Smart home controlled by thought

Bringing the lights on, controlling the TV, taking the keys to open the door . all these things will become the past when brain-computer interface (brain-computer interface, BCI) technology is experimenting in Europe. allowing consumers to do everything entirely by thinking.

This technology, which was demonstrated at CeBIT in Hannover in March, provides a new way to control electronic devices that connect with each other only through the mindset of the 'host'. That technology is the basis for designing smart houses in the future, helping disabled people take initiative in their lives.

'BCI technology helps us turn on the lights, switch channels on the radio, open the door with a very simple movement: just think about what you need to do is enough' . Mr. Christoph Guger, CEO of G.tec Medical Technology Company explains.

G.tec brings together a team of universities and research institutes to design a smart home, as part of the EU-funded Presenccia project, to link the BCI technology of countries. EU membership into a unified network. G.tec's goal - also the goal of this interconnection network - is a home full of functions created in the virtual real patio. It includes kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms . as well as all other amenities like any normal home.

Electroencephalography devices are used to test electrical activity in the user's brain through a lot of electrodes attached to the head cap. After a period of training, the system has identified the specific diagrams of neural activity that form when they think of a specific action and then the action will be taken. Outsiders can track through this phenomenon from flashing signals of light or radio waves.

Unleash the ability for the disabled

The phenomenon of shifting and controlling objects is entirely based on the current of thought created for those with disabilities new abilities and abilities that are being released. It helps people who are paralyzed (or amputated) all four limbs actively use prosthetic limbs, allowing people whose lives associated with wheelchairs can walk in virtual reality and this has proven in a demonstration by Presenccia researchers.

Mel Slater, coordinator of the Presenccia project, said 'The network environment (virtual) can be used to train disabled people to control wheelchairs through the interface between the brain and the computer. Learning in virtual reality is safer than learning in the real world, because in the real world mistakes can cause accidents, leaving consequences on the body. '

Demonstrating the control of devices of smart houses by thought.

One of the applications that g-tec deployed also allows people to not only control wheelchairs - but on the same system - also control small robots with their own thoughts. Four lights on a small box blinking at frequencies help us keep track of all system activity. Looking at the lights that turn on and off, it is possible to know which direction the robot moves.

Typing with thoughts

G.tec implements a way to allow people to type their thoughts into specific words. Users sit in front of a keyboard with letters and numbers, and on the computer screen will show letters when the person intently looks at the word that he intends to hit. The brain recording system when looking at the word, the letter will light up.
Guger said: 'A person who has the experience of learning to' type with thoughts' will be very fast. For me, typing a word requires only 8/10 seconds, equivalent to someone typing with one finger '.

The better the hardware and software, the faster the ability to type with thoughts, even paralyzed people who almost lose their ability to communicate also do this.

A few years ago, it took a minute to hit one word and to teach one person all day. Now it takes only 5 minutes to learn the principles and when you have the experience, type faster.

The accuracy of BCI technology has been upgraded a lot: G.tec has shown that 82% of people can do this with 100% accuracy.

Smart Homes.

Where does the technology still apply?

General Director G.tec said that BCI technology will continue to expand applications to the field of medicine to support people with disabilities and rehabilitation for people with stroke, stroke. He also predicted it would become more and more popular.

Having been tested in virtual reality, g.tec's smart home became part of the SM4all project, funded by the EU Framework Program.

G.tec, founded in 1999 by 'Christoph Guger and Günter Edlinger' as a product of Graz University of Technology, was introduced and performed in 55 countries around the world.

Source: Daily Mail