Using your mood to operate a computer game

May 28, 2009
Using your mood to operate a computer game

(PhysOrg.com) -- Brain Computer Interfaces measure electrical signals from the brain and convert them into data that can be used by a computer. You can move a cursor on your screen, for example, simply by thinking about it. Now, researchers at the University of Twente have succeeded in measuring a person’s frame of mind in order to create a game environment. In World of Warcraft, a friendly elf can change into an aggressive bear without any physical action being necessary.

Thanks to Interfaces (BCI), you can operate a machine such as a computer or wheelchair with signals from your brain. Concentrating on a particular movement will cause that movement to be actually carried out. Research is currently underway at the University of Twente into how BCI can be integrated into computer games. It is being conducted in the Human Media Interaction department of Prof. Anton Nijholt of the Centre for Telematics and Information Technology research institute.

World of Warcraft

Previously, BCI used to focus on brain signals that prompted movements. Now, it is also possible to measure the mood of the player and to include that as part of the game. For example, researchers have developed an application for World of Warcraft (WoW): alpha-WoW. As soon as a player becomes unsettled, or is in danger, the character can change shape. A friendly elf can be transformed into an aggressive bear. Under those circumstances, the player is much less vulnerable to other enemies. What is remarkable about this is that no physical action, such as using a joystick or mouse, is needed: it is all done through brain signals! As soon as a player relaxes, he returns to being an elf.

Using your mood to operate a computer game
Enlarge


Electrodes cap

Brain activity is measured using electroencephalography (EEG). Electrical signals from the brain can be measured and localized by placing electrodes on a cap - a sort of bathing cap - which is worn on the head. The disadvantage of EEG is that it can only measure signals that originate from near the surface of the skull, although they are precisely the signals that are of interest for the purpose of this research. With the help of BCI, the electrical signals from the brain are converted into data that the computer can use.

The electrode caps that are currently being used are not really practicable for the average player, as gel first has to be rubbed onto those parts of the head where the electrodes are placed. Nevertheless, developments are progressing positively and should mean that it will be possible to use a so-called ‘dry cap’ with fewer . A helmet of this kind could also have other functions, by being fitted with a music player or telephone, for example.

Provided by University of Twente (news : web)

Filter


Move the slider to adjust rank threshold, so that you can hide some of the comments.


Display comments: newest first

OBSL33t
May 28, 2009

Rank: not rated yet
The possibilities of a commercially available interface like this are astounding.
Imagine getting really peeved at a difficult portion of a game and your character gets stronger due to your anger thus making the game less frustrating.
Are you reading this Nintendo?
I can't wait for the WiiMood peripheral.
Rank 3 /5 (2 votes)
Related Stories
Relevant PhysicsForums posts
  • feed hold button on CNC lathe
    created4 hours ago
  • Mechanics of Solids ( Final exam question) plz help!
    created6 hours ago
  • RFAC in Fortran
    created9 hours ago
  • dynamics 2/32
    created14 hours ago
  • dynamics
    created14 hours ago
  • Vibration Absorbtion Problem
    created20 hours ago
  • More from Physics Forums - General Engineering

More news stories

Oracle to pay $1.9B for Taleo, extends SAP rivalry

(AP) -- Oracle Corp. is escalating its rivalry with German business-software maker SAP AG and plans to pay $1.9 billion for Taleo Corp., a company that helps businesses hire and manage their employees.

Technology / Business

created 1 hour ago | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

NFC aid for the visually and hearing impaired

As the proportion of senior citizens grows, their special needs are gaining momentum. Human eyesight, for example, weakens with age. VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland has been developing new NFC-based applications ...

Technology / Engineering

created 15 minutes ago | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Google launches Chrome browser for Android smartphones

With more and more people connecting to the Internet through a phone or a tablet instead of a PC, Google Inc. is bringing its fast-growing browser, Chrome, to the newest Android-powered mobile devices.

Technology / Software

created 1 hour ago | popularity 5 / 5 (2) | comments 0

Soraa LED light may dim 50-watt halogen rivals

(PhysOrg.com) -- Soraa, a Fremont, California company founded in 2008, this week launched its first product, a light that uses LEDS (light emitting diodes). The "Soraa LED MR16 lamp" is the "perfect" replacement ...

Technology / Semiconductors

created 4 hours ago | popularity 5 / 5 (6) | comments 3 | with audio podcast report

Kodak to stop making cameras, digital frames

Kodak says it will stop making digital cameras, pocket video cameras and digital picture frames in order to focus on its more profitable businesses.

Technology / Business

created 1 hour ago | popularity not rated yet | comments 1


Tidal forces could squeeze out planetary water

Alien planets might experience tidal forces powerful enough to remove all their water, leaving behind hot, dry worlds like Venus, researchers said.

Can indigenous insects be used against the light brown apple moth?

The light brown apple moth (LBAM), Epiphyas postvittana (Walker), an invasive insect from Australia, was found in California in 2006. The LBAM feeds on apples, pears, stonefruits, citrus, grapes, berries and many other plants ...

Physics research suggests new pathways for cancer progression

Observing that certain cancer cells may exhibit greater flexibility than normal cells, some scientists believe that this capability promotes rapid tumor growth. Now computer simulations developed by Boston University Biomedical ...

NASA sees Tropical Cyclone Jasmine over Vanuatu and New Caledonia

NASA's Aqua satellite passed over Tropical Cyclone Jasmine on Feb. 8, 2012 as it was passing between Vanuatu and New Caledonia. NASA imagery showed Jasmine had a 20 nautical mile-wide eye.

Physically abused children report higher levels of psychosomatic symptoms

Children who display multiple psychosomatic symptoms, such as regular aches and pains and sleep and appetite problems, are more than twice as likely to be experiencing physical abuse at home than children who do not display ...

Heavy lifting for cancer research

Many patients with advanced cancer suffer from cachexia, a condition also called body-wasting or wasting syndrome, which causes significant weight loss, extreme fatigue and reduces quality of life.