TABLE OF CONTENTS
Background Information…………………………….……….………………………..…………...1
Technology………………………………………….…………....……………….…….………………. 1
Prices and Models…………………………………….………………………..……………..……… 2
Advantages…………………………………………….…….………………………………..….…..... 3
Disadvantages……….………………………………………………………………………………….. 4
Significance of the EEG and EPOC………………………………………………………….…….4
Works Cited………………………………………………………………………………………………..5
1
Every child grows up watching films and cartoons where the characters bend the laws of
physics and achieve the impossible. For example children watching Star Wars, see their favorite
characters jump impossible distances, run at super human speed, move things with their mind
and control the world around them through the use of the force and their imagination. They
watch characters like Ironman fly at incredible speeds. They see characters such as the X-Men
and see them control super human powers. Gaming systems have to a sense given this ability to
people although in a limited sense as abilities have to be limited to the space on a controller.
However with improvements in technology and specifically neuro-technology sensors can be
used to read brainwaves. Although in its early generations the Emotiv EPOC and EEG systems
are have created a headset that takes the brainwave patterns and matches them with different
commands, meaning people can now have unlimited and with some imagination unrestricted
super human power, granted that the majority of use would be in a virtual world.
Background Information
Emotiv had an idea of creating a system where you could interact with machines in the
same way that you interact with an everyday person. As Tan Le CEO of Emotiv says “whether it
be the simple act of turning on a light switch or programming robotics, we have always had to
give machines commands or a series of commands in order for them to do something for us.”
However unlike human to computer interaction, human to human interaction takes into account
body language, tone, facial expression, and we as humans are able to intuit feelings and
emotions, which creates better dialog and better understanding between people. Emotiv’s goal
was to introduce facets of human-to-human interaction into human to computer interaction, so
that computers cannot only react to your command but also respond to your facial expressions
and emotions. Emotive decided that the best way to do this was through the use of EEG systems
which would interpret signals that your brain emits when giving you body commands.
Technology and How It Works
The human brain is made up of billions of neurons that fire and send signals to the body
and give commands, and these neurons are about 170 kilometers in length. When the neurons
2
interact they have a chemical reaction, which creates an electrical impulse. And this is what can
be detected and picked up by a sensor, however there is still another level of difficulty. In order
to create more capacity the human brain is folded over on the surface, this means that the system
would have to map the brain and be able to read patterns through the folding. Also each
individual’s brain is folded differently, like a fingerprint. So even though signals may come from
the same part of an individual’s brain, the actual location the signal originates from is very
different from person to person. Emotiv created a algorithm that unfolded the cortex, so that the
signals can be mapped closer to their original location. This algorithm would thus allow the
system to be used across a much larger population.
Emotiv also had another challenge in that most EEG devices generally involve a sensor
system that is similar to a hairnet, with a large number of sensors distributed across the users
entire head, and the sensors would have to be put on to the scalp by an engineer, this means that
the system would be inconvenient and not user friendly at all. The hairnet system is also not very
cost effective as it costs into the $10,000.
Emotiv created a head set, with fourteen channels or sensors to pick up the electric
impulses created by neuron interaction and firing. The headset does not need any scalp
preparation, nor any conductive gel. The headset only takes a minute or two to put on, and has a
wireless set up, which allows for easy movement. The headset does need a quick calibration
when used for the first time in order to create a baseline or neutral reading for the use and then
takes different signals from your brain and relates them to different commands.
Prices and Models
Emotiv has released two different system options, the EEG headset and the EPOC
headset. While the systems are similar, the EEG does have some added benefit, but also added
cost, both are wireless headsets that come with fourteen sensors, rechargeable battery that gives
up to 12 hours of continuous usage. The EEG however is only available for educational
institutions, however it also allows the user to access raw EEG data. Below is a Price and
Features Comparison Chart:
3
EPOC
EEG
Price:
$299
$750
Features:
Cognitiv Suite
Cognitiv Suite
Expressiv Suite
Expressiv Suite
Affectiv Suite
Affectiv Suite
Compatible with Video Games
Compatible with Video Games
Compatible with both Mac and PC
Compatible with Mac and PC
Access to raw EEG Data
Advantages
The EPOC and EEG systems for the normal person, make everyday computer usage
extraordinary it makes computing more accessible to all people seeing as your now control the
computer and all of its functions with simply your mind, gone is the day of typing papers and
creating spread sheets, and keyboards and mice. The EPOC and EEG systems allow users usage
of computers without being tied down to their desk and sitting at the screen. In theory one could
be working at their computer while in a different room, they could be writing a paper while
getting a snack from the fridge, for those with slow type speeds they could now type at the same
speed that they think never, making writing papers and creating memos more fluid.
4
The EPOC and EEG systems also have huge advantages for the handicapped, the systems
can be set up to work with electric wheel chairs, and household appliances, and speech
keyboards. This would mean that handicapped people could live with greater independence, they
could essentially control an entire house using the EPOC or EEG, they could turn on the
microwave and set the time, they could arm and disarm the house alarm. They could turn the air
conditioning on and off, change the temperature of the oven, or open and close the garage door
without having to reach for the button up on the wall. All these things that healthy people take
for granted as easy tasks become much easier for those with disabilities.
Disadvantages
While in theory the EPOC and EEG systems would read all of the commands properly,
they are in early generations, and do not have near as many sensors as cumbersome hairnet
sensors, meaning that they would not be as accurate. Also the systems are not just something that
you can take out of the box and just start using, each command needs a calibration and reading,
making the systems very cumbersome and repetitive. Also while it does open up a world of
possibility to the handicapped and disabled there would be extra cost to have it set up to multiple
devices other than just a computer.
Significance of EPOC and EEG
The Emotiv headsets open up a new world of possibility in computer usage, and
videogame technology. The headsets also have real world practical uses and can legitimately
help the lives of disabled people. While the systems are only in their early stages and are new
technologies, with time sensor systems will be able to read to a much more accurate level.
Seeing as they are already affordable costing less then the average iPhone, the EPOC and EEG
systems are going to revolutionize computing and the way people go about everyday tasks our
digital world.
5
Works Cited
McGrath, Jane. "How the Emotiv EPOC Works." HowStuffWorks. N.p., n.d. Web. 16
Apr. 2013.
"Ted.com." YouTube. YouTube, 02 Mar. 2011. Web. 16 Apr. 2013.
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkbxaukavHs>.
"Emotiv | EEG System | Electroencephalography." Emotiv | EEG System |
Electroencephalography. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Apr. 2013.
<http://www.emotiv.com/>.
"EPOC Features." EPOC Features. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Apr. 2013.
<http://www.emotiv.com/epoc/>.
"EEG Features." EEG Features. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Apr. 2013.
<http://www.emotiv.com/eeg/>.
"Emotiv Store." Emotiv Store. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Apr. 2013.
<http://www.emotiv.com/store/>.