Week 2 - Computer Hardware Technology, Group E

Computer hardware is all of the physical components that connected together to build up the computer system. Hardware has different types that can be installed inside, or connected to the outside of a computer. Computer hardware technology has been developed throughout the years.  Nowadays, the dream of many users to control a computer by thinking at it came true, when Joel Murphy and Conor Russomanno, a designer and an engineer respectively, launched their open brain-computer interface (OpenBCI) project.

Basically, an openBCI is an affordable 8-channel EEG platform that gives anybody with a computer access to his brainwaves. The advantage of OpenBCI is giving users full access to brain raw data with low power consumption. This will allow users to control variety of applications such as the lights based on your brainwaves or mood using software algorithms and signal processing.
The openBCI controller uses the Texas Instruments ADS 1299, which is an 8-channel, low noise, 24 bit analog to digital converter that used to measuring the EEG signals. The device has many bells and whistles to make sure that electrodes are interacting better with the subject.
Throughout the deign process, considering different factors such as comfort, reading signal quality and cost, they came up with the first 3D-printable headset. Since one of their goals was to make BCI to be beneficial, they make their design applied the International 10-20 system into their design. The International 10-20 system internationally recognized method for placing electrodes on the human scalp in the context of EEG. The advantage of the 3D-printable headset is that it has a base for the openBCI board in addition to the rechargeable batteries.

The tools of reading the brainwaves has been around since 1912; however, the technology was ahead to be used since the first digital computer was created later on and the EEG recordings was hard to read. Now, technology has got cheaper and easier to use.

 What makes openBCI different is that it’s smaller and affordable. Although, there are many hardware that can read or translate the EEG raw signals into meaning data, the hardware and software behind the OpenBCI are transparent which make the users have the full access to approach any idea with different skill level. 


Resources:

1. Murphy, Joel, and Conor Russomanno. "OpenBCI: An Open Source Brain-Computer Interface For Makers." Kickstarter. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Jan. 2014. <http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/openbci/openbci-an-open-source-brain-computer-interface-fo>.
2. Yegulalp, Serdar. "Coming Soon: Control Your Computer with Your Brain via Open Source." InfoWorld. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Jan. 2014. <http://www.infoworld.com/t/open-source-software/coming-soon-control-your-computer-your-brain-open-source-234025>.