Researchers at Washington University St. Louis developed a new device to record electrocorticographic data from the brain’s right hemisphere as an interface device for a custom version of Space Invaders. Before the game could be played with the mind alone, the group of scientists had to record information from the boy while he played a physical game of Space Invaders. After the brain activity was recorded they asked the boy to imagine movements without using his hand to play the game.
"He cleared out the whole level one basically on brain control," said Leuthardt, assistant professor of neurological surgery. "He learned almost instantaneously. We then gave him a more challenging version in two-dimensions and he mastered two levels there playing only with his imagination."
This isn’t the first time a mind control device has been invented. Way back in the 80’s Atari was working on the Mindlink peripheral for the 2600. The device measured resistance from muscles in your forehead to control games. However it was never released since it was inaccurate and it gave users headaches.
Published: Oct 12, 2006 08:48 am