Neural Interface

The neural interface devices described on this page represent the tip of the iceberg for advanced brain wave reading technology. Expect increased sensitivity as knowledge of the human brain advances as well as personalized learning by repeated use of neural interfaces.

Their usage raises questions concerning a right to privacy though. If remote devices could actually read a humans mind, what's to stop competitive businesses or security from implementing scans without permission. Is there a uniqueness in our brain waves that identifies us like fingerprints?

From NeuroSky's Mindset Page :
"Begin harnessing the power of your mind with the NeuroSky MindSet headset. This Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) turns your thoughts into actions, unlocking new worlds of interactivity. By measuring your brain waves, the headset can send messages to your computer-allowing you to control the computer with your thoughts. The NeuroSky MindSet can be paired with video games, research devices or a number of other tools for an enhanced user experience.

New applications are coming soon, so get your Mindset to begin developing your mind power.

• The MindSet reports the wearer's mental state in the form of NeuroSky's proprietary Attention and Meditation eSense algorithms.


• Captures brainwave signals from 0-30Hz.


• Providing information on a user's Delta, Theta, Alpha, Beta, and Gamma EEG band power levels


• Features Bluetooth microphone input and stereo audio output capabilities."

From Emotiv's Description
"Communication between human and machine has always been limited to conscious interaction, with non-conscious communication -- expression, intuition, perception -- reserved solely for the human realm.

At Emotiv, we believe that future communication between human and machine will not be limited to the conscious communication that exists today. Users will demand that non-conscious communication play a much more significant role.

Our mission is to create the ultimate interface for the next-generation of human-machine interaction, by evolving the interaction between humans and electronic devices beyond the limitations of conscious interface. Emotiv has created technologies that allow machines to take both conscious and non-conscious inputs directly from your mind.

Applications for Emotiv technology spans numerous industries, however, our immediate target market is entertainment, with a focus on the electronic games industry.

Technology
Emotiv's core technology was developed based on our research into the human brain - the central control center for all our interactions and experiences.

The brain is made up of approximately 100 billion nerve cells, which are called neurons. With the billions of active neurons, the brain tissue contains a myriad of active current sources that cause the local electrical potential to endlessly fluctuate with a great deal of variability.

Each human brain is unique, both physically and functionally. The folding of the cortex of the human brain is also highly individual, meaning the way in which the external surface of the brain is folded individualizes the potentials, regardless of how functionality is mapped in each brain. Using non-invasive electroencephalography (EEG), it is possible to observe each person's individual electrical brain activity.

At Emotiv, we've created a robust system and methodology for detecting and classifying both human conscious thoughts and non-conscious emotions. This revolutionary patent pending neural processing technology makes it possible for computers to interact directly with the human brain.

By the detection of thoughts and feelings, our technology now makes it possible for applications to be controlled and influenced by the user's mind."

From the SmartBrain Technologies site:
"SmartBrain Technologies provides the most innovative and effective neurofeedback technologies. Our DVD Media Player System allows any DVD movie and Media File to become the training feedback for neurofeedback training. Our Sony PlayStation and Microsoft XBox systems allow hundreds of video games to be played for neurofeedback training. We have developed the most interactive, enjoyable and effective neurofeedback technologies as well as the most cost effective.

Choose from our Video Game or DVD Media Player Systems or combine them both at a significant cost savings delivering the most engaging and versatile neurofeedback systems in the world."

Some background information from the OCZ NIA (Neural Imuplse Actuator) site
"OCZ's Neural Impulse Actuator (nia) marks a new era in gaming. Rather than being a substitute for a mouse, the nia is a pioneering new peripheral to be used in conjunction with your mouse for a more immersive gaming experience. The nia is compatible with any PC game using keyboard input%u2026 past, present, or future. Predefined profiles included with the software allow the gamer to develop their own nia-memory to launch the desired behavior of their character and shoot with the "blink of an eye", without lifting a finger.

Play Games Using Biosignals
Translate electrical biosignals of your body directly into computer commands and take advantage of total immersion into game play. Customize behavioral profiles of your character and let your subconsciousness take over.

Hone Your Reflexes
Where others have to practice reaction times, you can use reflex-based game play to get the better of your opponents by cutting your reaction time by 50%.

Use Space-Age Technology
The headband uses carbon nanofiber-based sensors to provide the highest possible dynamic range for the recording of bioelectrical signals that are amplified and digitized and further de-convoluted into computer commands.

Become Your Character
Streaming biopotentials into the computer and witnessing real-time feedback through the game will result in a novel way to experience virtual reality. Enter a virtual world where abstractions like keyboard commands are replaced by intentions converted into tensions and translated into command structures."

Description from Hitachi Medical Systems America
"It is well known to scientists that the transmission and absorption of light in human body tissues is sensitive to its hemoglobin concentration. The fundamentals of the optical topography system utilize the phenomenon, using the better penetrating near infrared light, rather than visible light, to measure changes in blood hemoglobin concentrations in the brain.

Infrared light is a type of radio wave that has a longer wavelength than that of visible light. The system uses near infrared light to measure the changes of oxy- and deoxy-hemoglobin as well as total blood volume changes in various regions of the brain's upper levels ( cerebral cortex ), showing the data as images.

When a specific area of the brain is activated, the localized blood volume in that area changes quickly. It can thus be determined by the system, where and how active the specific regions of the brain are, by continuously monitoring the blood hemoglobin levels, while having the examinee do some specific action or task paradigm.

It takes only 0.1 second to perform one cycle of measurement, calculation and display, so this system provides a "real-time" measurement of the brain's activity.

The system has several unique advantages over current measurement methods. It is non-invasive, and can be used under a variety of conditions with minimal restriction on the examinee. Measurements can be made under more natural conditions, giving more freedom in task design. It also enables simultaneous measurements with other testing modalities such as EEG, fMRI and MEG. The system's design facilitates longitudinal studies and monitoring over extended time periods."