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Brain-Control Gaming Headset Launching Dec. 21
An anonymous reader writes "Controlling computers with our minds may sound like science fiction, but one Australian company claims to be able to let you do just that. The Emotiv device has been garnering attention at trade shows and conferences for several years, and now the company says it is set to launch the Emotiv EPOC headset on December 21. PC Authority spoke to co-founder Nam Do about the Emotiv technology and its potential as a mainstream gaming interface."
One wonders what kind of adoption they expect with a $299 price tag.
Looks like it actually is approaching a reasonable number of electrodes, unlike other the bunch of other 'brain control' devices (a pair of electrodes on your forehead does not an effective EEG make). Still too few for any sort of fine control, but you might just be able to get 2d bang-bang direction control going with a large amount of practice.
Of course, if it costs something ridiculous, then it's probably easier to make your own.
Back when I had regular EEGs a technician would spend about ten minutes squeezing conductive cream onto my scalp before clipping the electrodes on. If you don't use a conductive liquid your signal is going to have to pass through your hair, which doesn't sound good for their N/N ratio. So what's it going to be? Shaved heads or washing your hair after gaming?
http://michaelsmith.id.au
It will be very interesting to see how this works out. It tested the last "Brain Control Device" (i think it was from a german company) at the Games Convention 2008 and was very surprised to see it working...with some learning of course.
After watching the video, a very specific quotation comes to mind.
Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from a rigged demo.
- Andy Finkel
If you look at the hardware itself, there is a gyroscope attached. Hence, when the fat white guy wants to lift the stone, he leans his head back. I suppose you are to watch him wave his hands, but the real action is going on literally on his head.
Now if someone could build an iPhone app that can do this, we'd have all the same functionality at an even higher price!
Early ones.
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44438000/gif/_44438417_headset_info416.gif
Don't shoot the messenger, man.
Of course. Since it's gaming device, Linux enthusiast are their main market.
"Given the little knowledge I have of neural network functioning"
It seems it's even littler than you think.
I hate printers.
OCZ one doesnt work at all, or barely.
Who logs in to gdm? Not I, said the duck.
Of course. Since it's gaming device, Linux enthusiast are their main market.
Actually, they are also targeted neuro- and psycho- scientist who might be interested in such a mass marketed, dead-cheap(*), over-simplified EEG.
The company provides SDK, which are also usable on Linux.
It's the exact same situation as with GPU, which are both consumer mass product for playing games (OpenGL & DX) *and* are interesting to scientist looking for cheap of-the-shelf parts (for OpenCL and CUDA).
(*) : The *device itself* is cheap. In order to unlock full access to all the data and let the scientist play with what they want, the free-as-in-beer SDK isn't enough and they have to pay for research SDK.
But still, the whole stuff isn't as expensive as medical-grade EEG installations.
"Sufficiently advanced satire is indistinguishable from reality." - [Tips: 1DrYakQDKCQ6y52z6QbnkxHXAocMZJE61o ]
Should be brain-controlled
I'm a bit surprised (or maybe not) that the focus of the discussions has been on the gaming aspect of the device. I know it's not perfect, there are a lot of bugs to work out, and it's been around for a while, but I can see tremendous application and potential for this technology. This could provide quadriplegics with access to software, allow another interaction pathway for those with their hands occupied on critical tasks (pilots, surgeons, police).
I wonder how much the hand gestures were required to move the objects? I'm sure it's a way to "cognitively prime the pump" at this point, but could it be done without the gestures? Or could someone learn to do it without them?
"Before God we are all equally wise - and equally foolish"
Albert Einstein
There are also... power issues.
PHEM - party like it's 1997-2003!
He isn't talking about some evil mind control, what he is saying is that when you learn and use your brain, connections change. Therefore, if you are trying to get the "up" motion on the keyboard down, there will be a change in your brain activity that will be reinforced by getting it right. So yes, he is right that using this device will change how things are working, but such change would be no different than learning to type in Dvorak or using a different controller for the first time. Nothing dangerous.
There is more to science than physics!
www.iomalfunction.blogspot.com
This is a VERY old diagram. It shows how the design was intended 3 years ago.
If your going to cite diagrams, use one from the actual product. http://audivolv.com/emotivEpocMindReadingHelmet.jpg
As for previous comments on "conductive goo", the emotive epoc uses felt pads with a saline solution for conductivity. If you will notice, the owner and lead researchers are both women with thick, long hair and they have no problems using the device.
Linux support is in the works (Read: Drivers are under development); however, since their target is gamers, this is not their priority at the moment.
My backup chemistry thesis stored on Data Storing Bacteria mutated; granting me a degree in forensic anthropology. v4sw7
Until such a device can interpret thoughts as we have them, without requiring the user to "think" certain patterns... I think I'll hold off on buying mine.