 |
Hitachi Brain-Machine Interface Applications
The Hitachi brain-machine interface unit has, I believe, already been covered in the pages of Technovelgy (see Hitachi Brain Scanner Fun Toy). However, there are new pictures of more up-to-date prototypes - as well as more suggestions in how they might be used.
(Hitachi brain-machine interface as worn by lab researcher)
Optical topography is the secret; infrared light is sent through to the brain's surface to map out changes in blood flow. If this can be done on a controlled basis by the user, you now have a usable controller.
For example, intrepid Hitachi researchers have succeeded in running a model train by performing mental simple calculations; when you stop calculating in your head, the train stops too.
Hitachi intends to exert it's brand power on couch potatoes; a brain-machine interface TV remote-control is in the works. Now, you'll have to explain the joke when someone is shown using a remote control as "exercise."
Regular technovelgy reader Zac wants to do more; he wants to have a working weirding module from the movie made from Frank Herbert's novel Dune that will translate mere thought into a devastating beam of energy.
At first, I had no idea what the weirding module was - until helpful Wikipedia reminded me. In the film, director David Lynch decided to have a special device that would turn Fremen leader's spoken name "Muad'Dib" into a weapon. This device does not appear in the book; Dune purists disdain it. A picture of it is provided below.
(Weirding Module from movie version of Dune)
However, I'll bet that if DARPA would cough up several million in development dollars, brain-machine interface thought energy weapons (BMI-TEWs) might someday become a reality.
Via Yahoo news (circuitously) - thanks to Zac for the tip.
Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 6/23/2007)
Follow this kind of news @Technovelgy.| Email | RSS | Blog It | Stumble | del.icio.us | Digg | Reddit |
Would
you like to contribute a story tip?
It's easy:
Get the URL of the story, and the related sf author, and add
it here.
Comment/Join discussion ( 1 )
Related News Stories - (" Medical ")
Artificial Kidney Prototype To Be Implantable
Artificial organs have been a science fiction staple for a long time; perhaps we'll see implantable mechanical organs soon.
Labor-Saving Centrifuge
'I made sure my left foot was positioned for the gravistat control and watched her belly.'
Yurina Care Robot Cure For Nurses' Strained Backs
If you can promise nurses 'no more strained backs' you'll get a sale.
Pharmed Blood Is DARPA's Tru Blood
Artificially produced blood for transfusions is on its way.
Technovelgy (that's tech-novel-gee!) is devoted to the creative science inventions and ideas of sf authors. Look for the Invention Category that interests you, the Glossary, the Invention Timeline, or see what's New.
Current News
Swiss Thought-Controlled Wheelchair
Remarkable tech.
Tractor Beam Works Over Longer Distances
'More and more force was applied to the helpless liner.'
Brian Robot Reads Your Emotions, Then Creeps You Out
'Why don't you take a stress pill and get some rest?'
Life-sized Duplicate Of Deceased Girlfriend Manufactured
'Now, young man, what can I do for you? Want a life-companion, a pleasant one?'
Laser-Powered Helicopter
Aloft on beams of light.
First Cashless Society - In Somaliland?
Just use your mobile phone for all transactions.
Inflatable Lofts For NASA 'Campers' On Moon And Mars
'We were in the expansion bubble when it happened.'
Artificial Kidney Prototype To Be Implantable
'George Walt's corporate existence proved the workability of wholly mechanical organs.'
Self-Healing Concrete Uses Bacteria For Healing
Building, heal thyself.
Exmobaby Biosensor Pajamas For Baby
Hush little baby, don't say a word.
Apple Live Streaming Fail
'Industry-leading' my foot.
Re Google: William Gibson, Read More SF
Especially the old stuff.
Nike's Air Kicks Back To The Future Power Laces
Marty McFly, your shoes are almost ready.
Yale Aerial Manipulator Flying Robotic Hand
Did you say helicopter hands.
EggTorte Mini Micromouse
'Something small, metallic, glittering had shot through one of the rat holes.'
