Difference between revisions of "Brainport"

Latest revision as of 12:16, 20 September 2010

BrainPort is a technology sold by Wicab Inc.^[1] whereby sensory information can be sent to one's brain via a signal from the BrainPort (and its associated sensor) that terminates in an electrode array which sits atop the tongue. It was initially developed by Paul Bach-y-Rita as an aid to people's sense of balance, particularly of stroke victims. Bach-y-Rita founded Wicab in 1998.^[1][2][3]

BrainPort technology has been developed for use as a visual aid. For example, the BrainPort has demonstrated its ability to allow a blind person to see his surroundings in polygonal and pixel form. In this scenario, a camera picks up the image of the surrounding, the information is processed by a chip which converts it into impulses which are sent through an electrode array, via the tongue, to the person's brain. The human brain is able to interpret these impulses as visual signals and they are then redirected to the visual cortex, allowing the person to see (similar in theory to how a cochlear implant works). ^{[4] [5]}

See also

• Intelligence amplification

References

• P. Bach-y-Rita, P., M. E. Tyler, and K. A. Kaczmarek. "Seeing with the brain." In press, Int. J. Hum. Comp. Interact, 2001.

• P. Bach-y-Rita, K. A. Kaczmarek and M. E. Tyler, "A tongue-based tactile display for portrayal of environmental characteristics," in Psychological Issues in the Design and Use of Virtualk and Adaptive Environments, L. Hettlinger and M. Haas, Eds. Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum, in press.

• K. A. Kaczmarek and M. E. Tyler, "Effect of electrode geometry and intensity control method on comfort of electrotactile stimulation on the tongue," Proc. ASME Dyn. Sys. Contr. Div., Orlando, Florida, pp. 1239-1243, 2000.

• "Seeing with the Brain" Google Scholar web search: 42 papers referenced:
  • P Bach-y-Rita, ME Tyler, KA Kaczmarek - International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction, 2003 - informaworld.com
  • Sensory substitution and the human–machine interface
  • Brainport: an alternative input to the brain.
  • etc.

Notes

1. ^ Prather, Laura (February 15, 2007). "Tongue creates sight for blind: Visually impaired persons will be able to use device to sense images on tongue" (PDF). Truman State University Index. 98 (20): 11. Retrieved 2009-05-24. 

1. ↑ Wicab: About retrieved 4th October 2009
2. ↑ Article briefly discusses the use of the BrainPort as a balance aid for stroke victims.
3. ↑ BrainPort, Dr. Paul Bach-y-Rita, and Sensory Substitution, November 23, 2004
4. ↑ How Stuff Works: How BrainPort works retrieved 4th October 2009
5. ↑ Can you see with your tongue? Discover Magazine published June 1, 2003