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Non-Invasive Computer Control Through Brainwaves
mikael writes "An article on the BBC website is reporting that U.S. scientists have managed to develop a 'thinking cap' which allows a computer to receive commands from the electrical activity of a person's brain alone. Comprised of 64 electrodes, this cap allowed two users to control a cursor through pure thought alone, rather than through eye movements or other physical gestures." Unlike some previous efforts, this one doesn't require anything to be implanted in your brain.
The end of left handed surfing!
Saw the headline and thought "Non-Invasive Brain Control Through Computers". I need a new tinfoil hat.
Stressed? Me? Of course not. Stress is what a rubber band feels before it breaks, silly.
I for one will be waiting for the 128-electrode technology to come out so I can think faster.
TT
So what exactly goes through the person's mind when they are moving the cursor. Do they just think "Left" and "Right" etc. Or do they simply have to look in the direction they want the cursor to go? It'd be interesting to try it out. It would bring me one step closer to utilizing the power of the force.
Because invasive would be that long spike jammed into the back of your cranium in the Matrix.
-Teiresias
.. now get cracking on the bi-directional interface. I need my legion of computer-controlled human drones to do my evil bidding!
Robots and sharks with lasers on their heads can't do everything, you know.
because I, like the rest of you, have other uses for our hands while surfing the net.
On a real note (though the above is true), imagine playing CS or any FPS game with mind control. Now it will even mean that shooter games will be won by the smartest - not the most physically capable (hand to eye coordination).
I mod down so you can mod up. Your welcome.
Now all you have to do to be a hacker is to wear one of these and stand behind people who are using a computer.
Imagine the fun in a library or computer lab...mauahaha!
Could the users make the mouse 'click'?
It could be bad to be able to control your computer by thinking. Just imagine if you were sitting at your thought controlled computer when a "friend" comes up and asks, "hey, what's the command to delete everything recursively without confirmation?"
And you think... "\rm -r *"
DOH!
Well, as soon as someone writes the Firefox plugin.
Baranovich: "You must think... of Russians!"
Andropov: "Are you enjoyink your ride, Mister Gant? Do you like our new toy?" Gant: "Boy, is this a machine!"
If we are able to detect and monitor energy waves that are emitted from our brains merely by thinking about things, how much more difficult is it to believe that there are people who are physically tuned to be able to "pick up" those brain waves?
Just wait until the electrodes attached to the skull are not just sensors, but are powered transmitters used to induce right thinking!
I'm already thinking I need to take out a loan at Ditech to buy some more products that will surely ease my anxieties about my projected sexual desirability!
"Provided by the management for your protection."
Does it move left when you think of Kerry, and right when you think of Bush?
Have you read my blog lately?
Yes, now if we can just get more cowbell ...
TT
But, .. You are in a coma and this is all a simulation. We have been testing on you for several years now. Does it not seem real to you? The slashdot forum is the only way we have found so far to communicate with you.
Can you hear us?
Hello!?
(try to keep those dirty thoughts to yourself from now on, you really embarrased your mother last time she was here to visit you.)
Ha! I knew you were going to say that!