Scientists Demonstrate Thought-Controlled Computer

Da Massive writes with a link to ComputerWorld coverage of a unique gadget shown at this past week's CeBit show. The company g.tec was showing off a brain/computer interface (BCI) in one corner of the trade hall. The rig, once placed on your head, detects the brain's voltage fluctuations and can respond appropriately. This requires training, where "the subject responds to commands on a computer screen, thinking 'left' and 'right' when they are instructed to do so ... Another test involves looking at a series of blinking letters, and thinking of a letter when it appears." Once the system is trained, you can think letters at the machine and 'type' via your thoughts. Likewise, by thinking directions you can move objects around onscreen. The article provides some background on the history of g.tec's BCI, and suggests possible uses for the technology in the near future.

Could lead to problems

[cyberbob2351]

Now when you think about composing a nasty hate letter to your evil ex-girlfriend, it actually happens!

But...

[rbochan]

Do you have to think in Russian?

A little pricey

[Anonymous Coward]

Starting at 26,000 US, this might appeal to PS3 buyers, but most will find this too pricey.

Already have one

[SmlFreshwaterBuffalo]

I SEX typed SEX this SEX using SEX my SEX own SEX BCI-controlled SEX computer. SEX It SEX really SEX works SEX great!

Re:This could make for a cool video game controlle

[cyberbob2351]

Simpsons did it [slashdot.org]

Re:But...

[Tx]

Which segues nicely into the obligatory joke...

In Soviet Russia, the computers thoughts control YOU!

Ok, I'll go now.

Minor Problem

[dduardo]

*Fred temporarily switches to root in order to edit an /etc file. John comes by to talk.

John: Hey Fred, have you heard that new indie band called R.M. SPACE STAR ENTER?
Fred: What? No! Why did you make me think that?! Now all my files are being deleted!

And now, much as the gods tried to prevent this...

[sugapablo]

Stephen Hawking will now take over the world!

Beware those of you who dared park in handicap spaces!

Results of thought-transcription demo!

[argent]

Dear aunt, let's set so double the killer delete select all.

Re:Already have one

[Anonymous Coward]

You're totally a woman, aren't you?

Re:Just what we need

[iminplaya]

See? It's working already. That's what they want you to think.

Why?

[Anonymous Coward]

Why is my screen blank?

Re:Could lead to problems

[digitig]

Nah -- never be able to get the thing off porn sites for long enough to do a letter.

Cosmic Truth

[BRUTICUS]

Is there some kind of cosmic constant that depicts if ever there is anything interesting in the news no photograph or video of the subject should be made viewable?

Serioously.. WHERES THE VIDEO?

While you're at it I want the pictures of the frozen Mammoth and the gigantic Ape creature too.

Thanxabunch

Re:OMFG

[(Robo_Bro)]

Too lazy? You mean both your hands are busy...

Re:Minor Problem

[loconet]

Or better yet.. Fred's terminal beeps to the sound of ..

Fred@mindreader:/etc$ viAh shit, here comes that idiot John. What the fuck does he want again, I really don't care about his disturbing fascination with obscure indie bands, why don't they transfer his pompous ass to accounting.....ah crap
bash: viAh: command not found
Fred@mindreader:/etc$
John: What is that on your screen? ...

Re:Could lead to problems

[eck011219]

This is Slashdot -- there are no ex-girlfriends (or certainly current girlfriends) to worry about.

Re:Already have one

[Lordpidey]

No, but CHEATER, I am, YOU LOOKED AT HER, its quite I'M JEALOUS the interesting YOU MUST BE CHEATING technology. I'm sure DOES THIS MAKE ME LOOK FAT that this will transform the world.

Did you...

[TheCouchPotatoFamine]

..also have a guy bring a toy that would make a women's clothes jump five feet to the right? you know, with a warm cup of coffee?

you go, you!