Goal selection versus process control in a brain-computer interface based on sensorimotor rhythms

In a brain-computer interface (BCI) utilizing a process control strategy, the signal from the cortex is used to control the fine motor details normally handled by other parts of the brain. In a BCI utilizing a goal selection strategy, the signal from the cortex is used to determine the overall end goal of he user, and the BCI controls the fine motor details. A BCI based on goal selection may be all easier and more natural system than one based oil process control. Although goal selection in theory may surpass process control, the two have never been directly compared, its we are reporting here. Eight Young healthy human subjects participated in the present Study, three trained and live naive in BCI usage. Scalp-recorded electroencephalograms (EEG) were used to control a Computer Cursor during five different paradigms. The paradigms were similar in their underlying signal processing and used the same control signal. However, three were based oil goal selection, and two oil process control. For both the trained and naive populations, goal selection had more hits per run, Was faster, more accurate (for seven out of eight Subjects) and had it higher information transfer rate than process control. Goal selection outperformed process control in every measure studied in the present investigation.