Colorado Springs, Colorado-based Advanced Neurotechnologies Inc announced BrainLink, a brainwave-to-computer interface system. It uses proprietary software and hardware for passive detection and analysis of brain waves, creating a direct interface between the brain and the computer. Results are displayed on a graphical user interface. Its use of signal processing and proprietary protocols for specific training of brainwave relationships. The specificity and rapid learning possible using the system make it useful for rudimentary computer control using brainwaves, the firm claims. The company is dedicated to developing a program to enhance the human-to-computer interface using BrainLink. Although it may never replace the keyboard, the company says a usable computer-brainwave interface is a reality. The brainwave interface passively detects brainwaves via a series of sensors attached to a headband worn by the user, similar to a traditional electroencephalogram. Using a Motorola Inc signal processing chip, the time domain brainwave signals are converted to the frequency domain using a high-resolution fast Fourier transform. The system implements Neurotechnologies’ proprietary Patton Protocol, a Rosetta Stone that extracts relationships of brainwave activity that can be learned and directed by the user. The results of the discrimination algorithm are presented graphically and with tones. Neurotechnologies says benchmark testing indicates that Brainlink-trained people can improve their reaction time as much as 34%, and their motor skills by up to 31%. A two-week Brainlink training programme costs $6,000.
