Want to find out more about brain-computer interfaces

Brain computer interfaces have been researched extensively. (Picture from Wikicommons: Steve Mann, showing 3 inventions: MindMesh (mesh-based wearable computing for Brain-Computer-Interaction), "GlassEye" (EyeTap), and HDR (combining multiple differently exposed images to extend dynamic range)).

Brain computer interfaces (BCIs) are no longer the stuff of science fiction. Big strides have been made, notably in the medical field, where researchers have demonstrated how electricity in the brain can be used to help tetraplegic patients walk or reduce the debilitating effects of Parkinson's. Other applications outside the medical field include gaming, education, authentication and even driving.<_o3a_p>

In order to explain the technology and the requirement for standards, a day-long online symposium organized by IEC and ISO with top-level speakers from the standards, neuroscience and medical fields is to take place on 4 September.<_o3a_p>

Among the topics broached will be the ethics of using BCIs, how invasive should they be, how the data revealed can be protected alongside our human rights - and how standards can help. But the tech itself will be evoked as well - notably how far it can go, what can it do and in which areas. (To find out more about the topics and the top-level speakers involved and to register, click here and here.)<_o3a_p>

Standards for BCIs <_o3a_p>

IEC and ISO are paving the way for BCIs to be used safely and efficiently. As part of their joint efforts to produce standards for information technology, they recently established a subcommittee to standardize brain computer interfaces. While it is expected to standardize BCIs for many areas, it will avoid producing standards for implants and the medical field, leaving those areas to other IEC Technical Committees. <_o3a_p>

TC 62 prepares standards for medical equipment, software and systems. Its work is increasingly focusing on the use of artificial intelligence in medical applications, while one of the four IEC conformity assessment systems, IECEE, offers testing and certification for the safety, reliability, efficiency and overall performance of electrical equipment for medical use, in relation to IEC International Standards.<_o3a_p>

The IEC has also set up a System Committee on Active Assisted Living (SyC AAL), which focuses on the standardization of AAL products, services and systems to enable independent living for elderly or disabled users. It also enables cross-vendor interoperability of AAL systems, services, products and components. AAL systems and products may include alarm systems, wearables and even, if they ever become ubiquitous, brain-computer interfaces. <_o3a_p>

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