A Custom Headset for Mind-Controlled Gaming
Ryan Goward created an alternative video game controller using a modded Mindflex toy, Arduino Nano, and mouse.
To play modern video games, you normally need some sort of handheld controller. While custom racing wheels, light guns, and more are available, it would be really interesting if you could simply control the action with your mind. Beyond the novelty of such an interface could have obvious applications for those with certain disabilities, and could have wide ranging use cases beyond simply swinging a virtual sword or traversing a computer-generated landscape. But is it really possible?
As shown in Ryan Goward’s video below, such a setup can be made using a Mindflex kids toy. Although limited (and it requires one’s head to be doused in salt water) Goward’s device does work, sending a signal to an Arduino Nano clone when he concentrates hard enough. The Nano is wired up to activate and click a mouse, allowing it to walk, fire a gun, swing a sword, or whatever else you need your virtual character to do. The unit can also be hooked up to external software to indicate that, yes, Goward’s brain is still working.
While you won’t win any gaming competitions with the build, and it looks a little silly, it will be interesting to see how this type of tech develops in the future. For more EEG hacking info, check out the work of Arturo Vidich, Sofy Yuditskaya, and Eric Mika at Frontier Nerds, on which this contraption is based.