New Scientist is reporting that Microsoft has filed a patent on some innovative new mind reading technology. The technology centers on using electroencephalograms (EEGs) to record electrical signals within the brain.
The company claims it is merely seeking a method for interpreting the EEG data in order to better understand what consumers are actually thinking when they are using its various interfaces. Such a technology, for instance, would be helpful in determining whether a consumer really understands how to use Microsoft’s latest software—an area, I would argue, that it needs a great amount of help. (Microsoft officials explain that this is improvement over simply asking a person because people are often reluctant to admit that they don’t understand how something works. An EEG, on the other hand, can simply determine that they are confused by their level of brain activity).
In short, the company hopes to use the technology to design user interfaces that people find easier to use. I suspect that there is a good deal truth to this application and it is a good example of what I call in my forthcoming book “walking the escalator,” but I also think Microsoft is interested in figuring out how to apply brain technology to create the next generation of video games. Recall that late last year Sony also filed a patent for similar technology for the express purpose of incorporating brain technology into video games.
Longer-term, I also think that Microsoft is interested in combining EEG technology with robotic technology. Bill Gates has made no secret that he has robotics on his mind, and the idea of using EEG technology to control household robots like iRobot’s Roomba has great potential. For example, as America’s population continues to age just think of how many elderly people might benefit from a household robot that they could command by thought alone?
The idea might sound far-fetched, but I’d encourage people interested in ”jumping the curve” to give this idea some thought because in addition to triggering a flurry of electrical signals in your brain it could also trigger some ideas about how the technology could impact your business down the road.
Jack Uldrich is a writer, futurist, public speaker and host of jumpthecurve.net. He is the author of seven books, including Jump the Curve and The Next Big Thing is Really Small: How Nanotechnology Will Change the Future of Your Business. He is also a frequent speaker on future trends, innovation, change management and executive leadership to a variety of businesses, industries and non-profit organizations and associations.
