Weekly Progress Report

Progress

I have made a breakthrough by establishing a connection between the school's laptop and the Mindwave headset. The computer can now pick up signals of brainwave activity that the Mindwave picks up when someone is wearing it. I've learned how to utilize the meditation and attention aspects of the Mindwave and I have learned how different things can affect certain signal output. Some things that affect what type of brainwave signal is being emitted are music and, more specifically, binaural beats. I have used a website, https://mynoise.net/NoiseMachines/binauralBrainwaveGenerator.php, in order affect my brainwave levels. This may be useful in helping to solve problems such as insomnia or ADD/ADHD.

Problem

The only problems I am facing now are the low battery lives of the computer and headset and the ease in losing signal between the laptop and Mindwave headset. I will also need the CD from school, but other than those minor problems there are no obstructions.

Plan

My next plan is to use the sample code from the CD and use it with the Mindwave headset to test out it's capabilities. After that, app development should begin and more testing will arise. The app that I create should be able to utilize most, if not all, aspects of the NeuroSky Mindwave headset and accomplish a task more efficiently than one can without the headset.

NeuroSky Mindwave Gantt Chart

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7bD_V4h5ibbZkhOczdFUjcxZVk/view?usp=sharing

Research Task 1 - Ty Levy

The Mindwave reads brainwaves and allows one to utilize its technology by identifying different types of  brainwave patterns and types and then using this information to develop a application that completes tasks  when certain brainwave patterns are read. There are many applications to technology such as creating a  program applicable to electronic wheelchairs so one can move it without using any part of their body. Apart  from social applications there are also many war-related applications this technology applies. Drones as a  whole would evolve to a new level in which man could further his reach but still maintain distance from the  conflict-riddled front lines of battle. Many lives would be saved by having a weapon that doesn't require a  user to be within an enemies reach.

The eSense meter in the Mindwave detects a user's level of concentration. Whether it be a low form of concentration, such as meditation, or a high form, such as extreme attention. This could detect the immediacy a task requires or how precise a task is needed.

The Mindwave does need to be cleaned regularly in order to ensure maximum signal output and  effectiveness of the product. The Mindwave should also have its battery removed when not in use and  should not be dropped or exposed to temperatures above 60 degrees Celsius.

Troubleshooting may be required if the Mindwave encounters problems such as not turning on (low battery, recharge it) or the signal quality is poor (which can be caused by not having the headset touch the skin or having an unclean headset).

In conclusion, although very developmental, having objects that can be manipulated by one's brainwaves would prove very useful to society and possibly to the entire world. If this technology is ever perfected, everything from simple society to war would evolve and change forever.