MMOpwn
06-02-2008, 09:35
http://blog.wired.com/games/images/2008/06/02/secondlifenew.jpg
Researchers at Japan's Keio University have created an experimental headset designed to monitor brain waves that allowed a man who had been paralyzed for more than 30 years to control a Second Life avatar using only his thoughts.
Despite his condition, a progressive muscle disease that prevents him from using a keyboard or mouse, the new technology allowed him to control a character using the same set of brain impulses normally used to move a person's arms and legs.
Additional research is in the works to allow paralysis victims to create text messages in virtual worlds by "mentally selecting letters."
Far from a gimmick, this research is believed to offer users a sense of accomplishment; an invaluable accomplishment for paralysis victims who are often too depressed and frustrated by their condition to undergo therapy.
Paralysed man takes a walk in virtual world (http://www.afp.com/english/news/stories/newsmlmmd.71e67dc51f1c1f69fc225747a71073eb.4b1.htm l) [Agence France-Presse]
Image: Pathfinder_Linden (http://www.flickr.com/photos/pathfinderlinden/227331894/sizes/l/)/Flickr
[via wired.com]
Researchers at Japan's Keio University have created an experimental headset designed to monitor brain waves that allowed a man who had been paralyzed for more than 30 years to control a Second Life avatar using only his thoughts.
Despite his condition, a progressive muscle disease that prevents him from using a keyboard or mouse, the new technology allowed him to control a character using the same set of brain impulses normally used to move a person's arms and legs.
Additional research is in the works to allow paralysis victims to create text messages in virtual worlds by "mentally selecting letters."
Far from a gimmick, this research is believed to offer users a sense of accomplishment; an invaluable accomplishment for paralysis victims who are often too depressed and frustrated by their condition to undergo therapy.
Paralysed man takes a walk in virtual world (http://www.afp.com/english/news/stories/newsmlmmd.71e67dc51f1c1f69fc225747a71073eb.4b1.htm l) [Agence France-Presse]
Image: Pathfinder_Linden (http://www.flickr.com/photos/pathfinderlinden/227331894/sizes/l/)/Flickr
[via wired.com]