Thought-Controlled System Invades Canada
Imagine controlling anything with your mind. InteraXon plans to show just how next week.
If there was a device that could make the kids clean up their messy rooms by thought alone, it would be bought in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, we're not at the point in technical achievement. However, there seems to be promise in recent thought-controlled computing development, and we'll see a sample of that technology next week at the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Start-up developer InteraXon has installed the world's largest thought-controlled computing system at Toronto's CN Tower, Ottawa's Parliament Buildings, and Niagara Falls. Although visitors won't be able to order food or do useful things by mere thought, they will be able to control various aspects of light displays. While that doesn't exactly sound thrilling, InteraXon says that its technology will eventually let you control almost anything using only your mind.
The secret to InteraXon's technology is that it converts brainwaves into digital signals that are then translated by a computer. The thoughts aren't actually read—they generate a specific electrical pattern that the computer will recognize. The company said that, with practice, you can learn to manipulate your brainwave pattern, like flexing a muscle you’ve never used before. Does that mean the system will know that we want a meat sandwich? We'll have to wait and see.
According to this blog, everything has been installed and the system is ready for its first demonstration. However, as a startup company, InteraXion seems somewhat nervous and a little weary. "One thing about running a start-up, there is no lack of things to keep you busy. It’s kind of like doing sound, tending bar and playing in the band all at once in a club that never closes."
The live simulcast of the world's largest thought-controlled computer system will begin on February 12, and will end on February 28. Let's hope Dr. Evil doesn't take over the system and control the entire world.
- Grammy Winner Displays Tweets on her Dress
- Soccer Fans: 3D TV is "Better Than Being There"
- Sega Making Motion Control Console? No.
- PS3's HDD Upgrade Bigger than X360's
- LOST Premiere Ep. 1 Leaks; Pirates Unimpressed
- Qwest Suspends Grandma's Internet Connection
- Samsung Working on AMOLED with Touch Function
- Woman Loses 112 Pounds by Using Wii Fit
- Airport Body Scanners Go Into Action Today
- Yahoo Renews with Associated Press, No Google
- Chinese Upset Over WoW Ban; Google Leaving, OK
- Apple Co-Founder Slams Prius Software Problem
- Fox's KDVR News Calls Xbox the 'Sex Box'
- Torrent Site Builder Steals Your Twitter Password
- Police Want Backdoor Access to Private Data
- Final Fantasy XIV Coming to X360, PC
- Anti-IE6 Petition Submitted to UK Government
- Google Issues 3G Fix, Multitouch for Nexus One
- BioShock 2 PS3 Has Crazy HDD Req, PC OK
Kevin Parish seriously, why do you have to include comments such as:
"Does that mean the system will know that we want a meat sandwich?"
The research and applications of such technology are huge. Just the first one that comes to mind is artificial limbs controlled remotely. Being able to drive a car without the current set of controls. I really like the site and good news but I wanted to stop reading this article despite the huge implications of the news simply because of your inane comments.
PS. Your article title is extremely misleading once again.
^try not to be such an ass
This probably just the very first step in a long and complicated developmental process that could prove to be very beneficial.
Just remember folks, thought controlled computers, not computer controlled thoughts
Also you can get OCZ's Neural Impulse Actuator off of Newegg for $110
Am I the only one amused by the 'meat sandwich' comment?
What are you trying to tell us, Kevin?
Darn - I was looking forwards the overclocking potential. I guess for now I'll have to stick with coffee.
I'm sure that would be just as harmful to neurons as it can be to transistors
"like flexing a muscle you’ve never used before"
If we are talking about the brain, I think its use will be new to a lot of people. ~grin~ /jk....or not.
The Force unleashed.
knowing that something can read my mind makes me think of naked people.
No, but it may know when you are thinking about the game that you just lost.
Oh, thought "controlled." I thought it said thought "control."
@Niva: Don't bother. Kevin doesn't read the comments on his blog.
While dimming the lights is boring, at best, the fact that you can do it with your thoughts is more thrilling that you might think! I wonder if we'll ever be able to recognize a person's brainwaves over another? To allow someone to control a system with is thoughts, but block another person to do the exact same thing. Bye bye encryption!
This is awesome! Even better than this mood ring I have!
@ravewulf
At first I thought you were making a joke, then I googled it and was like wtf!?
Now I think I'm going to get one!
Looks like we DO need thought control afterall.
DAMN YOU PINK FLOYD!!
"If there was a device that could make the kids clean up their messy rooms by thought alone, it would be bought in a heartbeat."
I know it's just an article opener, but I would not buy my kids this. I would want to discipline their ass. Just look at today's kids. They're already spoiled enough.
@ravewulf At first I thought you were making a joke, then I googled it and was like wtf!?Now I think I'm going to get one!
Yup, that's the problem with putting real info after a joke.
According to the user reviews on Newegg, you do have to do a bunch of fine tuning and tweaking to get it to read signals properly, but it does work.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6826100006