BERNARDO QUIBIANA CSCE 390, SECTION 001 SPRING 2010 Brain-Controlled Cursor Doubles as a Neural Workout ACM TechNews, Feb. 17, 2010
Introduction Brain-Computer Interface Natural brain signals VS. training Imagining movements Weak Signals Performing movements Strong Signals Brain transplants Medical Imperatives Physiological and mental disabilities Enhancements The ultimate wireless control University of Washington Brain activity after about 10 minutes of training, when the subject could hit the target with 94 percent accuracy. The signal is stronger than in the earlier trial, and stronger even than when the subject actually performed the imagined movement.
Ethical Issues Double edge Artificial enhancement, cheating New potential harming Inequality Price Accessibility Spying Broadcast VS. Unicast Access control 9/files/2009/04/wireless.jpg
Proposed Solutions Transplants? Yes! Best: Medical care, New technology Worst: Inequality, New ‘evil’ tool Transplants? No! Best:Alternate care Worst: No alternate care Transplants? Yes, for Medical Purposes Best: Medical care Worst: Black market! national.files.wordpress.c om/2009/11/brain jpg
Philosophic Views Realist Natural Idealist The greater good Pragmatist Majority: The General Public Existentialist Benefits for the self
The ACM/IEEE-SC Code Public Client & Employer Product Management Judgments Profession Colleagues Self
Conclusion Brain-computer Interface Brain Transplants Medical Imperative Human Enhancement Ethical Issues Double Edge Inequality Spying Proposed solution: Limit brain transplants to medical imperatives
Questions and Answers ?
Reference [1] H. Hannah, Brain-controlled Cursor Doubles as a Neural Workout, University of Washington News, 15 Feb [Online]. Available: feb/feb html# [Accessed: 22 April 2010].