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Scientists Demonstrate Thought-Controlled Computer

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.

13 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!

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    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.

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      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.

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      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?

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    ...Rob
    The American Dream isn't an SUV and a house in the suburbs; it's Don't Tread On Me.
  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 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.

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  5. 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? ...

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      [alk]
  6. Results of thought-transcription demo! by argent · · Score: 4, Funny

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

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

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

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

    Why is my screen blank?

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

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

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    "It's never the things that happen to us that upset us, it's our view of them." -Epictetus