Brainwave-controlled Games and Apps Take to the Skies
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 6:06AM
The global aerospace industry got a sneak peek into the future of in-flight entertainment yesterday as Toronto’s InteraXon demonstrated a prototype of their thought-controlled in-flight entertainment system.
The system was shown at On the Wings of Innovation, a global aerospace symposium organized by the Ontario Aerospace Council and the Ontario Government. Attendees including executives from Boeing, Bombardier and even Canadian Astronaut Bjarni Tryggvason stayed long after the days programming ended to play one of four brainwave-controlled games specifically designed for use at 35,000 feet.
"We think it’s time that in-flight entertainment does more than simply distract you," said InteraXon CEO Ariel Garten. "We create in-flight experiences that offer value even after the flight is over."
The system includes a NeuroSky MindSet and suite of applications InteraXon has created for the conference, which involves a meditation trainer that helps travelers relax and an EEG Golf trainer that helps users improve their concentration, focus and even their golf game.
The system measures the brain's electrical output and sorts them into waves. The system reacts to alpha waves, associated with relaxation, and beta waves, associated with concentration. As the users relax or focus their thoughts, their brainwaves become the joystick with which users control the game.
"Airline passengers are saying they want a more engaging experience or they want to rest comfortably. InteraXon’s thought-controlled computing offers tremendous potential for delivering on both of those needs." said Rod Jones, Executive Director of Aerospace Ontario. "InteraXon has world-leading technology, and it's a marvelous illustration of the kind of innovative ideas that we find in Ontario."
"InteraXon is working to bring thought-controlled computing out of research labs and into the mainstream," said Chris Aimone, CTO. "We help companies looking to engage in the exploding thought controlled computing space bring products and services to market."
