CogniGame

Year

2012

The idea

As an alternative interaction model, CogniGame is controlled by thought, whereby brain signals are translated into physical actions.

The objective

The feasibility of a cognitive operating principle for a ball game is demonstrated using specially developed software in combination with a brain-computer interface. This technology platform incorporates intelligent control and regulation technology.

Technical data

• Height: 95 cm
• Length: 194 cm
• Width: 76 cm
• Electric linear axis: 1
• Servo-pneumatic linear axis: 1
• Valve terminal: 1
• Sensors: 2
• Pneumatic muscles: 2
• Proportional valves: 2
• Force lever with force transducer: 1000 N

Course of play

The ball is to be moved within the playing area from the player’s own field into that of the opponent. To defend, both players can move their bats back and forth along the baseline – one player using a joystick as usual, the other using power of thought.

Function

The game is played using a brain-computer interface. Electrodes mounted to the head transmit the player’s thoughts: the player merely has to imagine the movement of his or her left hand. The individual brain patterns are learned in a training phase before the start of the game by means of a special learning algorithm. The CogniWare software, which acts as an interface between the brain and the hardware, then causes the linear axis to move to the left.

Material

CogniGame