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Scientists Demonstrate Thought-Controlled Computer

Posted by Zonk on from the a-little-crude-for-decking dept.

Da Massive writes with a link to ComputerWorld coverage of a unique gadget shown at this past week's CeBit show. The company g.tec was showing off a brain/computer interface (BCI) in one corner of the trade hall. The rig, once placed on your head, detects the brain's voltage fluctuations and can respond appropriately. This requires training, where "the subject responds to commands on a computer screen, thinking 'left' and 'right' when they are instructed to do so ... Another test involves looking at a series of blinking letters, and thinking of a letter when it appears." Once the system is trained, you can think letters at the machine and 'type' via your thoughts. Likewise, by thinking directions you can move objects around onscreen. The article provides some background on the history of g.tec's BCI, and suggests possible uses for the technology in the near future.

19 of 172 comments (clear)

  1. Could lead to problems by cyberbob2351 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Now when you think about composing a nasty hate letter to your evil ex-girlfriend, it actually happens!

    --
    for sale
    I'm a self-modifying sig virus
    1. Re:Could lead to problems by digitig · · Score: 4, Funny

      Nah -- never be able to get the thing off porn sites for long enough to do a letter.

      --
      Quidnam Latine loqui modo coepi?
    2. Re:Could lead to problems by eck011219 · · Score: 4, Funny

      This is Slashdot -- there are no ex-girlfriends (or certainly current girlfriends) to worry about.

      --
      It is pitch black. You are likely to be eaten by a grue.
  2. But... by rbochan · · Score: 5, Funny

    Do you have to think in Russian?

    --
    ...Rob
    The American Dream isn't an SUV and a house in the suburbs; it's Don't Tread On Me.
    1. Re:But... by Tx · · Score: 2, Funny

      Which segues nicely into the obligatory joke...

      In Soviet Russia, the computers thoughts control YOU!

      Ok, I'll go now.

      --
      Oh no... it's the future.
  3. A little pricey by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    Starting at 26,000 US, this might appeal to PS3 buyers, but most will find this too pricey.

  4. Already have one by SmlFreshwaterBuffalo · · Score: 5, Funny

    I SEX typed SEX this SEX using SEX my SEX own SEX BCI-controlled SEX computer. SEX It SEX really SEX works SEX great!

    1. Re:Already have one by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

      You're totally a woman, aren't you?

    2. Re:Already have one by Lordpidey · · Score: 3, Funny

      No, but CHEATER, I am, YOU LOOKED AT HER, its quite I'M JEALOUS the interesting YOU MUST BE CHEATING technology. I'm sure DOES THIS MAKE ME LOOK FAT that this will transform the world.

      --
      Some people encrypt by using rot-13 twice. I prefer the more secure method of using rot-1 a total of twenty six times.
  5. Re:This could make for a cool video game controlle by cyberbob2351 · · Score: 2, Funny

    Simpsons did it

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    for sale
    I'm a self-modifying sig virus
  6. Minor Problem by dduardo · · Score: 5, Funny

    *Fred temporarily switches to root in order to edit an /etc file. John comes by to talk.

    John: Hey Fred, have you heard that new indie band called R.M. SPACE STAR ENTER?
    Fred: What? No! Why did you make me think that?! Now all my files are being deleted!

    1. Re:Minor Problem by loconet · · Score: 3, Funny

      Or better yet.. Fred's terminal beeps to the sound of ..

      Fred@mindreader:/etc$ viAh shit, here comes that idiot John. What the fuck does he want again, I really don't care about his disturbing fascination with obscure indie bands, why don't they transfer his pompous ass to accounting.....ah crap
      bash: viAh: command not found
      Fred@mindreader:/etc$
      John: What is that on your screen? ...

      --
      [alk]
  7. And now, much as the gods tried to prevent this... by sugapablo · · Score: 2, Funny

    Stephen Hawking will now take over the world!

    Beware those of you who dared park in handicap spaces!

    --
    Sugapablo
  8. Results of thought-transcription demo! by argent · · Score: 4, Funny

    Dear aunt, let's set so double the killer delete select all.

  9. Re:Just what we need by iminplaya · · Score: 3, Funny

    See? It's working already. That's what they want you to think.

    --
    What?
  10. Why? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

    Why is my screen blank?

  11. Cosmic Truth by BRUTICUS · · Score: 2, Funny

    Is there some kind of cosmic constant that depicts if ever there is anything interesting in the news no photograph or video of the subject should be made viewable?

    Serioously.. WHERES THE VIDEO?

    While you're at it I want the pictures of the frozen Mammoth and the gigantic Ape creature too.

    Thanxabunch

  12. Re:OMFG by (Robo_Bro) · · Score: 3, Funny

    Too lazy? You mean both your hands are busy...

    --
    "It's never the things that happen to us that upset us, it's our view of them." -Epictetus
  13. Did you... by TheCouchPotatoFamine · · Score: 2, Funny

    ..also have a guy bring a toy that would make a women's clothes jump five feet to the right? you know, with a warm cup of coffee?

    you go, you!

    --
    CS majors know the time/space tradeoff, but they never get taught the 3rd, crucial, tradeoff of the set: comprehension!