly from our brain will probably be one of the
great leap forward.

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REFERENCES

[1] Opening the Brain Gate S Archibald – Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 2005

[2] Brain Gate neuromotor prosthesis: first experience by a person with brainstem stroke JP
Donoghue, GM Friehs, AH Caplan, J Stein, JA

[3] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BrainGate

[4] http://www.brown.edu/Administration/NewsBureau/2006-07/06-002.html

[5] http://www.cyberkineticsinc.com/content/medicalproducts/braingate.jsp

[6] http://collect.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view