This week, we celebrate and recognize achievements in technology over the past century. From Alan Turing’s centennial, to significant delegations like the Kyoto Prize. Credited as the founder of contemporary computer science, the concept of the algorithm, and likewise paving the way for Artificial Intelligence, Alan Turing’s research set the rules for modern computing. As we look to the future of technology with our work, we honor the achievements of past that have paved the way for modern computing interfaces in this weeks news roundup.
1// One of Three 2012 Kyoto Prizes Awarded To Dr. Ivan Edward Sutherland
Dr. Ivan Edward Sutherland was awarded the Kyoto Prize in Advanced Technology this past week. Sutherland is a computer scientist recognized for his achievements mainly in computer graphics, giving people the ability to use a computer without having to program an interface. He was awarded the Kyoto Prize for work in graphics interfaces that have lead to the development of virtual reality. In 1965, Sutherland indexed the phrase ‘Ultimate Display’ in an essay by the same name. The ultimate display is defined as a space within which a computer (or interface) can control the existence of matter. The term has since had implications for not only virtual reality but human computer confluences as a whole. The first virtual reality system Sutherland designed was in 1968.
2// Research Shows Auditory Signals Can Be Used For Brain Computer Interface Control
In a recent video lecture that appeared on Microsoft Research, Adrian KC Lee (Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences, University of Washington) introduces new neuro-imaging technology called magnetoencephalography (MEG). Using MEG in his work, Lee is mapping the cortical network in the brain and researching speech and auditory perception. Lee also presented his findings at the Accoustics 2012 Hong Kong Conference last month. Lee’s vision for ‘the road ahead’ for brain computer interfaces is implicated by the results of his ongoing research in the area of cortical mapping, and he explains why in this video.
“Understanding brain dynamics involved in many perceptual and cognitive tasks is of particular interest to scientists in the fields of speech & hearing, as well as neuroscience at large. Furthermore, this knowledge can be combined in an engineering approach to improve our brain-computer interface (BCI) designs, as well as providing us with crucial information on computation modeling, e.g., in speech production. [...] I will present our ongoing work on mapping the cortical network involved in auditory attention using a multimodal imaging approach (combining MEG with electroencephalography and magnetic resonance imaging). I will also discuss why the interface between neuroscience and engineering will be the crucial juncture on which new discoveries depend.”
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The InteraXon news roundup is published weekly, every Sunday night, to recap trends and breaking news in the world of brain computer interfaces and thought controlled computing. Do you have a story you’d like to submit or share? Contact us at info@interaxon.ca (subject line “News Story”) or leave a comment here.
