Archinoetics has developed a form of brain-computer interface (BCI) called "brain painting". This application allows someone to paint through consciously modifying the level of activity in a region of his or her brain. Typically this means either "singing in your head" or repeating nonsense syllables in your head (such as "la la la"). The first activity activates the language area, thereby raising the signal measured by OTIS, whereas the second activity lowers the signal. In addition to being a fun creative tool, brain painting also helps people learn the skills necessary to use a BCI effectively for communication.

For Brain Painting, Archinoetics worked closely with the late artist, Peggy Chun, whose tropical watercolor paintings 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 from painting. As she became paralyzed, she switched to painting with her left hand, then by holding the paintbrush in her teeth. Even when she was only able to move her eyes, Peggy used an eye-tracking system to communicate and paint. At Archinoetics, we helped Peggy become the world's first 'brain painter' (see her most famous brain painting below, entitled 'Navajo Nightfall'). Sadly, Peggy passed away in 2008, but her memory and spirit live on in her beautiful paintings.

To view or purchase Peggy's artwork, 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.