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Electrocorticographic Brain Computer Interfaces: Building Cortical Control Columns

Seminar
Sponsored by
Brain-Robotic Adaptive Interface for Neural Engineering (BRAINE)
Center at SDSU

“Electrocorticographic Brain Computer Interfaces:
Building Cortical Control Columns”

ERC Seminar Announcement_3_1_12

Dr. Daniel W. Moran
Department of Biomedical Engineering and Neurobiology
Washington University in St. Louis

Brain computer interface (BCI) technology has classically focused on two signal acquisition modalities for
control: multi, single-unit activity (MSU) and electroencephalography (EEG). While MSU activity
provides a high fidelity, multi-dimensional signal for BCI control, obtaining long-term stability of single unit recordings has proven difficult at best due to glial encapsulation issues. EEG, on the other hand, is a non-invasive technique where relatively large electrodes are placed on the surface of the scalp to record ensemble activity emanating from the underlying cortex. Given the large separation between the
cortical surface and the recording electrodes as well as the inhomogeneous conductivity of the dura,
skull, and skin; a rather large area of cortex needs to be synchronously active to be “electrically visible” on the scalp. Training such large cortical networks for BCI control of a few degrees-of-freedom can take month(s) to learn. On the other hand, micro-electrocorticography (uECoG) taken from the
surface of the brain (ECoG) is generated from much smaller neural ensembles (1-2 mm^2) allowing for
independent control channels spaced only a few mm apart. Our recent results in non-human primates
illustrates how subjects are able to accurately control multidimensional computer cursor via uECoG
activity in a few days. Furthermore, the subjects were able to modify specific high frequency gamma
bands used for control showing that neural plasticity is a key element in building cortical control columns in uECoG based BCI applications.

Date: March 1, 2012 4:00 P.M.
Location: SDSU Main Campus, Engineering Room 423B
Phone number: 619-594-6067
Light refreshments will be served

From 3:30 to 4pm; just before the seminar, Dr. Moritz will have a small discussion session with students at SDSU Engineering Building Room 423B; all are welcome.

Also, Dr. Mortiz will be at Southwestern College on Friday morning, 3/2 – location and time TBD.

Published in Engineering Research Center Research STEM Activities