Editorial (to: Special Issue on Affective Brain-Computer Interfaces)

The research in brain–computer interfaces (BCI) has shown that brain activity can be used as an active/voluntary or passive/involuntary control modality in man–machine interaction. Until recently, BCI research aimed almost solely at improving the life of disabled persons in need of communication and physical interaction with their environment. Impressive results have been obtained where disabled persons have learned how to control an artificial limb or a wheelchair using their thoughts. Nowadays, however, we also see research aimed at using BCI for the general population. This is an interesting development. Why would a non-disabled user want to use BCI? Or, how could a computer use BCI in order to better support its user? In this Special Issue, our emphasis is on brain–computer interfacing that aims at detecting and using the mental or affective state of the user in order to adapt the interface to the user.