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

脑机接口与高效增强型和替代型的兼容性 通信系统：第二阶段 摘要 脑机接口(BCI)使无法移动但只有 通信接口简单，应用不广泛。增值性和替代性 通信(AAC)系统被广泛使用，并提供高效和精确的通信，但 需要运动，防止有严重损伤的人使用，如晚期肌营养不良 侧索硬化症或严重脑性瘫痪。 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。这个 原型由PRC用户进行评估，每个用户使用BCI访问他们日常使用的软件副本 设备。 此二期应用的总体目标是完成硬件和软件原型 AAC-BCI以及培训和资源材料。我们的第一阶段工作显示了BCI的兼容性 使用凝胶电极硬件访问PRC软件。用户想要更短的设置时间，消除 凝胶，并提高了界面响应性。临床医生和互联网调查参与者对此表示赞同。 需要更容易的设置和校准、干燥的电极和方便的培训资源。 我们的中心假设是商业级别的BCI访问PRC语言的实施 使用快速安装的干燥电极和匹配的培训和支持资源的应用程序将满足 有效沟通的实验室测试目标，并为未来的临床试验做好准备 以满足预期的沟通结果。 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，并满足应用程序的目标，具体目标如下： 1.优化用户界面设计，指导BCI设置和校准，优化界面 BCI刺激的响应性和与现有设备显示器的集成。 2.创建商业级软件实施，将BCI功能集成到 现有的AAC系统。 3.比较干电极和凝胶(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建立和校准的培训和资源材料 来自从业者、潜在用户及其支持人员的意见。 这项工作将最终确定中国的AAC设备系列的BCI输入附件。这项工作的创新之处在于 将BCI Access与中国AAC用户界面设计的高效语言生产相结合 与每个人的能力、需求和喜好相匹配。这项工作的意义在于 将生活质量交流的好处扩展到那些身体残疾最严重的人， 通过具有临床支持网络的现有公司提供AAC-BCI，以提供 贯穿整个生命周期的服务。

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.