Brainport

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BrainPort is a technology whereby sensory information can be sent to one's brain via a signal from the BrainPort (and its associated sensor) that terminates in an electroade array which sits atop the tongue.

BrainPort technology has mostly been researched in terms of its potential as a visual aid. For example, the BrainPort has demonstrated its ability to allow a blind person to see his surroundings in polygonal and pixel form. In this scenario, a camera picks up the image of the surrounding, the information is processed by a chip which converts it into impulses which are sent through an electrode array, via the tongue, to the person's brain. The human brain is able to interpret these impulses as visual signals and they are then redirected to the visual cortex, allowing the person to see (similar in theory to how a cochlear implant works).

Brainport technology has also been used for other sensory purposes, such as aiding one's sense of balance (one of the 7 senses), especially for stroke victims.

[edit] See also

• Technologies: Brain-computer_interface, Brain implant, Biomechatronics, Cyberware, Neuroprosthetics, Neurotechnology, BrainGate, Sensory substitution, Intelligence amplification
• Scientific Phenomena: Cortical plasticity, Neural ensemble, electrocorticography (ECoG)
• Disciplines: Cognitive Science, NBIC, Neural engineering, Neuroscience
• Speculative: Mind transfer, Whole-body transplant, Mind uploading
• Other: Human enhancement, Mind control, Neurohacking, Simulated reality, Transhumanism

[edit] References

This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding reliable references. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (June 2007)

• How Stuff Works: How BrainPort works
• Article briefly discusses the use of the BrainPort as a balance aid for stroke victims.
• P. Bach-y-Rita, P., M. E. Tyler, and K. A. Kaczmarek. "Seeing with the brain." In press, Int. J. Hum. Comp. Interact, 2001.

• P. Bach-y-Rita, K. A. Kaczmarek and M. E. Tyler, "A tongue-based tactile display for portrayal of environmental characteristics," in Psychological Issues in the Design and Use of Virtualk and Adaptive Environments, L. Hettlinger and M. Haas, Eds. Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum, in press.

• K. A. Kaczmarek and M. E. Tyler, "Effect of electrode geometry and intensity control method on comfort of electrotactile stimulation on the tongue," Proc. ASME Dyn. Sys. Contr. Div., Orlando, Florida, pp. 1239-1243, 2000.

• "Seeing with the Brain" Google Scholar web search: 42 papers referenced:
  • P Bach-y-Rita, ME Tyler, KA Kaczmarek - International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction, 2003 - informaworld.com
  • Sensory substitution and the human–machine interface
  • Brainport: an alternative input to the brain.
  • etc.