Technology
The EPOC uses a set of 14 sensors that detect patterns sent through the 100 billion brain cells (neurons). These patterns are narrowed down and interpreted in 30 different possible ways as real-time emotions, intentions, and facial expressions that are then reflected in the virtual world. The EPOC noninvasively detects brain activity using electroencephalography (EEG), a measure of brain waves, via the 14 sensors. This detects activity along the brains cortex, a folded region of the brain that controls high level thoughts, which is then interpreted through an algorithm developed by Emotiv.
Creation
Emotiv employed a team of neuroscientists, who understand the brain at a systems level, and programmers, who all were all good with machine learning and pattern recognition. This team conducted EEG tests on thousands of (non-gamer) volunteers over the course of four years and eventually were able to find patterns that showed up on all people. It would take several powerful computers 72 hours to process 10 seconds of brain data for similarites. Eventually, Emotiv found consistent mental patterns associated with each emotion.
Possible Usage
Emotiv is starting to work with game developers to hopefully create games that greatly interface with the EPOC headset so that EPOC specific features can be added. Some possibilites include scanning for boredom to know when to create more enemies, or changing the game music to something suspenseful when a user becomes tense. Currently Emotiv's goal with the EPOC is not to replace conventional controllers, but to compliment them in order to have a better human interface. One of the most obvious usages would be with Second Life so that instead of hitting a button to change expressions, the virtual avatar would simply reflect whatever the player is thinking.
Availability
Emotiv intends to release the EPOC in late 2008. It can be pre-ordered at Emotiv's website. The price for pre-orders, with shipping, is $299. Currently it is only avaliable to customers in the United States.
