Composer Invents Brainwave-Controlled Music Composition Software for Paraplegics

posted on Apr 20 by Admin in the Disability News, Fun, Interesting Links, Technology, Traumatic Brain Injury, Wheelchair Accessibility Laws category

Disabilities like Lou Gherrigs disease, Guillian Barre, and total paralysis are often hard to understand by the general public. To be a prisoner in your own body while retaining a lucid mind frame is unimaginable by most. With such great physical limitations, these everyday heroes are often left with few forms of effective communication, independent living, and creative outlets. However, Eduardo Miranda has provided an avenue for such creativity by inventing a program that allows those without muscle control from the neck down a way to create music through eye movement, brain waves, and attention levels.

Although brainwave programs are already in existence, most focus on the user controlling a mechanical device such as a wheelchair or mechanical arm. Miranda’s project goes beyond existing music programs that make an audio representation of the user’s brainwaves to give the user full control of the music he or she composes by using a system of “buttons” on a computer screen. The level of attentiveness changes the size of the “button” and produces a unique sound. Of course as with any musical instrument, practice makes the process easier to control, however for those that live with a disability that limits body movement, a new realm of creative expression has opened up.

Based on electroencephalogram technology that reads the users brainwaves and eye movement detection to determine attentiveness levels and specific buttons for the user to concentrate on, this program puts the former composer and computer music specialist at the top of breakthrough programs that enhance the quality of life for a person with very limited independent movement.

Miranda remains inspired to further cultivate his invention into other outlets of expression for those that have limited mobility. His determination and bold explorations into uncharted scientific territory will continue to set mile markers and name him as both an advocate and hero within the disabled community.

Sources:

http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2011-03/30/mind-powered-musical-instrument