Brain–computer interface: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 00:56, 20 March 2005

Revision as of 00:24, 15 May 2005

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These semantical notations are crucial in the contemplation of a direct mind-computer interface, as depending on one's point of view as to what the term 'mind' and 'computer' mean, a direct mind-computer interface may fall under various categories from "already extant" to "possible but not currently in existence" to "completely impossible". For example, if an individual believed that the 'mind' was an ineffable construct, with no direct link to any physical construct that we can detect, then demonstrating to that individual an electronic coupling between the brain of an animal (of whatever order), and an electronic device would not be a compelling argument.

From a standpoint of pure fact, direct mind-computer interfaces already exist. [[brain imaging#Practical achievements of functional brain imaging|Recent achievements]] demonstrate that it is currently possible to implement crude [[brain dish|brain-computer interfaces ([[brain dish]]es) that can be used to directly control computers or robotic limbs using a variety of both invasive and [[non-invasive (medical)|non-invasive]] [[brain imaging]] technologies. There have been many tests in the field of linking an animal's or a human's brain cybernetically to an electronic computing device. From monkeys hardwired into robotic armatures to a blind man who has had CCD chips and neural implants installed which allow him to see, albeit at a very low mono-chromatic resolution.

The current state of the art can be more accurately described as a direct brain-computer interface. The distinguishing point being that the mind or consciousness is completely seated in the organic brain and neural impulses in the brain are intercepted and sent to an electronic device.