A brain-computer interface (BCI) is a system that allows someone to purposefully control a computer or other device through their thoughts.

Archinoetics' functional brain imaging system, OTIS, provides a means to monitor the changes in the brain for the development of BCI's. Current applications are focused on assistive technologies to allow severely disabled people (such as those with ALS) to communicate and control their environments. Other research has demonstrated that someone can control a robot's limbs just by thinking about moving that body part.

One of our newest projects aims to develop the genre of "brain painting" through a software application that can be controlled with the brain alone. In addition to being a fun creative tool, it also helps people learn the skills necessary to use a BCI effectively for communication.

For Brain Painting, Archinoetics is working closely with an artist, Peggy Chun, whose tropical watercolor paintings have made her a household name in Hawaii.

Peggy was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) in 2002, but never let the disease stop her. As she became paralyzed, she switched to painting with her left hand, then by holding the paintbrush in her teeth. Now only able to move her eyes, Peggy uses an eye-tracking system to communicate and paint. At Archinoetics, we are helping Peggy become the world's first famous brain painter.

To view or purchase Peggy's artwork (which helps cover her medical expenses), please visit her website at www.peggychun.com.

This research is in collaboration with the University of Virginia and Georgia Tech University, and has received support from the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0705804 and Grant No. 0512003.