brain Computer Interface

[gcool]

As the power of modern computer grows alongside our understanding of the human brain, we move even closer to making some pretty spectacular science fiction into reality. Imagine transmitting signals directly to someone's brain that would allow them to see, hear or feel specific sensory inputs (in short we can make any blind person watch, deaf person hear). Consider the potential to manipulate computers or machinery with nothing more than a thought. It isn't about convenience for severely disabled people; development of a brain-computer interface (BCI) could be the most important technological breakthrough in decades. In this seminars, we'll learn all about how BCIs work, their limitations and where they could be headed in the future. One of the most exciting areas of BCI research is the development of devices that can be controlled by thoughts. Some of the applications of this technology may seem frivolous, such as the ability to control a video game by thought. If you think a remote control is convenient, imagine changing channels with your mind. However, there's a bigger picture, devices that would allow severely disabled people to function independently. For a quadriplegic, something as basic as controlling a computer cursor via mental commands would represent a revolutionary improvement in quality of life.