Thought-controlled computers on the way: IntelAugust 25th, 2010
in Technology / Hi Tech & Innovation An fMRI scan example.
Image: Wikipedia. (PhysOrg.com) -- Computers controlled by the
mind are going a step further with Intel's development of mind-
controlled computers. Existing computers operated by brain power
require the user to mentally move a cursor on the screen, but
the new computers will be designed to directly read the words
thought by the user. Intel scientists are currently mapping out
brain activity produced when people think of particular words,
by measuring activity at about 20,000 locations in the brain.
The devices being used to do the mapping at the moment are
expensive and bulky MRI scanners, similar to those used in
hospitals, but senior researcher at Intel, Dean Pomerlau, said
smaller gadgets that could be worn on the head are being
developed. Once the brain activity is mapped out the computer
will be able to determine what words are being thought by
identifying similar brain patterns and