Game and Simulation Control
Information Technology and Software
Game and Simulation Control (LAR-TOPS-88)
Control modification through user
physiological state
Overview
NASA's Langley Research Center has developed a
technology at the forefront of a new generation of computer
and video game environments that train valuable mental
skills, beyond eye-hand coordination, for the personal
improvement, not just the diversion, of the user.
Monitoring and enhancement of operator state
is an objective of the current LaRC Intelligent Integrated
Flight Deck Technology (IIFDT) program. Prior research
by the inventor, Alan Pope, modulate (based on player
physiological signals) the manual inputs that a player makes
to the buttons or joysticks of a video game hand controller.
However, a new type of controller allows a player to make
inputs to a video game by moving the entire controller itself,
allowing the present inventions entirely new approach to
integrating psychophysiological signals into game play.
The Technology
The technology is constructed to allow modulation of player inputs to a video game
or simulation from a user interface device based on the players psychophysiological
state. The invention exploits current wireless motion-sensing technologies to utilize
physiological signals for input modulation. These include, but are not limited to, heart
rate, muscle tension, and brain wave activity.
The current capability has been successfully prototyped using the Nintendo Wii
console and wireless Wii remote. The experience of electronic game play may also
be enhanced by introducing a multiplayer component in which various players
collaboratively pursue the goals of the game. The device can also enhance multiplayer
experiences such as a video game tournament, in which the skill set required in
competitive game play is increased by allowing players to interact with the game, and
compete with one another, on a psychophysiological level. This system is compatible
with the Nintendo Wii, and prototypes have been designed and are being developed
to extend this capability to the PlayStation Move, Xbox Kinect, and other
similar game platforms.
Benefits
- User-Control Interaction: Introduces, for the first time, user-control interaction with the Wii video game system via the users physiological signals.
- Variety: Can be used with several physiological signal-measuring devices (heart rate, muscle tension, and brain wave activity).
- Wireless: Operates with third-generation gaming consoles wirelessly.
- Low Power: Use of LED infrared communication reduces device power consumption.
- Healthy Living: Encourages healthenhancing physiological self-regulation skills and therapeutic amplification of healthful physiological characteristics.
- LED Embodiment: The current invention interacts wirelessly with the Wii remote through infrared signal.
Applications
- Consumer brain-computer interface devices
- Biofeedback equipment
- Third generation video game systems
- Physical therapy
- Third-party video game peripherals
- Athletic training
- Mind-body medicine
