IntendiX EEG Allows Users to Type with Their Minds
IntendiX EEG Allows Users to Type with Their Minds
Posted 03/09/2010 at 1:56pm
| by Bart Salisbury
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There’s always a bit of a disconnect between the way science fiction manifests as science fact. Take the projection of psychic energy through a physical device. In Forbidden Planet, Dr. Morbius used the technology of the Krell to project his “monsters of the id”. Or, on a more mundane level, Uri Geller, who, sans electronic interface, would bend spoons for fun and profit. All this build up leads us to one of the first devices that will allow us to use only our minds to manipulate reality--a device that will let us type. A bit anti-climatic, don’t you think?
The device, called the IntendiX, is the brainchild of Guger Technologies, an Austrian biomedical firm. It consists of an electroencephalography (EEG) cap, display, and computer. The device, after about ten minutes of training, will pick up a user’s mind’s electrical activity through the user’s skin, which in turn will trigger typing. By integrating a command structure interface, a user will also be able to send email, open doors, turn on TVs, or move an on-screen avatar.
While this device may be a let down for gamers eager to reduce the wear-and-tear on their wrists, it is a boon for people who are severely disabled or suffer from “locked-in syndrome.” It allows them to more fully interact with the world outside them, helping them be less dependent. And even disappointed gamers will agree that's a good thing.
Another reason for gamers to be let down: a retail price tag of $12,000. Luckily, there is a rent before buy option available.
Image Credit: Guger Technologies
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Keith E. Whisman
March 09, 2010 at 11:47pm
I want one of these for me.
Just imagine in the future at an Job interview you maybe asked how many words can you think type?
I wonder what would happen if you wear this overnight while sleeping... Kinda eerie
captrespect
March 09, 2010 at 9:11pm
Hmm... I dunno, are there any studies showing that this actually works?
<a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3424486/skepticalhippo.jpg">skeptial hippo is skeptial</a>
Techrocket9
March 09, 2010 at 3:02pm
I'd hate to be one of the guys who had his skull drilled and electrodes inserted to do the same thing.
_____________________________________________________
An army of pacifists can be defeated by one man with the will to fight.
NSain
March 09, 2010 at 2:34pm
If this is enough to pick up some subconscious thoughts, just imagine the use on politicians... :)
JohnP
March 09, 2010 at 2:27pm
After a stoke while she was pregnant, she could usually blink one eye, the only means of communication. We tried to see if she could focus that eye on a screen to pick out letters but she could not do it, not enough muscle control.
It would have been nice for her to communicate if she was uncomfortable and it sure would have been a hell of lot easier to talk to her if I had some way of getting some sort of feedback more than a blink.
There is a lot of garbage that comes with locked in syndrome. Temperature spikes, fevers, lack of energy, lots of unconsciousness, feeding tubes all make the person unable to communicate most of the time. So this device would work on some better than others.
I wonder if this would be easier for Stephen Hawking?
Keith E. Whisman
March 09, 2010 at 11:45pm
Sorry to hear that John. You talk about her in the past tense so I take it that she has passed on? I'm very sorry to hear this. Life is one hell of a roller coaster isn't it?
Neufeldt2002
March 09, 2010 at 2:24pm
I think this is great. Another way for the disabled to be able. Stephen Hawking is probably already fitted for one.
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