Use mind control to win the game

Mike Bantick
Wednesday, 07 March 2007 16:05

Opinion and Analysis

Emotiv Systems Project Epoc promises the ability to control your games using only your brain waves.

Aussie company Emotiv Systems have unwrapped a new system that will read your brain and translate it into information a computer can comprehend. 

Using a rather uncool (at conception stage at least) helmet, the Project Epoc system reads electrical activity in the brain as an electroencephalogram (EEG)

"But communication amongst humans is a lot more interesting because we have what we call non-conscious communication," said Nam Do, Emotiv chief executive.
"We read body language, facial expressions, feelings and emotions.  Our vision is that the next generation of man and machine communication will not be limited to just the conscious but that non-conscious will play a big part."

Using a number of techniques named Expressiv, Affectiv and Cognitiv, the system is able to use the EEG data to determine a player’s facial expression, emotional state, and a desire, through concentration to move an on screen object.

The Game Developers Conference in San Francisco was a magnificent location to introduce the new technology, with the audience probably imagining new ways to use the technology.

For me I will have to dig out  a copy of Clint Eastwoods Firefox to prepare myself for the coming of the Project Epoc helmet.  And on that subject, will I have to think in Russian to archive results?