$hakti Neurostimulation
Neurostimulation is an additional component in the BCI. Combining EM neurostimulation & EEG should be interesting as the computer can identify the patterns in which brain regions have been stimulated.
http://blog.automenta.com/2013/12/hakti-neurostimulation.html
This is some information about the (commercially available "SHAKTI helmet"). The hardware seems trivial to replicate (Y-splitters and telephone pickup coils (half of which are rewired to be reverse polarity) ).
I would like to redesign the software too to include a 3D head model to clarify the exact positions of neurostim coils.
The raw signals can be extracted using a virtual audio device.
<img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IzGoMA2h0zM/UrC2uDNs1CI/AAAAAAAAJ2Q/O87IBopSUGE/s640/Shakti+Coils+are+Telephone+Pickup+Coils+('positive'=unmodified,+'negative'=reverse+polarity).2.jpg" alt="" />
<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KpJDazJqtH0/UrC3W2dQMcI/AAAAAAAAJ30/KEoM6n6jb1U/s640/VCable_Recording.jpg"; alt="" />
http://blog.automenta.com/2013/12/hakti-neurostimulation.html
This is some information about the (commercially available "SHAKTI helmet"). The hardware seems trivial to replicate (Y-splitters and telephone pickup coils (half of which are rewired to be reverse polarity) ).
I would like to redesign the software too to include a 3D head model to clarify the exact positions of neurostim coils.
The raw signals can be extracted using a virtual audio device.
<img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IzGoMA2h0zM/UrC2uDNs1CI/AAAAAAAAJ2Q/O87IBopSUGE/s640/Shakti+Coils+are+Telephone+Pickup+Coils+('positive'=unmodified,+'negative'=reverse+polarity).2.jpg" alt="" />
<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KpJDazJqtH0/UrC3W2dQMcI/AAAAAAAAJ30/KEoM6n6jb1U/s640/VCable_Recording.jpg"; alt="" />
![http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KpJDazJqtH0/UrC3W2dQMcI/AAAAAAAAJ30/KEoM6n6jb1U/s640/VCable_Recording.jpg"](https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KpJDazJqtH0/UrC3W2dQMcI/AAAAAAAAJ30/KEoM6n6jb1U/s640/VCable_Recording.jpg"){kind=link}
Comments
However on the other hand, Shakti is only one small example of a much larger active area of research, the technical term is <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=transcranial+magnetic+simulation">TMS</a>; or "transcranial magnetic simulation". There are groups working in both the high power area with huge coils, and what I think is more innovative work in the low power side. A latter example is Nick Dogris' <a href="http://www.neurofield.org">Neurofield system</a>. Which combines neurofeedback with low level PEMF, pulsed electromagnetic fields.
The email exchange with the Shakti developer:
<blockquote>
<strong>
Forwarded conversation</strong>
Subject: 'amygdaloid' signal origins?
From: William Croft
Date: Mon, Jan 7, 2013 at 8:50 PM
To: Todd Murphy
Todd, hi.
Are there any papers describing how your various stimulation signals were derived? QEEG work I've followed (19 channels or more) can derive 'some' inner brain activity by a process called source localization (sLORETA for example). But generally EEG only picks up activity of pyramidal cells in the cortex acting in ensemble 'dipole layers'. Limbic system or sub cortical structures thus are difficult to pinpoint, according to what I've heard.
Your system looks like it uses simulated spike trains, as you know this is not what EEG records. Were your signals determined by some kind of needle procedures on surgical subjects?
Just curious.
Best regards,
William
PS I had not been on your site for some time, but just looking around tonight watch one of your Youtube videos (Practical Neurotheology), well done!
From: Todd Murphy
Date: Mon, Jan 7, 2013 at 10:31 PM
To: William Croft
Yes, "some kind of needle procedures on surgical subjects" was used in the first instance.
It does not use simulated spike trains.
Todd Murphy
</blockquote>
I would offer some help but since they've chosen the proprietary / commercial route, it's time for an open-source project to show them how to develop better neurostimulation software. I imagine an integrated system containing a 3D head / body model illustrating the exact positioning and polarity of each coil, and the signals being sent. All other explanations can be linked to the appropriate options and diagrams (as popup windows) -- reducing confusion and accelerating rTMI research beyond a closed priesthood of greedy psuedo-scientists.
<blockquote>I wonder if the lack of coherent, clear, concise explanations in the “e-book” might lead to dangerous experiments by confused users.</blockquote>
Todd does have many warnings in his material, and advice on going very slowly. I do feel it has a certain element of risk in self-experimentation. With all the neuroscience that is going on now, one thing that is clear is that we are at a very early stage in our understanding of consciousness itself. To try to achieve states of altered consciousness and spiritual experiences via pEMF stimulation -- seems a stretch. It may be wiser to work with an experienced meditation teacher to move in such a direction with guidance and under self propulsion(!)
The TMS research and devices being currently developed have more to do with clinical conditions such as depression, anxiety, poor sleep, etc. Accurate dosing and targeting is obviously crucial.
<blockquote>accelerating rTMS research beyond a closed priesthood of greedy psuedo-scientists.</blockquote>
Well I might put it more kindly than that. Commercial software has it's place and funds it's own development. I use the BioEra and Bioexplorer packages in neurofeedback and these would not exist if there had been no funding. I think we'd all like to see more open science / open source trends in the long run.
My experience as a practitioner, is that effects achieved via brain training / biofeedback can be stronger and longer lasting than 'pushing' the brain through external entrainment or stimulation. Although there is overlap. There is also more risk in 'pushing' something as sensitive as a complex system we don't fully understand yet. In other words various side effects.
Regards, William