Artistic brain-computer interfaces: state-of-the-art control mechanisms

Abstract

Artistic BCI applications offer a new modality for humans to express themselves creatively. In this survey we reviewed the available literature on artistic BCIs by classifying four types of user control afforded by the available applications: selective control, passive control, direct control and collaborative control. A brief overview of the history of artistic BCIs is presented, followed by examples of current artistic BCI applications in each defined sector of control. We questioned whether or not creative control affects the users’ sense of enjoyment or satisfaction. Finally, we made suggestions for the future of artistic BCI research to question the role that control plays in user satisfaction and entertainment.

Keywords:

• brain-computer interface
• artistic
• music
• creative
• control

Acknowledgement

This work was supported in part by the National Science Foundation (NSF) under Grant IIS-1421948. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Science Foundation [grant number IIS-1421948].