2016, Volume 22, Issue 2

Use of Brain-Computer Interfaces Under Extreme Environmental Conditions

Dariusz ZAPAŁA¹, Marta JAŚKIEWICZ¹, Marta RATOMSKA¹, Piotr FRANCUZ¹
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¹Faculty of Social Sciences, Institute of Psychology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin


Autor korenspondencyjny: Dariusz ZAPAŁA; Faculty of Social Sciences, Institute of Psychology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin; email: d.zapala[at]gmail.com

Full text

Streszczenie

Introduction: Brain-computer interfaces (BCI) are devices that enable transmission of signals outside the nervous system without engaging muscles. One of the fields in which BCI can be used is aviation and astronautics. However, the way of assessing the utility of BCIs under specific conditions of flight and outer space is controversial. This review aims to present the limitations of future use of brain-computer interfaces under extreme environmental conditions as well as to indicate the direction for further research that could overcome these limitations.

Methods: Systematic review.

Results: In the first part, we present basic information on the subject of brain-computer interfaces and how they work as well as characterize invasive and noninvasive methods of registering brain activity in such devices. Subsequently, we describe the most popular types of brain-computer interfaces in terms of their differences regarding the speed of information processing, mechanisms and time needed to master their use. Then, we propose the ways in which brain-computer systems could be used in aviation and astronautics and describe the basic conditions under which they could be used in natural environments. We also analyze the influence of extreme environments on the physiological and psychological functioning of
people.

Conclusion: Considering the difficulties in using BCI systems under extreme environmental conditions, we propose specific methods and conditions under which studies should be performed in order to provide reliable assessments of the utility of brain-computer interfaces in aviation and astronautics.

Słowa kluczowe

brain-computer interfaces, EEG, extreme environment, psychophysiology,