Cindy Tonnesen and Gary Withrow General Description Biosensors are a neural interface technology that detect nerve and muscle activity. Currently, biosensors exist that measure muscle electrical activity, brain electrical activity, and eye movement. Biosensors are electrodes that sit on the skin over the muscle or nerve being sampled. Eye movement, for example, is determined from biosensors placed strategically on the forehead and under the eyes. Electrical signals have many measurable qualities, including intensity and spectral characteristics.
Energy is also measurable from a multitude of motor units.
Just as the brain uses these signals to control functions of the human body, these signals can be detected by biosensors and then interpreted by software to control electronic devices external to the human body. Applications Biosensors have the potential to affect many areas. Field application areas including medicine, physical therapy, music, and the video game industry, can all benefit from the introduction of biosensors. Although biosensors are not limited to any group of people, they are particulary useful for the handicapped. Even completely paralyzed individuals have electrical activity in their bodies that can be detected.