Project Background

The long-term objective of the brain interface project is to create a multi-position, brain-controlled switch that is activated by brain signals measured directly from the scalp of an individual. We believe that such a switch will allow an individual with a severe disability to have effective control of devices such as assistive appliances, computers, and neural prostheses, leading to a dramatically improved quality of life and reduce social costs.

The Neil Squire Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) Technology

The technology the Neil Squire Society (new window) has developed to date is based on methods to detect user-generated patterns in the user’s EEG (brain signals) related to imagined movements. This research is being pursued in three streams:

• Development of new brain interface technology
• Evaluation of BCI technology across different use populations and under varying conditions
• Theoretical modeling

Dr. Gary Birch (new window) , Executive Director of the Neil Squire Society (new window) and Adjunct Professor at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at UBC (new window), has spent the last 15 years working with a team of researchers to develop such a direct brain-to-machine interface. The team is currently evaluating the usability of their current BCI design and continuing to improve their technology

This project has been made possible by support from:

• Canadian Institutes of Health Research (new window) (CIHR)
• Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (new window) (NSERC)
• Rick Hansen Neurotrauma Initiative (RHNI-BC)
• National Science Society
• GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre (new window)
• International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (new window) (ICORD)