Brain–Computer Interfaces - Index of

362 B.Z. Allison
The key factors for BCI adoption are outlined below. Each factor is briefly
defined, followed by the current status and emerging changes. All factors depend
on both hardware and software.
2.2 Cost
Cost reflects not just the costs of purchasing hardware and software, but making and
keeping them operational. In addition to financial cost, BCI use can cost time, attention,
and energy. These costs may apply to caregivers as well as the BCI user. There
may be ongoing costs if another person is needed to help with daily preparation and
cleanup. Cost may increase substantially if this caregiver must be an expert. Invasive
BCIs incur special costs due to the risk, scarring, and personal intrusion associated
with implanting electrodes on or in the brain.
The financial cost of BCI hardware depends on the type of BCI used. A common
hardware configuration for a BCI research laboratory is a USB amplifier with a 16
channel cap from a reputable manufacturer. Such a system currently costs about
C15000. Cost increases with more electrodes or if another brain imaging approach
is used; MEG or fMRI cost millions. It is possible to get an operational laboratorygrade
BCI for under C1000, however, by using fewer electrodes. This reduces the
cost of both the amp and cap. [64] collected data through a three-electrode headband
that cost about $10 and a customized mini-amplifier that cost about $800. Subjects
used this device to control a computer game with a BCI. Manufacturers have said
that the main reason for the high cost is that they only sell a few hundred amplifiers
per year.
Some companies currently advertise BCIs for home use, and the information
in this paragraph is based on their websites as of Sep 2010. NeuroSky sells a
one-channel “MindSet” system for about $199. OCZ advertises a multichannel
“Neural Impulse Actuator” that seems available through numerous resellers for
about $150. Emotiv’s website advertises its multichannel EPOC Headset for $299.
Uncle Milton and Mattel sell a Force Trainer and Mindflex System for less than
$100. Consumer BCI systems from other manufacturers, such as Brain Actuated
Technologies, Cyberlink, Advanced Brain Monitoring or SmartBrainGames, are
more expensive, but still cost less than a typical laboratory BCI. The Swedish group
Smart Studio sells fairly inexpensive games and toys based on BCIs, including a
relaxation game called BrainBall and a game that lets people mix drinks with a
BCI! Some people have asked me whether using this system affects performance. I
never used it, but I’m sure I could round up several BCI experts to study this vital
issue if provided with a free system (including the drinks).
Noteworthily, all of these systems evidently rely on activity from the brain, eyes,
and facial muscles. This will probably remain prevalent with consumer BCIs. EEG
information is much easier to acquire from the forehead, since electrodes placed
there do not have to contend with hair, and hence it’s no surprise that most of
these consumer BCIs seem to rely heavily on forehead electrodes. Any forehead
electrode that can detect brain activity could also read signals from the eyes and