Computer typing with ideas

Scientists have developed the world's first "telepathic typewriter" - a device that allows users to "write spiritually".

A Berlin-based brain-computer interface prototype (BBCI) is being developed at the German Fraunhofer Institute using brain sensors to detect what users want to write.

The leather cap on the user's head has 128 sensors attached to the computer (photo). These sensors record and magnify users' brain waves and when the cursor moves over a series of characters on the screen, the user can create words by simply thinking 'left' or 'the right'.

Currently each sentence takes several minutes to finish writing, but with the help of neuroscience experts, the scientist said this device could one day work faster than conventional typing. And if the strings were to be replaced by wireless technology one day, the employees would wander in the office and still release text on their computer screens.

Professor Klaus-Robert Muller, the head of the project, said the methods of spelling words are being improved, but it will take many years before the device can be used for everyday work.

Q.HONG