The Thought Translation Device: structure of a multimodal brain-computer communication system

The Thought Translation Device (TTD) is a brain-computer-interface (BCI) which successfully enabled totally paralyzed patients to communicate by using their brain potentials only. An extended version of the TTD has been developed running on any MS-Windows PC and its architecture is described. A variety of filter modules (temporal and spectral filters, classifier, etc.) can be combined in a configurable order for online processing and feedback of physiological data. Statistical analysis methods are implemented for online and offline classification of SCP and spectral EEG data. As many patients suffering from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in its final stage no longer have the ability to focus on a computer screen, the TTD is now able to present all information necessary for brain-computer communication by voice and sound as well as visually. The TTD is currently used for various studies with paralyzed and comatose patients, patients with epilepsy and children with attention deficit disorders.