[vc_column][vc_custom_heading text="PsychicVR" font_container="tag:h5|font_size:30|text_align:center" google_fonts="font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:300%20light%20regular%3A300%3Anormal" css=".vc_custom_1456538553660{padding-top: 100px !important;}"][vc_column_text]

Increasing mindfulness by using virtual reality and brain computer interfaces

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The fantasy that any of us could have superhero powers has always inspired people around the world. By using Virtual Reality and real-time brain activity sensing we are moving one step closer to making this dream real. We present PsychicVR, a proof-of-concept system that integrates a brain-computer interface device and Virtual Reality headset to improve mindfulness while enjoying a playful immersive experience.

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We non-invasively monitor and record electrical activity of the brain and incorporate this data in the VR experience using an Oculus Rift and the MUSE headband. By sensing brain waves using a series of EEG sensors, the level of activity is fed back to the user via 3D content in the virtual environment. When the user is focused they are able to make changes in the 3D environment and control their powers. Our system increases mindfulness and helps achieve higher levels of concentration while entertaining the user.

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[/vc_column_text][vc_video link="https://player.vimeo.com/video/152912577" css=".vc_custom_1456538617156{margin-right: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 50px !important;}"][vc_text_separator title="Motivation"][vc_column_text]When I was a kid people said I remind them to Matilda (the witch). I always dreamed about having her powers. I was fascinated by the idea of moving objects with my own mind and all the other kind of scifi superpowers. I remember myself trying to concentrate and look to an object to see if it could really levitate, but of course, nothing happened. I've been always interested by Virtual and Augmented Reality cause they allow you to create fictional worlds and surreal scenarios that could never be possible in the real/physical world. Through the years of my research, I realized I could make those superpowers real using this kind of technologies.

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[/vc_column_text][vc_video link="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1f9r8FrGmQ" css=".vc_custom_1456940130355{margin-right: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 50px !important;}"][vc_text_separator title="Science Fiction References"][vc_column_text]Many forms of fiction feature characters attributed with superhuman, supernatural, or paranormal abilities, often referred to as “superpowers”. This tradition is especially rich in the fictional universes of several comic book stories. Since the first paper comics of the 30’s to the latest computer-generated imagery in blockbuster movies, the unique superhero powers have captivated the imagination of millions of people. Notable genres of speculative fiction, including science fiction, feature fictional beings, such as mythical creatures and supernatural entities, and technologies that do not exist in real life. A common thread in science fiction is exploring the potential consequences of scientific and other innovations on people’s lives. Our inspirations in this project range from movies to comics. The project has been inspired by superhuman powers, specially those seen in Marvel Comics and scifi movies or cartoons. In the video attached you can see scenes from X-Men, Fantastic Four, Dragon Ball Z, Superman, Matilda the witch or Lucy -a recent science fiction action film where the brain functions of the main character are amplified to achieve superpowers. In science fiction stories and superhero comics, X-ray vision is the ability to see through physical objects at the discretion of the holder of this superpower. The most famous possessor of this ability is DC Comics’ iconic superhero character, Superman. We were also very inspired (as mentioned in the previous projects) by the power of Telekinesis. For this project we specifically focus on Pyrokinesis – setting things on fire. In slightly harder sci-fi, this will explicitly reference making the molecules in an object more agitated until it burst into flames. Sometimes the fire itself can be controlled, changing size or even becoming a particular shape. In the prototype, we vary the size of the fire depending on how much concentrated is the user. The Human Torch has this kind of power, he is a fictional superhero founding member of the Fantastic Four. Similar superhuman powers are Cryokinesis or Fulgurkinesis (the ability to freeze or to create electrical discharges and lightning bolts). You can see this superpower in Storm, a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics again, and also commonly associated with the X-Men.[/vc_column_text]

[vc_text_separator title="Future Vision"][vc_column_text]I believe that in the future, the power of our own minds combined with advanced technology and well-designed interfaces will change human perception in ways we can barely imagine. I strongly believe that in the future, Virtual and Augmented Reality headsets will non-invasively monitor and record electrical activity of the brain with electrodes placed along the scalp integrated in the headset (along with other physiological sensors in the body). One of the applications that I am interested is meditation and wellbeing. Myself I try to meditate almost every morning, and sometimes I feel I would like experience being in other places rather than being in my room, just closing my eyes. Sometimes even more playful experiences can also increase mindfulness and help achieve higher levels of concentration to novice users. By tracking the physiological state of the user the 3D environment can be change dynamically and be adapted to the personal preferences of the user.[/vc_column_text][vc_text_separator title="Publications, Press & Awards"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/6"][/vc_column]