BCI Meeting Workshops
SESSION 1- WEDNESDAY, MAY 23 (9:00-12:00)
WS 1: BCIs for stroke rehabilitation
Presenters
Christoph Guger, g.tec medical engineering GmbH, Austria
José del R. Millán, Institute of Bioengineering, EPFL, Switzerland
Vivek Prabhakaran, University of Wisconsin-Madison Radiology WIMR, USA
KyousukeKamada, Asahikawa University, Japan
Tetsuo Ota, Asahikawa University, Japan
Milena Korostenskaja, Florida Hospital for Children, USA
Michael Tangermann, University Freiburg, Germany
David Lin, MGH Harvard, USA
Abstract
Lately, BCI systems become increasingly used in the context of stroke rehabilitation. Many BCI systems are based on motor imagery activity recorded from the sensorimotor cortex, which is translated into continuous control signals for rehabilitation devices. Some devices use Virtual Reality to allow users to observe an avatar’s limb movement. Other successful applications with patients use different brain stimulation techniques and/or robotic devices (such as exoskeletons or functional electrical stimulators) attached to patients’ paralyzed limbs or tongue stimulation.
The workshop will review current stroke rehabilitation programs from different research labs and will provide insight into technology (EEG, MEG, fMRI), experimental setups (VR, FES, BCI), results and outcomes of patient studies in the acute, sub-acute or chronic state.
Intended Audience
-People interested in BCI technology, especially with motor imagery
-People interested in clinical studies with stroke patients
-People interested brain plasticity and brain stimulation
Learning Objectives
- Participants will learn about current technology for stroke rehabilitation
- Participants will be able to understand the target patient group
- Participants will learn about state-of-the art in BCI stroke rehabilitation
WS 6: Progress in Decoding Speech processes using intracranial signals
Presenters
Christian Herff, University of Bremen
Tanja Schultz, University of Bremen
Dean Krusienski, Old Dominion University
Jon Brumberg, University of Kansas
Phil Kennedy, Neural Signals
Tonio Ball, University of Freiburg
Efraim Salari, UMC Utrecht
Josh Chartier, UC San Francisco
James O’Sullivan, Columbia University
Stephanie Ries-Cornou, San Diego State University
Blaise Yvert, University Grenoble Alpes
Abstract
Speech provides a natural and efficient means of communication that is mostly unharnessed in current Brain-Computer Interfaces. Intracranial recordings allow for high spatial and temporal resolution recordings of cortical activity during speech process without the contamination by motion artifacts and thus enable in-depth analysis of the complex dynamics of speech processes.
In this workshop, we will discuss recent progress in processing and decoding speech using intracranial signals. The workshop will begin with short presentations describing work on speech synthesis, phonological context, auditory processing, articulatory representations, auditory attention, deep learning, communication disorders, among other topics. The subsequent discussion among all presenting experts will include future research directions and opportunities for collaboration and data sharing.
Intended Audience
This workshop is suitable for BCI researchers with biomedical, engineering and methodological backgrounds and will also include useful information for clinicians.
Learning Objectives
- Participants will be able to identify limitations of non-invasive technologies for speech investigation.
- Participants will be able to describe the state of the art in phone recognition in speech production and perception.
- Participants will be able to define four milestones towards clinical use of speech prostheses.
WS 7: Noninvasive BCI-control of FES for grasp restoration in high spinal cord injured humans
Presenters
Gernot Müller-Putz, TU-Graz
Rüdiger Rupp, Heidelberg University Hospital
Alexandra Vuckovic, University of Glasgow
Andreea Sburlea, Graz BCI Lab
Joana Pereira, Graz University of Technology
Abstract
The bilateral loss of the grasp function associated with a complete lesion of the cervical spinal cord represents a severe handicap for social participation of the affected individuals. Any improvement of an impaired grasp function is highly desirable not only from the patient’s point of view but also for economic reasons. Motor neuroprostheses based on surface functional electrical stimulation (FES) provide a non-invasive option for generation of multiple grasp patterns. Closed-loop control of multi-pad FES electrodes allow for robust grasp pattern generation independent of wrist rotation.
EEG-based BCIs represent a valuable component of a neuroprosthetic user interface. A major advantage of BCIs is that they do not depend on residual motor functions. BCIs basedon motor intention have enormous implications providing natural control of graspingneuroprostheses for individuals with a high spinal cord injury by relying on volitional signals recorded from the brain directly involved in upper extremity movements. This may also open up new avenues for using BCI-controlled neuroprosthesis as a tool in task-oriented, neurorestorative therapies.
This interdisciplinary workshop will give an update on the application of noninvasive BCIcontrolledgrasp neuroprostheses in end users and will include a combination of coordinated invited talks together with demonstrations and structured targeted discussions.
Intended Audience
engineers, clinicians, researchers
Learning Objectives
- Participants will understand the basic principles of noninvasive motor neuroprostheses
- Participants will understand the different concepts for a more intuitive BCI-control of neuroprostheses
- Participants will have the ability for self-experiences of a BCI-controlled grasp neuroprosthesis
- Participants will be aware of the challenges of the application of BCI-controlled neuroprosthesis in end users with high spinal cord injury
WS 14: Collaborative and Competing Multi-Brain BCI’s
Presenters
Chris Berka,Advanced Brain Monitoring, Carlsbad, CA, USA
Davide Valeriani, University of Essex, Colchester
Fabien Lotte, Inria, France
Jan van Erp, TNO, Netherlands
AntonNijholt, University of Twente, Netherlands
Tim Mullen, Intheon, San Diego, USA
Abstract
An emerging line of BCI research is the development of BCIs based on brain activity recorded from multiple users simultaneously. Applications include joint decision making in environments requiring high accuracy and/or rapid reactions or feedback; joint/shared control and movement planning of vehicles or robots; assess team performance, stress-aware task allocation, and rearrangement of tasks; characterization of group emotions, preferences, appreciations; social interaction research (two or more people); arts, entertainment, and games. Passive multi-brain research includes EEG hyperscanning to study social interaction, but also monitoring and integrating of brain activity to realize on-line improvement of group performance or online adaptation of a task or media display. In active multi-brain research we can distinguish between collaborative (movement planning, target detection) and competing multi-brain BCIs (e.g., in games). Various ways of merging and comparing brain activity of multiple users need to be considered and will be investigated in the workshop, this includes the computation of multi-users‘ features such as synchrony, models which are trained based on multi-users signals, and the development of BCI paradigms optimized for several users.
Intended Audience
This workshop is dedicated to BCI researchers, developers and users. It can also interest social neuroscientists and researchers in socio-affective computing.
Learning Objectives
- Participants will be able to differentiate multi-users passive and active BCI
- Participants will be able to give at least two advantages of multi-users BCIs over traditional BCIs
- Participant will be able to identify at least four challenges in multi-users BCI research (e.g.synchronous data collection, BCI paradigms, features and models)
- Participants will be able to list three application domains for multi-user BCIs
- Participants will be able to select appropriate data processing methods for multi-brain data.
- Participants will be able to list at least two approaches to analyzing multi-brain recordings.
WS15: ECoG based BCIs
Presenters
Gerwin Schalk, NCAN
Dora Hermes, Stanford
Ayse Gunduz, Florida University
Kai Miller, Stanford
Abstract
Electrocorticography (ECoG) is the technique of interacting with the brain electrically by stimulating or recording from the surface of the brain. ECoG has been used for decades for select clinical purposes – most commonly to identify functional and epileptic brain areas in people with epilepsy – and occasionally for research. The important role of ECoG for basic research and its potential to create a new range of clinical applications have long been under-appreciated.
Over the past several years, the unique qualities of ECoG have become widely and increasingly recognized by scientists engaged in basic and translational research. Basic research suggests that ECoG can elucidate brain function in ways that cannot be readily achieved using other imaging modalities, and translational research is producing exciting new ECoG-based applications that are already becoming available in the clinic.
Intended Audience
This program has been carefully designed to appeal to two target audiences. The program will be of interest to the scientist with an interest in theory and application of electrocorticographic (ECoG) signals recorded from the surface of the brain in humans or animals. The program will also have a strong appeal to neurologists, neurosurgeons, or clinical neurophysiologists who are interested in the clinical application of modern ECoG recording/stimulation technologies.
Learning Objectives
- Discuss the nature of brain signals recorded electrocorticographically (ECoG).
- Know about emerging understanding of ECoG physiology and of emerging techniques to record it.
- Have an overview of current efforts in ECoG-based neuroscience.
- Contrast standard electrical brain stimulation and real-time functional ECoG mapping.
- Discuss the role of high frequency ECoG in functional assessment of brain activity.
WS19: Examining Ethical Assumptions About Neural Engineering and BCI Development
Presenters
PaulTubig, Philosophy, Center for Sensorimotor Neural Engineering, University of Washington
Judy Illes, National Core for Neuroethics, University of British Columbia
Jonathan Wolpaw, Adaptive Center for Neurotechnology, Wadsworth Center, New York
Jane Huggins, Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan
Laura Specker Sullivan, Center for Bioethics, Harvard University
Abstract
The aim of this workshop is for participants to identify and examine the underlying ethical assumptions and values that shape the decisions and direction of BCI and neural engineering research. The workshop will be based on an ethical engagement approach developed by the Center for Sensorimotor Neural Engineering (CSNE) ethics thrust. The main workshop will consist of two activities: (1) a brief neuroethical survey to identify researchers’ ethical values related to BCI research, and (2) a facilitated dialogue with researchers about their answers on the survey. The general goal is to foster ethical reflexivity and to assure that the direction of BCI and neural engineering research accords with the ethical commitments the researchers themselves endorse. The learning objectives are the following: (1) understanding the importance of considering the ethical implications of BCI research, (2) identifying and examining the ethical assumptions and values shaping the design and conduct of BCI research, and (3) reflecting on and discussing how facilitated interdisciplinary dialogue can foster ethical reflexivity.
Intended Audience
Any stakeholder in the advancement of BCI and neural engineering research.
Learning Objectives
- Participants learn about 3-5 reasons the importance of considering the ethical implications of BCI and neural engineering research. (Why ethics?)
- Participants will identify and examine 4-5 of their own ethical assumptions and values that may implicitly or explicitly shape how they design and conduct BCI or neural engineering research. (What are your ethical assumptions?)
- Participants will reflect on and discuss how facilitated interdisciplinary dialogue can foster ethical education and enhance the ethical framework guiding BCI and neural engineering researchers. (How can we best foster ethical reflection and practice?)
WS 22: Towards the Elusive Killer App for BCIs
Presenters
Brendan Allison
AnjelaVujic
Jing Jin
Christoph Guger
Abstract
Companies, universities, and other groups have been working toward a BCI “Killer App” for decades. Yet, despite major improvements such as wireless amplifiers, dry electrodes, and improved computing power, nobody has developed a BCI that appeals to most mainstream users. As implied by the title of this BCI Conference, BCIs may be getting lost in translation. Or, perhaps we simply don’t yet have the technology or ideas to inspire the BCI Killer App. This workshop will review some of the challenges in translating to mainstream (not clinical) populations. These include the need for more transparent, wearable sensors and new ways to incorporate the capabilities of modern sensing systems into mainstream apps. We will present new systems that strive toward addressing these goals, and participants will be able to try wearing them to see how they look and feel. The workshop will conclude with discussion, focused on development of new ideas or models to encourage further research.
Intended Audience
The audience does not require a background in any specific discipline. It should be of interest to a broad variety of experts who work with BCIs, or are interested in BCIs. Participants from academia, business, medicine, and other sectors are welcome.
Learning Objectives
- Participants will learn about challenges in translating from laboratory to mainstream apps.
- Participants will learn about emerging solutions involving hardware design (including wearable systems), interface development, and incorporation of emotion and user state.
- Participants will see examples of new systems through hands-on demonstrations and/or videos, and thereby gain firsthand knowledge of the latest developments.
WS 23: User-Centered Design in BCI development; A Broad Perspective
Presenters
Prof. Dr. Andrea Kübler,University of Würzburg
Ray Grott, San Francisco State University and RESNA (Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America)
Katya Hill, University of Pittsburgh
Elmar Pels,University Medical Center Utrecht
Dr. Erik Aarnoutse,University Medical Center Utrecht
Abstract
In the last years BCIs have left the laboratory and came to the houses of the end-users. As daily use has become a reality, thefeedback and remarksof usersare valuable and cannot be overlooked. Therefore, to enhance the usability of BCIs and reduce the chance of assistive technology abandonment a user-centered design is pivotal.Simultaneously,we can learn from the perspective of technology designfor more accessibility. In this workshop BCI researchers discuss their experiences with at home use and users’ feedback, and experts from outside the BCI field will share their insights about user-centered design. Additionally, participants to the workshop can send in questions to a person using a communication BCI at home for two years, the answers will be discussed at the workshop during an interactive and lively panel discussion.
Intended Audience
All BCI researchers working to bring their BCIs to the home of the end-user or researchers starting development ofnew BCIs to accomplish this goal.
Learning Objectives
- Three principles of User-centered design.
- Three essential issues addressed by a user (user wishes).
Two misconceptions in BCI design; what researchers/clinicians think users want.
WS 25: Lower-limb brain-machine interfaces and their applications
Presenters
Kyuhwa Lee, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL)
TomislavMilekovic, UNIGE
An Hong Do, University of California, Irvine
José L. Contreras-Vidal, University of Houston
Fabien Wagner, EPFL
Abstract
Lower-limb brain-machine interfaces (BMI) have been gaining more attention as its potential for assistive and clinical applications has become more prominent. Advances in robotic systems such as lower-limb exoskeletons and rehabilitative devices as well as more powerful machine learning algorithms have opened up new ideas and possibilities in such applications. More recently, rehabilitation coupled with BMI has been increasingly studied but still the majority of the effort has been put in upper limbs compared to lower limbs. Through this workshop, we intend to bring together researchers of different perspectives from neuroscience, robotics and data science to discuss about the current state of the lower-limb BMI and come up with a roadmap for future lower-limb BMI research.
Intended Audience
This workshop includes interdisciplinary topics such as decoding, neurorehabilitation and assistive technologies for lower-limb brain-machine interfaces. It is intended to bring researchers together in the fields of neuroscience, clinics, computer science, electronic engineering and robotics to discuss about effective ways to advance the current state of the art in lower-limb BMI research.
Learning Objectives
- Share the state-of-the-art lower-limb BMI research.
2. Identify current limitations of lower-limb BMI and possible solutions.
3. Realistic roadmap of the protocol designs and evaluation methods for lower-limb BMI research.
SESSION 2- THURSDAY, MAY 24 (9:00-12:00
WS 2: BCIs for assessment of locked-in and DOC patients
Presenters
Christoph Guger, g.tec medical engineering GmbH, Austria
Damien Coyle, University of Ulster, UK
Donatella Mattia, Neuroelectrical Imaging and BCI Lab, Fondazione Santa Lucia, Italy
Chang S. Nam, North Carolina State University, USA
Jing Jin, East China University of science and Technology, China
KyousukeKamada, Asahikawa Medical University, Japan
Abstract
Some patients diagnosed as vegetative are reclassified as (at least) minimally conscious when assessed by expert teams. A further subset of potentially communicative non-responsive patients might be undetectable through standard clinical testing. Other patients might have transient periods of relative wakefulness, but remain unaware of their surroundings. The workshop will provide an overview over groups that aim to use BCI technology to identify non-responsive patients or locked-in patients that might be able to communicate and use the technology as an assessment tool.
In the workshop recent experiments, analysis methods and results with EEG, fNIRS and fMRI will be shown and discussed. The goal of the workshop is to identify the most important trends of the last years and to facilitate interaction between participants.