03-03-2011, 02:42 PM
There are other means of reading brain activity than direct neural contact via pins. The first and most common is electroencephalography (EEG) where electrodes are placed against the scalp are used to pick up brain signals. However, this approach is not nearly as accurate as direct neural contact and can only pickup blurry, weak readings. The other, much newer, and much more accurate non-invasive technology is magnetoencephalography (MEG) but is also more equipment intensive. Using MEG requires a room filled with super-conducting magnets and giant super-cooling helium tanks surrounded by shielded walls. This technology, while providing the speed and accuracy needed for a successful non-invasive BMI, will require significant improvement of technology in order to be realistic for everday use.
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