Adam Wilson and Justin Williams of the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed technology that allows them to post Twitter updates just by thinking about what they want to say.
You heard that right. Twitter has gone cerebral. The two biomedical engineering students have designed software that detects electrical signals from the brain to allow users to type individual letters just by thinking about them. Users wear a electrode cap which sends brain signals to the software. The process is rather slow right now, but they can still type up to 8 characters per minute.
The software works by displaying a keyboard on the computer screen. Rows and columns of letters flash in a rapid sequence, and as you are focusing on a particular letter, your brain reacts when that letter flashes. By gathering data from multiple flashes, the software can narrow in on exactly the letter you are thinking of. Basically you have to see the letter flash 4 times before the software knows that is the letter you want. There is also a “space” key on the screen so you can type multiple words, and when you’re done typing, all you have to do is focus on the “tweet” key.
This type of application of brain-sensing software is still very new, and this is perhaps the most useful application of this technology to date. Software like this will be very useful to paralyzed people in the future. It will allow people to communicate who’s minds are sharp, but their bodies will not let them speak or use sign language.
Read the full press release about this incredible software on the Wisconsin Business website. Be sure to check out the video below to see it in action.
