Brain computer interface gaming: development of concentration based game design for research environments

Abstract

During the last couple of decades, there has been an exponential improvement in neuroimaging technologies that allowed researchers to evaluate cognitive workload, short term memory, and spatial/navigational behaviors in humans. Through the use of new experimental paradigms and brain imaging devices, researchers have gained deeper insight into the neural correlates of emotion, cognition and motor control. Brain Computer Interface (BCI) systems utilize various neuroimaging tools to detect brain activation evoked by a specific thinking process and convert it to a command. We have developed a game environment called “MindTactics” as a test platform for BCI devices to conceptualize experimental cognitive paradigms in ecologically valid environments as well as test BCI gameplay paradigms. Unlike traditional video games where the challenge to the user is the designed game mechanics, BCI based gameplay also involves mastering the use of the BCI device itself. The purpose of this thesis is to develop compelling BCI game design methods. MindTactics is capable of integrating data from multiple devices including the optical brain imaging based BCI developed at Drexel University, and it records behavioral log files for further analysis.%%%%M.S., Digital Media – Drexel University, 2010