brain computer interface research

[haden]

I'm really getting interested in BCI research. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brain-computer_interface
The uses for not just computer control but for prosthisis and robotic control as well as military uses are very intriguing. I am very interested in possibly volunteering for the study but i don't know how or where to begin at the moment. I was just wondering if anybody else had any thoughts on the subject.
P.S. any info on the volunteering part would be helpful

[bascule]

Re: brain computer interface research

I for one can't wait to ditch a keyboard/mouse

[emily]

Re: brain computer interface research

You could check with a university or somewhere else there might be some research on this subject.

[haden]

Re: brain computer interface research

there is plenty of universities doing research on the topic. im kinda wanting to be a lab monkey. id let them put the sensor grids in my head and everything. as long as when there done i can get copies of the thought pattern scans and they dont want to pull the stuff back out of my head im fine with it. Im already working on some interesting dermal implants that include lights and switches. i like the idea of becoming somewhat of a cyborg, as long as there is no hive mind controlling me.

[Xodia]

Re: brain computer interface research

there is plenty of universities doing research on the topic. im kinda wanting to be a lab monkey. id let them put the sensor grids in my head and everything. as long as when there done i can get copies of the thought pattern scans and they dont want to pull the stuff back out of my head im fine with it. Im already working on some interesting dermal implants that include lights and switches. i like the idea of becoming somewhat of a cyborg, as long as there is no hive mind controlling me.

As far as I have seen most of the studies on this subject thus far have been focused on people with disabilities. It seems like restoring sight to the blind and helping those who have been paralyzed takes priority on the BCI front. Go figure. Luckily, every advance with a disabled person makes the technology closer to being a reality for everyone else.

There are a number of things you can look into tinkering with at home though. NeuroSky has some games coming out this fall that use brain waves to control things (I won't lie...I'll probably buy a Force Trainer). Given, its probably not actually analyzing anything. I imagine its just making the ball hover for increased EEG activity.

You could also look into building/buying a home EEG machine. At that point you could write programs that associate certain waves with certain functions I suppose...but that is way beyond the average person's programming ability.

I was interested in building a home EEG machine ages ago, but gave up since there really isn't any software for them other than simple games/monitors. Once more people start tinkering with it I probably will.

[kallahar]

Re: brain computer interface research

If you want a direct neural/computer interface you'll need to solve a big problem... Neurons use ion transport, computers use electron transport. Solve that and you can interface the two directly :)

Kallahar

[bascule]

Re: brain computer interface research

Well, if you're interested in playing with BCIs now there is this:

http://www.emotiv.com/

And also a new toy that lets kids "use the force" and move a ball with their mind (using EEG):

http://www.usatoday.com/life/lifesty...iner-toy_N.htm

[bascule]

Re: brain computer interface research

A pretty interesting NewScientist article on the Emotiv headset:

http://www.newscientist.com/article/...our-brain.html

Apparently they used it to post to Twitter using only their minds. Looks like we may be looking at using only our brains as a bona fide keyboard replacement in the near future.

[xor]

Re: brain computer interface research

there is plenty of universities doing research on the topic. im kinda wanting to be a lab monkey. id let them put the sensor grids in my head and everything. as long as when there done i can get copies of the thought pattern scans and they dont want to pull the stuff back out of my head im fine with it. Im already working on some interesting dermal implants that include lights and switches. i like the idea of becoming somewhat of a cyborg, as long as there is no hive mind controlling me.

Where do you live; USA , UK or other place of residence? USA it's going to be hard given the state of liability.

xor

[xor]

Re: brain computer interface research

Where do you live; USA , UK or other place of residence? USA it's going to be hard given the state of liability.

xor

Actually I've been thinking about my statement and want to quantify it a little further. As far as the US goes doing anything invasive, that is not medically necessary with un-FDA approved devices to an otherwise healthy individual is most likely out of the question given the current state of liability. Unless it's part of state approved medial school training curriculum.

xor

Just a side note to this Stanley Milgram's landmark test Obedience to Authority was repeated in late 2008 with the same results. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7791278.stm. This begs the question do you really want to be a lab rat?

[xor]

Re: brain computer interface research

If you want a direct neural/computer interface you'll need to solve a big problem... Neurons use ion transport, computers use electron transport. Solve that and you can interface the two directly :)

Kallahar

KIRK: Interesting design.
SCOTT: I've never seen anything like her. And ion propulsion at that. They could teach us a thing or two.

xor

[b0n3z]

Re: brain computer interface research

I'm telling you now, they won't implement something that high tech for military use. At least not in battle.

I've hooked up my own network in the field, along with integrating SF guys stuff....ya'll would laugh at what level of stupidity it is.