Brain Controlled Movie - Computerphile

TL;DR

This video explores the use of E.E.G. headsets to create interactive films, allowing viewers to control the cutting and blending of scenes through their brain activity.

Transcript

A few years ago I came across these commercially available E.E.G. headsets, NeuroSky, these As part of my company that I was running at the time We started experimenting with different games and different things to do with them but the main thing that we started doing is like taking edits, taking video edits and then dropping them into a program th... Read More

Key Insights

• 👻 E.E.G. headsets can be used to create interactive films, allowing viewers to control the cutting and blending of scenes through their brain signals.
• 🎥 Traditional film-making methods can be deviated from to prioritize interactivity in the film creation process.
• 🎑 The technical process involves using Python and MaxMSP programs to receive and interpret E.E.G. data, controlling the film scenes and audio levels.
• 🧘 Not everyone has the same ability to control their brain signals, and regular meditation practice may enhance control over meditation aspects.
• 🫵 Viewers have different preferences for how they want to interact with the film, with some wanting a more immersive experience and others wanting more control.
• 🫵 Taking the interactive film experience from individual to group settings can pose challenges in terms of accommodating different viewer feedback and preferences.
• 🫵 Some films created by viewers may have intense effects on others, highlighting the need for considerations of viewer comfort and experience.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does the E.E.G. headset work to control the film?

The E.E.G. headset sits on the head and detects electrical signals from the brain and skin. These signals are filtered and sent via Bluetooth to a computer where they are processed in real-time. Blinking and changes in attention and meditation levels control the cutting and blending of scenes and audio levels.

Q: How is the E.E.G. data processed and translated into film control?

The E.E.G. data is received by a Python program, which sends it via OSC to MaxMSP. MaxMSP, a visual programming language, interprets the data and controls the cutting and blending of scenes. The meditation level is scaled to control the audio levels.

Q: Can everyone control their brain signals to interact with the film?

Not everyone can consciously control their brain signals. Some individuals who regularly practice meditation may have more control over their meditation aspect. There are also differences in how people want to control the film, with some wanting to experience it and others wanting to have more control.

Q: What challenges did the filmmaker face when creating interactive films?

The filmmaker initially designed the experience for one person at a time but faced challenges when taking it on tour. The film had to be adjusted for group experiences, where feedback from multiple viewers had to be considered. Some films created by viewers were too intense for others, causing discomfort.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The video discusses the use of NeuroSky E.E.G. headsets to experiment with creating interactive films by using brain signals to control the cutting and blending of scenes.

• The filmmaker explains how they deviated from traditional film-making methods and focused on the interactivity of the film.

• The technical process involves using Python and MaxMSP programs to receive and interpret the E.E.G. data from the headset, controlling the film scenes and audio levels.