(no subject)

[theweaselking]

Researchers invent cap that allows people to control a computer by thinking about it.

"The results show that people can learn to use scalp-recorded electroencephalogram rhythms to control rapid and accurate movement of a cursor in two directions," said Jonathan Wolpaw and Dennis McFarlane.

The research team, from New York State Department of Health and State University of New York in Albany, said the research was another step towards people controlling wheelchairs or other electronic devices by thought.

The four people faced a large video screen wearing a special cap which meant no surgery or implantation was needed

Brain activity produces electrical signals that can be read by electrodes. Complex algorithms then translate those signals into instructions to direct the computer.

Such brain activity does not require the use of any nerves or muscles, so people with stroke or spinal cord injuries could use the cap effectively.

Comments

[larabeaton.livejournal.com]

I read somewhere that, on average, men think about sex every seven seconds. Would one of these caps then cause it to surf the web for porn?

[theweaselking.livejournal.com]

Only if we're lucky.

Mmmm. Porn at the speed of thought.

(More seriously, no. It responds, specifically, to thoughts about moving the cursor.)

[zenten.livejournal.com]

Actualy, it responds to specific, seemingly random thoughts. So one person might make it go left by thinking about icecream, but it doesn't do that for another. This is also something that's been around for awhile, it just sounds like they've made it more reliable.

[rimrunner.livejournal.com]

I read an article a couple of years ago about similar research that enabled monkeys to move a robot arm about by thinking about it. They were going to try it with humans, both for handling hazardous materials, and also for amputees.