SC 43 - ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 43

This document specifies the brain–computer interface (BCI) reference architecture (RA). The BCI RA defines the key characteristics of BCI systems, provides a common language for stakeholders, and addresses their concerns. It also provides guidance to system architects on efficient BCI system design, typical implementation categories and effects of using BCI technology in developing applications. Additionally, this document serves as a technical reference for architects, manufacturers, vendors, service providers, regulators and the public to better understand the BCI architecture, its functions and the underlying technology that supports the BCI systems.

This document specifies the basic brain–computer interface (BCI) data format including the definition of basic data elements, technology-specific information and metadata, design of an extensible and modular data structure, specification of metadata and annotation information, and the development of a standardized data format and naming convention for BCI data. This document is applicable to non-invasive BCI technologies, such as electroencephalography (EEG), magnetoencephalography (MEG), functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and provides a comprehensive approach to BCI metadata formats in the product development environment. It takes into consideration various applications, ranging from neurological rehabilitation to human–computer interaction.

This document provides a collection of representative use cases of brain-computer interface (BCI) applications in a variety of domains: proposed medical and health, industrial controls, smart environment, etc. This document can be used for the development of potential standards, and it is valuable for a better comprehension of BCI. This document is also helpful for BCI industries and products that provide support for communications among interested parties and stakeholders. This document is applicable to all types of organizations (e.g. commercial enterprises, government agencies, not-for-profit organizations).