Brain/Computer Interfacing

1
Brain/Computer Interfacing

• James Wilson
• COMP4640
• 11/28/07

2
Brain/Computer Interfacing

• We are moving into a new era of technology where
  the age of keyboards and mice will soon be
  extinct. The gap between the human mind and
  technology will soon be bridged.
• Topics covered
• Artificial Vision
• Neuroprosthetics
• Gaming

3
Artificial Vision (BCI)?

• See with your ears !
• The vOICe system

4
Future uses of vOICe
5
Neuroprosthetics

• artificial devices to replace or improve the
  function of an impaired nervous system or limb.
• The most common neuroprosthetic is the, cochlear
  implant with approximately 100,000 in use
  worldwide as of 2006
• cochlear implant (CI) is a surgically implanted
  electronic device that provides a sense of sound
  to a person who is profoundly deaf or severely
  hard of hearing. The cochlear implant is often
  referred to as a bionic ear.

6
Cognitive prosthetics

• An exciting new field for neuroprsthetics is the
  addition of cognitive prosthetics aimed at
  restoring cognitive function by replacing
  circuits within the brain damaged by stroke,
  trauma or disease. Work has begun on a
  proof-of-concept device - a hippocampal
  prosthesis which can mimic the function of a
  region of the hippocampus - a part of the brain
  responsible for the formation of memories

7
Gaming (BCI)?

• Brain Computer interface system that lets the
  user walk an avatar through the streets of Second
  Life while relying solely on the power of
  thought...
• consists of a headpiece equipped with electrodes
  that monitor activity in three areas of the motor
  cortex (the region of the brain involved in
  controlling the movement of the arms and legs)?

Second Life Video