Stanford develops brain-computer interface: This can only knock out the complete Shakespeare's monkeys, bringing the gospel to the sick

"To be or not to be. That is the question." Monkey J used "mind" to make this classic line of Shakespeare appear on the screen.

In fact, this is because it uses brain waves to control computer cursors.

Of course, the little monkey is not plagiarizing Shakespeare. It is also not impressed with Hamlet's classic monologue. Both J and its partner L are trained to use their brainwaves to identify the circle on the screen to complete the input task. Stanford researchers hope to use these little monkeys to test brain wave typing techniques. When the circle on the screen turns green, the little monkey's brain-controlled computer cursor will hit it. So, when you read "Hamlet," the circle of the "T" letter is lit, and then the "O" and other letters are also lit one after another. In a moment, a complete line appeared on the screen.

Here, we have to mention the famous "Infinite Monkey Theorem," also called "Monkey and Typewriter Experiment": If countless monkeys randomly type on numerous typewriters for an indefinite period of time, then At one time, they will inevitably play Shakespeareâ€™s entire book. This hypothesis, which is basically used to describe the probability problem of the law of large numbers, is regarded as impossible to achieve, because in reality, it is difficult for us to have the condition of â€œinfinityâ€. So is this research at Stanford University a provocation to this theorem?

it's not true. In fact, bioengineers have a more practical motivation. They hope to prove that the brain-computer interface can be used to help more people suffering from severe communication disorders, such as ALS-freezing paralysis or paralyzed patients, to communicate with the outside world.

So how did the monkeys "read" Shakespeare's classic lines?

The technology of brainwave typing belongs to the category of Brain-Machine Interface (BMI). The brain-computer interface refers to the direct connection pathway created between the brain and external devices of organisms (including brain cell cultures). The brain can transmit signals to computers, which in turn can transmit signals to the brain.

An electrode was implanted in the cerebral cortex of Monkey J. Through training, they learned to move the cursor on the screen to a specified position. Data is collected from the monkey's brain and translated into computer-readable commands. When the monkey is watching the screen, its brain waves can be controlled by the computer to reach the designated position, and then they will be single-pointed into a green sequence, you can read the words of Shakespeare's classic "Hamlet" - no need to touch the mouse Or the keyboard can be done with brainwaves.

Now, these monkeys can input at a rate of 12 words per minute, which is the fastest typing speed ever achieved with brainwaves. Last year this data was still 6 words per minute. More about this research has been published in the IEEE journal published today. (click to view)

Of course, there is still room for improvement in this project. Researchers say that in the future, smart phones may become an important help. This is also a trend of brain-computer interfaces, which are the interfaces between the brain and mobile devices. With the development of brain-computer interface technology, it may not be necessary to implant any chip in the cerebral cortex to allow brain waves to directly control your mobile device.

At present, this technology is also undergoing human trials. "In the future, we hope that this technology will be more widely used in medical care to benefit more patients."

Interested can look at this interesting test. Video link

Via spectrum