Compatibility between Brain-Computer Interface and High-Efficiency Augmentative and Alternative Communication Systems

脑-机接口与高效辅助选择器的兼容性 通信系统：第二阶段 摘要 脑-机接口（BCI）使那些不能移动但只有 简单的通信接口并且没有被广泛使用。辅助和替代性 AAC通信（AAC）系统被广泛使用，并且提供高效和精确的通信，但是 需要运动，防止有严重损伤的人使用，如晚期肌萎缩性肌萎缩症患者， 侧索硬化症或严重脑瘫。 我们的第一阶段STTR创建并测试了BCI访问扩展语言的软件原型 Prentke Romich公司（中国）的应用和通信系统产品线。的 PRC用户对原型进行了评估，每个用户都使用BCI访问他们日常生活的软件副本 设备. 第二阶段应用的总体目标是完成 AAC-BCI沿着提供培训和资源材料。我们的第一阶段工作表明BCI的兼容性 使用凝胶电极硬件访问PRC软件。用户希望缩短设置时间， 凝胶和增加的界面响应性。临床医生和互联网调查参与者对此表示赞同 他们需要更简单的设置和校准、干电极和方便的培训资源。 我们的中心假设是，一个商业级的实现BCI访问中国的语言 使用快速安装干电极的应用与匹配的培训和支持资源将满足 实验室测试的目标，有效的沟通，并准备为未来的临床试验，其能力 以达到预期的沟通效果。 通过与熟悉中国AAC软件和技术的参与者进行研究，我们计划测试我们的 中心假设，并满足申请的目的，具体目标如下： 1.优化用户界面设计，以指导BCI设置和校准，并完善界面 BCI刺激的响应性和集成到现有设备显示器中。 2.创建一个商业级软件实现，将BCI功能集成到 现有的AAC系统。 3.比较干电极与凝胶（湿）电极的性能和用户意见， AAC-BCI系统的输入外设。 4.实施和评估AAC-BCI设置和校准的培训和资源材料 从从业者、潜在用户及其支持人员那里获得投入。 这项工作将最终确定一个BCI输入附件，为中华人民共和国的线的AAC设备。这项工作的创新之处在于 将BCI访问与PRC AAC用户界面设计的高效语言生成相结合 与每个人的能力、需求和偏好相匹配。这项工作的意义在于 将生活质量沟通的益处扩大到那些身体缺陷最严重的人， 通过具有临床支持网络的成熟公司提供AAC-BCI，以提供 在整个生命周期中提供服务。

Compatibility between Brain-Computer Interface and High Efficiency Augmentative and Alternative Communication Systems: Phase II ABSTRACT Brain-computer interfaces (BCI) enable text production for people who cannot move, but have only simple communication interfaces and are not widely used. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems are widely used and give efficient and precise communication, but require movement, preventing use by people with severe impairments, such as advanced amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or severe cerebral palsy. Our Phase I STTR created and tested a software prototype of BCI access to the extensive language application and communication system product line of the Prentke Romich Company (PRC). The prototype was evaluated by PRC users, each using the BCI to access a software replica of their everyday device. The overall objective of this Phase II application is to complete the hardware and software prototype of the AAC-BCI along with training and resource materials. Our Phase I efforts showed compatibility of BCI access to PRC software with gel electrode hardware. Users wanted shorter setup times, elimination of gel, and increased interface responsiveness. Clinicians and internet survey participants echoed this feedback and wanted easier setup and calibration, dry electrodes, and convenient training resources. Our central hypothesis is that a commercial-grade implementation of BCI access to PRC language applications using quick-setup dry electrodes with matching training and support resources will meet laboratory-testing goals for effective communication and be ready for future clinical trials on its ability to meet desired communication outcomes. Through studies with participants familiar with PRC’s AAC software and technology, we plan to test our central hypothesis and meet the objective of the application with the following specific aims: 1. Optimize user interface design to guide BCI setup and calibration, and to refine interface responsiveness and integration of BCI stimuli into existing device displays. 2. Create a commercial grade software implementation that integrates BCI functionally into the existing AAC system. 3. Compare performance and user opinion of dry electrodes versus gel (wet) electrodes as the input peripheral for the AAC-BCI system. 4. Implement and evaluate training and resource materials for AAC-BCI set-up and calibration with input from practitioners, potential users and their support people. This work will finalize a BCI input accessory for PRC’s line of AAC devices. The innovation of this work is merging BCI access with the high-efficiency language production from PRC’s AAC user interface designs that are matched to each person' abilities, needs, and preferences. The significance of this work is the extension of quality-of-life communication benefits to those with the most severe physical impairments, providing an AAC-BCI through an established company with a clinical support network to provide services across the lifespan.