ISO/IEC 8663:2025
(Main)Information technology — Brain-computer interfaces — Vocabulary
Information technology — Brain-computer interfaces — Vocabulary
This document specifies the terms and definitions commonly used in the field of brain–computer interface (BCI), including basic concepts and classifications of BCI, hardware, experiment setups and protocols used in BCI, related neuroscience concepts of BCI (e.g. coding and decoding, feedback and stimulation), and its applications.
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General Information
Standards Content (Sample)
ISO/IEC 8663
Edition 1.0 2025-09
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
Information technology - Brain-computer interfaces - Vocabulary
ICS 35.020; 35.200 ISBN 978-2-8327-0723-4
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CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 2
INTRODUCTION . 3
1 Scope . 4
2 Normative references . 4
3 Terms and definitions . 4
3.1 Basic concepts and types . 4
3.2 System components . 7
3.3 Modalities . 8
3.4 Experimental designs and setups . 9
3.5 Protocols and paradigms . 11
3.6 Feedback and stimulations . 15
3.7 Signal processing and analysis . 16
3.8 Applications . 19
Bibliography . 23
Information technology -
Brain-computer interfaces -
Vocabulary
FOREWORD
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form the specialized system for worldwide standardization. National bodies that are members of ISO or IEC
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ISO/IEC 8663 has been prepared by subcommittee 43: Brain–computer interfaces, of ISO/IEC
joint technical committee 1: Information technology. It is an International Standard.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
JTC1-SC43/158/FDIS JTC1-SC43/175/RVD
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this is English.
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1, and the ISO/IEC Directives, JTC 1 Supplement
available at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs and www.iso.org/directives.
INTRODUCTION
Brain–computer interface (BCI) is an emerging technology that facilitates direct communication
between the brain and external devices, such as computers and robotic limbs. It links the brain's
neural activity with the external world to repair, replace, or enhance human capabilities in
interacting with the physical environment.
BCI has revolutionized and positively impacted several industries, including entertainment and
gaming, automation and control, education, neuromarketing, and neuroergonomics. It has
restored the capabilities of physically challenged people, improving the quality of their lives.
Researchers have demonstrated human neuroprosthetic control of computer cursors, robotic
limbs, and speech synthesizers.
Currently, the BCI represents a rapidly growing field of research, with a broad range of
application scenarios. Its contributions span across the medical and health industry to
entertainment and educational technology. For a more comprehensive and unified
understanding of BCI technology, there is a need for a vocabulary to ensure that contributions
can be understood and coordinated.
1 Scope
This document specifies the terms and definitions commonly used in the field of brain–computer
interface (BCI), including basic concepts and classifications of BCI, hardware, experiment
setups and protocols used in BCI, related neuroscience concepts of BCI (e.g. coding and
decoding, feedback and stimulation), and its applications.
2 Normative references
There are no normative references in this document.
3 Terms and definitions
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
3.1 Basic concepts and types
3.1.1
brain–computer interface
BCI
brain machine interface
BMI
study of theories, mechanisms, developments and applications related to
interfacing of engineered systems with the brain
Note 1 to entry: Non-invasive systems are often referred to as brain–computer interfaces; invasive systems using
implanted sensors are often referred to as brain machine interfaces.
3.1.2
brain–computer interface
BCI
brain machine interface
BMI
direct communication link between the activity of the central nervous
system of humans or other animals and an external software and hardware system
Note 1 to entry: A brain–computer interface allows a single or bi-directional communication between the brain and
external devices, enabling controlling or feedback capabilities or both.
Note 2 to entry: Non-invasive systems are often referred to as brain–computer interfaces; invasive systems using
implanted sensors are often referred to as brain machine interfaces.
3.1.3
active brain–computer interface
brain–computer interface (3.1.2) that requires a user to change brain activities intentionally
3.1.4
passive brain–computer interface
brain–computer interface (3.1.2) that does not require a user to change brain activities
intentionally
Note 1 to entry: A passive brain–computer interface monitors the user’s mental states and psychological activities.
3.1.5
reactive brain–computer interface
brain–computer interface (3.1.2) in which a user’s response to a specific stimulus is embedded
in the response signal to external stimulation
Note 1 to entry: A reactive brain–computer interface decodes specific neural response to environmental
stimulations.
3.1.6
affective brain–computer interface
brain–computer interface (3.1.2) that decodes emotional experience into corresponding states
3.1.7
synchronous brain–computer interface
brain–computer interface (3.1.2) that requires a synchronization stimulus given to the user to
start each task
Note 1 to entry: Information is presented to cue the user to elicit certain brain signal responses.
3.1.8
asynchronous brain–computer interface
self-paced brain–computer interface
brain–computer interface (3.1.2) that detects when the user intentionally changes brain activity
without any external stimuli
Note 1 to entry: An asynchronous brain–computer interface is continuously analysing the ongoing brain activity of
both intentional control states and non-control states (e.g. idling state).
3.1.9
bidirectional brain–computer interface
brain–computer interface (3.1.2) that both encodes and decodes neural activities
Note 1 to entry: A bidirectional brain–computer interface system can acquire and decode the neural activities, and
also encode stimuli to stimulate the central nervous system for specific responses.
3.1.10
unidirectional brain–computer interface
brain–computer interface (3.1.2) that decodes neural signals to control external devices
3.1.11
multi-user brain–computer interface
brain–computer interface (3.1.2) that allows multiple users to interact with the brain–computer
interface independently
Note 1 to entry: Tasks in a multi-user brain–computer interface system are typically performed in a digital or virtual
environment, such as controlling a cursor on a screen, manipulating a virtual object, or playing a video game.
3.1.12
collaborative brain–computer interface
brain–computer interface (3.1.2) that integrates and interprets brain signals from multiple
individuals to perform tasks or actions
Note 1 to entry: A collaborative brain–computer interface system uses brain signals from more than one person to
perform tasks or actions. Any conflicts result in no action being taken until the conflict is resolved.
3.1.13
competitive brain–computer interface
brain–computer interface (3.1.2) that incorporates brain activities from multiple tasks where
each set of users is competing with other users
...
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