Playing Pong with the power of the mind

13-06-2008

by Emmet Ryan

In this special video presentation, ENN shows how students in UCD play Pong with neural impulse actuators.

Students at UCD's School of Computer Science and Informatics have been working with a device developed by tech firm OCZ that enables users to play Pong and potentially control a mouse with the power of their minds.

The neural impulse actuator used in the video is being used by Abey Campbell and other students in UCD as part of research for PhD theses.

As you can see in the video the technology is still very much in its teething stages. The device can be used as a mouse that is controlled using neural impulses. Campbell and his colleagues estimate that it would take at least four days to train someone into being able to use the device as a fully-functioning mouse.

Cleanliness is another issue that needs to be overcome. Prior to ENN's test the OCZ device had been used extensively by several secondary school students as well as the students that share Campbell's lab. This had resulted in a build up of dirt that made it harder for the neural impulse actuator to get accurate readings. UCD plans to buy a back-up device so as to reduce the strain on any one device and make it easier to diagnose where the problem is.

However, despite these setbacks and the current limitations, the development of such limbs-free technology is quite exciting. Early versions of other technology such as touch-screens were similarly flawed.

Now devices like the Apple iPhone and HP's TouchSmart PC are showing the potential of touch-screen technology. Likewise, in 20 years' time we may see advanced neural impulse actuators aiding physically disabled computer users or providing a new kind of gaming experience.

The device used by Campbell in this demonstration is available for sale to the public from Komplett.ie for EUR199.