Neuro-headsets could be the way of the future, and Sophie Users' Club members had a rare chance to try out one of the INCAS headsets for themselves. The demo used a first standard configuration of a revolutionary brain computer interface connected to a Sophie-MF target locator using Bluetooth technology and a desktop computer.
The INCAS concept uses EEG mapping technology and mental commands or facial expressions to control Sophie functions. Users had a chance to think about zooming in on a target or firing the laser rangefinder — and to see for themselves how well the system managed to read their brainwaves.
It may be early days for this technology, but Thales has its finger firmly on the pulse of neuro-physiological computing. Our human-factors engineers are internationally acclaimed for their user experience research, and products including the Top Owl multi-spectral helmet display, with eye-slaved cueing of the main weapon system, have been fully combat-proven by helicopter pilots.
The operational potential of such a system for Sophie users is clear, and the technology opens the door to a whole range of uses that are still to imagine. Watch this space — or just think about this space — for the next chapter in the INCAS saga! This 10-minute video from TEDGlobal offers a good overview of how an EEG brain computer interface works.