The technique uses electric signals sent from optic nerves to the brain. In its experiments, the group fixed multiple blinking light sources to the frame of a television monitor. Generally, when we look at an object electric signals are sent from the optic nerves in our eyes to the visual cortex in the occipital region of the brain, where an image is reproduced based on these signals. If the intervals at which the light sources blink differ, the electric signals that are sent also differ slightly according to these intervals.
In the experiment, the light sources on the monitor each blinked at different intervals—such as 7 times per second and several dozen times per second—and each light source was coupled with a function, such as turning the television’s power switch on and off or changing from a lower to a higher channel.
Electrodes were also attached to the occipital skull of subjects. If the subjects gazed, for example, at the light source linked to the power switch, electric signals unique to that blinking frequency were generated in the optic nerve. These electric signals were transmitted from the eye to the brain and were sensed by the electrodes on the scalp. A control system determined these signals to be those corresponding to the electric switch, and power was turned on or off. Similarly, when a subject gazed at the channel progression light source, the channel automatically changed.
Television Operation with a Simple Gaze
