Mind-Controlled Tablet Possibly in Our Future Thanks to Samsung & University of Texas

[dgstorm]

How does the idea of a thought-controlled tablet strike you? Sounds like something in the realm of science fiction, right? Not necessarily. In fact, the technology may not be that far off. Samsung and researchers at the University of Texas are actively working on ways for us to do just that. In fact, they have already demonstrated limited functionality of this technology by wiring a Galaxy Note 10.1 up to an EEG electrode equipped cap. Here's a quote with a few more details,

In collaboration with Roozbeh Jafari, an assistant professor of electrical engineering at the University of Texas, Dallas, Samsung researchers are testing how people can use their thoughts to launch an application, select a contact, select a song from a playlist, or power up or down a Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1. While Samsung has no immediate plans to offer a brain-controlled phone, the early-stage research, which involves a cap studded with EEG-monitoring electrodes, shows how a brain-computer interface could help people with mobility issues complete tasks that would otherwise be impossible.

Brain-computer interfaces that monitor brainwaves through EEG have already made their way to the market. NeuroSky’s headset uses EEG readings as well as electromyography to pick up signals about a person’s level of concentration to control toys and games (see “Next-Generation Toys Read Brain Waves, May Help Kids Focus”). Emotiv Systems sells a headset that reads EEG and facial expression to enhance the experience of gaming (see “Mind-Reading Game Controller”).

To use EEG-detected brain signals to control a smartphone, the Samsung and UT Dallas researchers monitored well-known brain activity patterns that occur when people are shown repetitive visual patterns. In their demonstration, the researchers found that people could launch an application and make selections within it by concentrating on an icon that was blinking at a distinctive frequency.

They made it clear that the process of setting up this tech to work takes a great deal of time and is uncomfortable, so it's not something they plan to offer on retail shelves anytime soon. Still, it's interesting to see them pushing technology forward with innovative new ideas. What do you guys think?

Source: Samsung Tests a Galaxy Note 10.1 Controlled by Brain Activity | MIT Technology Review

 

[jkaod]

That's a sweet hat. I can't find one on Amazon though. I thought they had everything.