Brain/Computer Interfacing James Wilson COMP /28/07

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

Artificial Vision (BCI)‏ See with your ears ! The ”vOICe” system

Future uses of vOICe

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.

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

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