The Poster

This is the poster for my Imaginarium device:

Enjoy, and make sure you read all about the device and how it works on the poster, and in previous posts!  Click to enlarge :)

Embodiment Assignment: Imaginarium

Pictures of the project:




The headphones: There are two electrodes that pick up signals from the brain, and transmit them to the computer. This is the closest the electrodes can get to the brain, without implanting anything. Once the electrodes send the information to the computer, it is processed, and the images are projected onto the screen. The ear buds produce different sounds, and they also down out outside noise.

 The Imaginarium room: The room is dark in order to have a crisp picture projected onto the screens. There is three screens that surround the player to make the world realistic. The player stands on a sensor mat in order for the computer to pick up more movement from the feet. There are also three sensors above each screen to capture other body movements. The computer components are on top of the room where the title "Imaginarium" is.

The Science behind my Embodiment Project

I have been interested in researching how my design can become a realistic possibility. Now, we already know that sensors can pick up movements and send them to a computer. Of course, this has already been done by Xbox Kinect, and other programs, like I have mentioned. The problem is learning the science behind electrodes and thought process, and connecting it with a computer.

I read an article on Brain-Computer Interfaces to see how they work. The article is found here . It says that ­"regardless of the location of the electrodes, the basic mechanism is the same: The electrodes measure minute differences in the voltage between neurons. The signal is then amplified and filtered. In current BCI systems, it is then interpreted by a computer program".
This is exactly what I was looking for. Now knowing that the electrodes can be placed anywhere on the "brain" and still pick up the same effect, I can determine how I want to design my headset. Not only this, but I now know the science behind the thought process.

This 'thought process' is already being used in medical practices and just recently beginning to occur in other programs (like the prototype games I talked about before).

There are still a few problems behind Brain-Computer Interfaces that I have to be aware of and try to fix or work around. These being: 
1)The signal is week, and is prone to interference
2)Equipment is not very portable
3)The brain is complex, and its hard for electrodes to pick up every bit of information.

Some of these issues can be addressed, and I can make them useful to my design process. For example, number two can be improved upon, and made portable through a headphone/electrode attachment.

These are just some things I need to think about behind the design of my device.

Again, here is the link to the article I was reading (On HowStuffWorks; which is a Discovery Channel Company) : http://computer.howstuffworks.com/brain-computer-interface.htm/printable

Update/Sketch of Embodiment Design

Here is a sketch of my ideas, and process of the design. Enjoy.

Embodiment Proposal

I want to explore new technologies and innovations that are popular amongst populations today. There has been a demand for interactive devices that either provide simplicity, get work done, or are for fun. My aim, being that of the latter. With new gaming systems coming out frequently in todays age, I want to come up with something new and exciting that will catch the eyes of everyone and anyone.

My idea incorporates existing ideas, and puts them into a new form. The result will be a video game that interacts with the body, and the mind. It starts out with a small room, of approximately 9 by 9' feet. Of course this would be appropriate for arcades, or larger facilities. Inside of the room is three screens, one on each wall (of course excluding the wall with the opening/door). The screens surround you to give you a 3D experience. On top of the screens are 3 sensors, to capture more movement. There is also a sensor on the floor, to allow the person to walk around, stomp, jump, or sit down in the game.

When you think about it, this is much like the Xbox Kinect; which interacts with the body. The difference from the Kinect and my innovation, is that there is better sensory, it feels like your in a virtual world instead of just being portrayed in one, and gives one the ability to do more in the game (walk further, sit down, etc). Another difference is that my game includes a helmet design that has neurosensors. The neurosensors read your thoughts and relay them to the screens. You can create a virtual world that never existed outside of your imagination. Your vision shows up on the screens, and you can explore your world with the sensors that pick up your movements. For example, you can think up your own horror world with zombies, and walk around the haunted streets battling the ferocious creatures that you made up. You feel like you are in the game, because of your movements, thoughts, and large screens. This game will not be the faint of heart, as it will appeal to emotions. Many will find this invorgorating. For example, if you think up something that is scary to you (for example, giant spiders chasing you), you may have feelings of fear because it feels like spiders are right beside you.

There is also an interactive invention that is in the works right now called 'brain interfaces'. These brain interfaces also have neurosensors that take peoples thoughts and control the game. The problem is, these controls have limitations. You can only think through navigation, and small movements. In my device, you can think up your own world and video game! Not use thoughts to play an existing game. What fun is there in that?

I think many people will enjoy my device, and I can't wait to work on it, figure out its qwirks, and design it. I'll keep you up to date. Hopefully I will upload a sketch of some ideas on the device design for you soon.

Response to: Bodies In Code by Mark Hansen

Mark Hansen's article talks about the body and how it relates to technology. He explains how it is unlike any other game or experience. Instead of using a controller, or clicking a mouse, the body is the controller of the digital environment. It is the use of the body that will connect the person to the virtual world of the game, not other aspects of it, like the graphics. He gives us an example of the TRACES program by Simon Penny. It is similar to an XBOX kinect, but without the environment background of the game. It focuses solely on the body so that the user can connect with their own senses.

I think that a the body is sometimes abused by many today. People see it as merely a shell, or distinction between others. My relationship to my body is one of complication. I love that I can use my body to go horse back riding, go for a run, stretch, swim, etc. The problem is that I do not always get to enjoy the activities that my body can offer. Instead I sit in front of a computer doing homework or watching T.V. I think that a new technology that uses the body could be a fresh new way to connect with yourself, and your outer-being. The new Xbox Kinect-which seems to be a new approach to TRACES- gives many the chance to use their whole body for exercise and fun. My whole family loves to run through obstacle courses, practice dancing, learn kick-boxing, and many other activities right at home. The use of a sensor technology to capture movements is quite innovative, and I think will capture the eyes of many age groups interested in gaming and exercise. The body schema can disclose a whole new world with the user in power.

3-D Model

Here is my mini assignment for this week. I created a house, with an open roof, so that you can see inside. Inside I have added chairs, a couch, a picture, some rugs, and a table. I hope you enjoy this small model. I hope to do more with Google Sketch as time goes on.