NeuroSky: generator of software and hardware neuro-startups

DARPA and Kickstarter have already taken up the brain, now it's your turn

In 2013, DARPA turned to the community of makers and hackers with a proposal to create a budget version of the portable EEG. ( The Verge article , recording of a speech on fora.tv ). The moment has come which I have been waiting for so long, namely, that many neuro-headsets have appeared in Moscow . (One of them lives in Hackspace , you can come and test)


I first became interested in neural interfaces in 2011, but at that time there was only MindBall (for 60,000 rubles if I'm not mistaken), a couple of years later, thanks to Habrastorozhil sasha237 , I managed to test Emotiv (then it cost 15.000+ rubles) and even performwith him at the HSE, now at all exhibitions of gadgets there is a NeuroSky neuro gadget (approximate price of 5,000 rubles), which makes me very happy, because since the time I had electrodes from Emotiv on my head, I waited for the moment when it fell into the hands of developers a similar device will begin the development of this industry.

Just as once the first computers appeared in garages and workshops for IT people and this led to the emergence of a new world, I really hope that when a sufficient number of crazy intelligent developers take on the EEG , this will lead to something new, about which Now it’s even hard to imagine. (for example, that a person will become just a peripheral device )

The next steps of which I am waiting for:
a) the emergence of a community of people who train the brain as a sport
b) the emergence of a community of software developers / hardware

Under the cat , a review of software for pumping the brain and several



neuro projects from kickstart, the MindWave headset is put on the user's head and takes data according to the principle of an electroencephalogram (single-channel dry electrode). The software part processes this data and sends it to the PC via BlueTooth, where applications can use it through the API.

Inside

The neural network interface is built on the basis of a specialized microcircuit (ASIC), manufactured by NeuroSky, supplied as a ready-made TGAM1 module. The module has 3 inputs EEG (electrode on the forehead), REF and GND (electrode on the clip placed on the ear). All electrodes are connected by a shielded cable. The power supply of the 3.3 V module is formed by a DC-DC converter located on the main board. Headset powered by a single 1.5 V AAA element
Description of the TGAM1 module

Description of the protocol for interaction with the neural interface.

Data visualization


Comments of psychophysiologists from the laboratory of Moscow State University:

The development of neurogadgets is in many ways similar to the development of parent technology itself - EEG. The first encephalographs were rather cumbersome, the quality of the received signal left much to be desired, not to mention the methods of analysis and processing. Modern encephalographs allow you to get the maximum information from the recorded signal, up to localization by analogy with fMRI.
The entry of portable EEGs into the consumer market is a natural continuation of the development of the industry of wearable gadgets in line with new approaches to medicine, psychology and self-knowledge. On the other hand, such technologies allow completely different interactions with various devices. Vyacheslav

“The advent of NeuroSky and other mobile EEG headsets is definitely a breakthrough. Technologies are now closer to the consumer and this gives the way to the emergence of “neuro-startups” and, in general, develops the industry.
But there is a “but." While the signal can not be compared with what is used in this laboratory. Therefore, the use of NeuroSky is limited more to demonstration projects + this headset is suitable for some types of biofeedback training.
For IT, NeuroSky today can become a window into the world of neuroscience. It is easy to work with this device and on its example you can understand quite a few principles of signal registration. But if you want to do something more significant, you need to switch to more serious equipment. ” Ilya

Already now you can train your brain using both free programs and quite professional paid programs

Home of attention

(paid professional program)


Unlike freeware eduntainment-focused programs that have a strong gaming and visual component, Home of Attention focuses on a detailed approach to different rhythms. They are distinguished by as many as 8 pieces (alpha 2 and three beta are added to the standard alpha, beta, delta, theta). This approach allows you to train not only simplistic-for-users such as "meditation / concentration", but also completely scientifically correct parameters.
Earlier, trainings that increased the manageability of their psychophysiology were available only to large organizations - dispatchers, pilots, electric train drivers and others, but now ordinary users, freelancers, Habr authors, etc. can increase their effectiveness.
(Can this program defeat procrastination?)

Typically, the course includes 10 to 25 lessons and takes 20 minutes a day. The routine may depend on the type of activity. You can select certain trainable EEG ranges for a deeper study of the states of "relaxation and concentration", etc.


You can choose a combination of parameters that we want to control, for example, maximize alpha while holding a certain level of delta.


Who can answer the question right now, how concentrated is he now? And if you can measure this parameter, would your “sensations” coincide with real information?
It is widely known that computer games and beer should be alternatedmodes of work and rest, but so far everyone has relied on subjective feelings. Now, according to the developers, it is possible to achieve better rest for the brain and better concentration.
How fast can you get back to concentrated work after being interrupted? (An ordinary mortal needs 5-15 minutes)


First, we use audio and video materials to help ourselves enter certain states. And then, having received certain skills, we use files as distracting material that will complicate our task.

There are already several orders from large FMCG companies. They are interested in how it is possible to maintain an optimal level of creativity among managers, working ability among programmers and general stress resistance of employees.

The ideal is practically unattainable, but it is worth striving for it.


The NeuroSky project provides tools for developers and encourages projects on Kikstarter

Project "Scanners"

"If it is true that our rates and rhythms of blinking refer directly to the rhythm and sequence of our inner emotions and thoughts, then those rates and rhythms are insights to our inner selves and therefore as characteristic of each of us as our signatures." Walter Merch , editor of the films The Godfather, Apocalypse Today, The English Patient, etc.

June 21, 2014
48 bakers
£ 3,531 (from £ 3,500)
The essence of the project: an interactive visual installation that combines neuroscience and digital art. Imagine a movie, the course of which depends on your mood, and the transition between scenes occurs at the moment of blinking.

The project «MindRider Maps»

August 16, 2014
56 bakers
$ 5,552 (out of $ 5,000)
The essence of the project: a helmet that records your emotions while riding and creates a neurogeographic map of the city

The project «Aurora»

January 21, 2014
1,428 bakers
$ 239,094 (out of $ 90,000)
The essence of the project: a headband that sends light and sound signals to the phase of BDG sleep, which will, according to the developers, achieve lucid dreams.

The project «Throw Trucks With Your Mind»

March 14, 2014
584 bakers
$ 47.287 (out of $ 40,000)
The essence of the project: a game in which "with the help of telekinesis" you need to throw birds in pigs trucks

Project “Puzzlebox Orbit: Brain-Controlled Helicopter”

December 8, 2012
434 bakers
$ 74,799 (out of $ 10,000)
The essence of the project: a helicopter controlled by EEG signals

Russian project “Solaris”

(based on EEG Emotiv)


P.S.
Volumetric Society of NYC - OpenBCI: Crowd-Sourcing Brain Research & Innovation