Tag Archives: neurofeedback

Reflections on first International Conference on Physiological Computing Systems

international-conference-on-physiological-computing-systems-phycs-logo

Last week I attended the first international conference on physiological computing held in Lisbon.  Before commenting on the conference, it should be noted that I was one of the program co-chairs, so I am not completely objective – but as this was something of a watershed event for research in this area, I didn’t want to let the conference pass without comment on the blog.

The conference lasted for two-and-a-half days and included four keynote speakers.  It was a relatively small meeting with respect to the number of delegates – but that is to be expected from a fledgling conference in an area that is somewhat niche with respect to methodology but very broad in terms of potential applications.

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Physiological Computing: increased self-awareness or the fast track to a divided ego?

In last week’s excellent Bad Science article from The Guardian, Ben Goldacre puts his finger on a topic that I think is particularly relevant for physiological computing systems.  He quotes press reports about MRI research into “hypoactive sexual desire response” – no, I hadn’t heard of it either, it’s a condition where the person has low libido.  In this study women with the condition and ‘normals’ viewed erotic imagery in the scanner.  A full article on the study from the Mail can be found here but what caught the attention of Bad Science is this interesting quote from one of the researchers involved: “Being able to identify physiological changes, to me provides significant evidence that it’s a true disorder as opposed to a societal construct.”

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Mindflex & Force Trainer at San Diego Comic-Con

If your in the vicinity of San Diego this week be sure to check out Mattel’s MindFlex and Uncle Milton’s Force Trainer at the Sand Diego Comic-Con (23/7-26/7). MindFlex and Force Trainer are brain wave controlled toys developed using Neurosky’s BCI headset + development platform. Each toy implements a simple BCI mechanic: leviatate a ball by regulating brain activity. MindFlex uses frontal theta* brainwaves to control the ball which is known to increase with attention / mental effort (e.g. focus your attention on the ball to make it rise). I imagine the same signal is used for Force Trainer though I’ve yet to confirm this. The simplicity of such a mechanic should make it relatively easy for the casual user to play with the toy without any training in modulating their braiwaves.

You can find each demo at booths #3029 (MindFlex) and #2913U (Force Trainer)

Both products are due out later this year.

* Based on descriptions of the product and the placement of the EEG sensor.

Mindflex & Force Trainer at San Diego Comic-Con

If your in the vicinity of San Diego this week be sure to check out Mattel’s MindFlex and Uncle Milton’s Force Trainer at the Sand Diego Comic-Con (23/7-26/7). MindFlex and Force Trainer are brain wave controlled toys developed using Neurosky’s BCI headset + development platform. Each toy implements a simple BCI mechanic: leviatate a ball by regulating brain activity. MindFlex uses frontal theta* brainwaves to control the ball which is known to increase with attention / mental effort (e.g. focus your attention on the ball to make it rise). I imagine the same signal is used for Force Trainer though I’ve yet to confirm this. The simplicity of such a mechanic should make it relatively easy for the casual user to play with the toy without any training in modulating their braiwaves.

You can find each demo at booths #3029 (MindFlex) and #2913U (Force Trainer)

Both products are due out later this year.

* Based on descriptions of the product and the placement of the EEG sensor.