A new game platform apparently makes it possible to manipulate a virtual world with one''s thoughts and emotions.Emotiv
Systems unveiled on Wednesday a brain/computer interface system with a
helmet and software applications at the Game
Developers Conference in
San Francisco.The Project Epoc system can move objects based on
a gamer''s thoughts, reflect facial expressions and respond to the
excitement or calm the gamer displays, the company said.Sensors
in the helmet pick up on electric signals in the brain. The system
software analyzes the signals emitted by the brain and then wirelessly
relays what it detects to a receiver. The receiver is plugged into the
USB port of a game console or PC, according to Randy Breen, Emotiv''s
chief product officer.As with handwriting or voice recognition,
the machine itself has a learning curve, improving as it better
understands what the player is thinking, but there is also a skill
level involving visualization on the part of the gamer.Anecdotally,
the system seems to work best with children and others open to
believing in their capability, according to Breen. It seems that gamers
who believe in their ability to manipulate the virtual world with their
brain--the kind of people who are skilled at using their imagination,
in other words--are better at using the device.The detection works best when you think about that action in a particular way, repeating that thought pattern,"Breen said. We
have had a number of kids try the equipment, and they often get the
best results right away, Breen said. Part of that is because the kid
doesn''t have the same kind of barriers as an adult does. Lots of kids
can fantasize about moving a cup (telekinetically) and believe it. Adults,
on the other hand, are more definitive in their thinking and thus have
a barrier to believing that they can do something out of the ordinary,
Breen said.While almost anyone can do at least one action with
the device, Breen said some adults require practice to master up to
three simultaneous actions.The helmet shown at the show is only
a prototype to demonstrate to game developers what can be done with the
technology. While Emotiv is not yet ready to announce any partnerships,
Breen did say the product will be coming to market in 2008.In
conjunction with Project Epoc''s debut, the company launched a kit for
game developers Wednesday. Emotiv also announced that it is developing
its technology for use in other industries, including medicine,
security, market research and interactive television.Emotiv,
founded in 2003, has offices both in Sydney, Australia, and San
Francisco. The company counts among its investors the Australian
government. One of its four co-founders is Allan Snyder, director of
The Centre for the Mind, a joint venture of the Australian National
University and the University of Sydney. Steven Duvall, the director of
technology for Intel Capital''s International Sector, serves as an
adviser to the company.