The effort to quantify and understand electrical currents originating in the brain has been a persistent challenge since the construction of the first brainwave recording apparatus in the late 1920s. Years of study - attempting to equate states of mind, emotions, and conscious thoughts with spatial and temporal brainwave patterns - have yielded much knowledge. The methodology of measuring brainwave activity, however, has suffered much neglect. Until quite recently, the electroencephalograph has remained relatively unchanged, producing cryptic pen-chart recordings that require detailed analysis to unmask useful data. With the marriage of high-speed digital computer technology to the electroencephalograph, the science of neurological imaging is breaking revolutionary new ground.
AquaThought's Neurological Imaging research and development efforts are focused on the application of advanced digital signal processing and analysis technique to unmask useful information in brainwaves. Developments in high-resolution analog to digital converters, solid-state OP-AMP amplifiers, and back propagation neural-network pattern recognition technology form the backbone of AquaThought's neurological imaging system, MindSet(tm).
MindSet, while under continuing development, is already being used in AquaThought's research. It is a 16 - Channel Electroencephalographic Neuromapping System designed for use with a personal computer. MindSet combines highly advanced electroencephalographic laboratory software with a precision 16 channel digital EEG acquisition instrument, to provide a complete yet extensible EEG Neuromapping system. Advanced features of the MindSet system include real-time two and three dimensional topographic visualization, neurometric analysis, routine EEG study, phase coherence analysis, compressed spectral array visualization, inter-electrode interpolation, hyperlinked neurological anatomy database, MIDIbot(tm) feedback, neural network trend extraction, light and sound machine interface, and visual programming interface for useefined analyses. MindSet incorporates the latest EEG signal analysis processes and a complete suite of standard neurological protocols.
To apply the latest in computer technology to the science of neurological imaging.
To develop and produce a low-cost neurological imaging system.
To research complex patterns within neurological signals and develop methodology for automated analysis and recognition.
MindSet is undergoing extensive field testing at qualified sites, by staff and sub-contracted developers. This beta testing will provide valuable information from scientists, neuro specialists, clinicians, and researchers on MindSet feature implementation, user-interface, accuracy, suitability for certain markets, and future enhancements. The following project goals are embodied within the MindSet project:
Low Cost - This allows users who otherwise would have no access to neurological imaging systems, to benefit from this extremely important research and diagnostic technology.
State of the Art Data Visualization Technology - Topographic mapping, neurometrics, Poincare signal chaotic dynamic mapping, pattern extraction, trend analysis, histogram analysis, normalization, and other forms of data analysis and presentation will be incorporated in MindSet.
Ease of Use - Extreme consideration will be given to constructing an intuitive user interface. This will allow users who lack the necessary skills to operate high-end electroencephalographic systems, to have access to MindSet.
Expandability - Utilizing an expandable software and hardware (NIDI interface) architecture, MindSet will be expandable by both AquaThought and the end user. Future expansions will include a neuronal feedback module for closed-loop light and sound stimulation protocols, and a virtual reality based cognitive evoked potential module (see Immersive Media chapter).
With MindSet as the workhorse of the AquaThought Neurological Imaging research, the goal of developing a methodology to automate the recognition of complex patterns within brainwaves is closer to realization. The first step of this ambitious project is to compile the database that will serve as the normalization set for a back-propagation neural-network. This work will be conducted by AquaThought, the many MindSet test sights, and MindSet users. After establishing this storehouse of data, AquaThought will apply a proprietary process for extracting rich rule-based algorithms for automatic correlation between brainwave characteristics and biophysical events. The potential applications of such technology in computer interfaces, enabling devices, and neurological diagnostics are of great interest to the AquaThought Foundation.
Please see the "Mindset" page of the Aquathough Labs Web site for our latest neurological imaging information.
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