When was the last time you were lying on your bed and just when you wanted to switch the channel you discover that you forgot remote on the sofa, well you are too tired to go for it and you also want to see a soccer match on some other channel. Then again, you forget to turn off your microwave, or you wanted to turn on your washing machine. It happens most of the times with most of us.
Well laziness need no answers cause scientists are working very hard on a new technology in Japan where you can operate electronic devices without any physical movement only by your brain activity.
The technology is named optical topography, the seed from which Hitachi brain machine interface has sprouted. Hitachi’s brain machine interface sends a small amount of infrared waves through your brain surface, calculates the slightest changes in blood flow and decodes brain motion into electrical signals.
On a recent display at Hitachi’s Advanced Research Laboratory in Hatoyam, outside Tokyo a cap- connected to a mapping device with optical fibers, mapping device again linked to toy train passing through computer and a motor was used to test its fortitude.
Exhibiting the device a researcher, Kei Utsugi said, “Take a deep breath and relax”, as directed, the reporter did some simple calculation in her head, which made the train move forward, indicating activity in brains frontal cortex, the problem solving part.
The scientist explained that by activating the aforesaid part, the train moved, and when you stop calculating, it deactivates, making the train stop. Traditionally the technology advancement centered on medical usage, but now, developers like Hitachi & Japanese Auto giant Honda are inclined towards making it commercially milk able.
Previously developed brain machine interface technology in US had a huge disadvantage against this one as the chip had to be implanted under the scull and in the concurrent case; the sensors need no implantation in the brain.
Hitachi is keen on developing its first brain TV remote control by which the viewer can switch the channels, even turn the TV on and off, just by thinking. Since 2005, the company is providing a device based on optical topography for monitoring the brains of paralyzed patients so that they may be able to answer simple questions. In addition, the Honda wants to utilize the technology for making intelligent, next generation automobiles.
The technology has a huge potential, but it is still in its evolving stages and it is open to thoughts. Initially the technology is being used to assist completely paralyzed people who cannot move a single muscle to communicate.
Subsequently, it can takeover many other spheres and can make many of today’s gadgetry, obsolete. It can surely make its mark on the defense frontiers. It has a huge potential in the auto sector, seen by Honda automobiles. It can also get into our daily verves and change the way we communicate. They are just creatures of my wild imagination. The technology has to travel, adapt and counter series of its own drawbacks; like that of dimension, on which Hitachi is trying its best and has produced a prototype headband that weighs less then two pounds and has an embedded monitoring machine. In addition, the interface capacity to receive correct signals from the brain and refine them from any thing going at the backgrounds is a tough nut to crack for the experts.
Koizumi said. Any brain-machine interface device for widespread use would be “a little further down the road,” one of its utilities of this entertaining technology suggested by the scientist could be, using it for manufacturing toys.
As of know this technology is too precarious to be used for critical settings as it is in a nascent stage and a high leap could spell doom for virgin technology is always enticing , but brings with it misfortunes anon .
