Project Exercises

Exercise 1 involves downloading the software to allow the Raspberry Pi to function, functioning as the Operating System to what would be a small, but effective computer.

Objective - Being able to connect a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) to a Virtual Reality (VR) Headset

Background - People in general, but can be specific to people with disabilities

Methodology - Formatting the outputs from a BCI into VR code

Expected Results - Using thoughts to function as a control point in VR games and applications

Costs - Currently $99 for a BCI

Problem Statement: How does one connect a BCI to a VR

Problem Restatement: How do you format the outputs of a BCI such that they can be processed as inputs for a VR headset?

Link to KT Analysis

• Safety -
• Public Acceptance -
• Reliability -
• Performance -
• Ease of Operations -
• Use of Standard Parts -
• Minimum Cost -
• Minimum Maintenance/Ease of Maintenance -

Neurable - While mainly a BCI company, they managed to create a working VR game that uses BCI inputs in 2017

NextMind - They have designed a developer engine for game programming using BCI that is compatible with Unity. The product isn't available, but has many positive reviews.

Bitbrain Technologies- Bitbrain focuses on all kinds of devices that use BCI and Artificial Intelligence to create practical solutions.

All three companies have copyrights within the last 3 years, meaning I have to make sure that I am aware that I don't infringe on these copyrights.

Exercise 6 involves creating models to represent processes related to the product to either simplify explanations or to extrapolate potential solutions to problems that are difficult to answer in a void.

Link to Morphological Chart

Foreseeable Misuses -

• Data collection based on how people mentally react to certain stimuli
• Disorientation and creating mental disability
• Breach of privacy

Changes that may occur during the useful lifetime -

• People having a closer link to the virtual world than physical reality
• An over-reliance on technology, and therefore a less active person overall

Disposal after the useful life has ended -

• Circuitry with close proximity of the brain could cause injury

Solutions to Foreseeable Misuses -

• Hidden data collection based on how people mentally react to certain stimuli --> Make customers aware if data is being collected, or prohibit data collection
• Disorientation and creating mental disability --> Seizure Warnings and Programming meant to ease transitions and limit flashing lights
• Breach of privacy --> License Agreement for consumers and Contracts between companies to limit risk

Solutions to changes that may occur during the useful lifetime -

• People having a closer link to the virtual world than physical reality --> Have reminders to take breaks, and have games that reward calming down
• An over-reliance on technology, and therefore a less active person overall --> Include games that rely on movement, or include mixed reality games

Solutions to issues on disposal after the useful life has ended -

• Circuitry with close proximity of the brain could cause injury with --> Have a listed recommended life, and optimize material selection for expected lifetime

Link to KT Decision Matrix

Link to KT Evaluation Matrix

Exercise 11 involves bookmarking key sites like the IEEE Editorial Style Manual and installing apps for collaborating with peers.