PSYCHO-ELECTRONICS

Abstract

Progress of sciences on the human mind e. g. psychology and neurosciences and advance of micro electronics have produced new types of man-machine system designated as psycho-electronics. Examples and problems on psycho-electronics were presented and discussed in this paper. The first is the electronic measurement of psychological phenomena and expression of intention aided with electronic devices. Some psychological phenomena, e. g. arousal level, sensation, attention and emotion can be measured by EEG, EOG and autonomic responses detected with the surface and the implanted electrodes. A handicapped person can express his intention and control his environment or some machines with the electronic aids. The second is the functional stimulation to the mind with electronics. A blind person can read letters and walk freely with the visual electronic prosthesis. A deaf person can get auditory information with the sensory substitution systems. The electrical stimulation into the brain can produce special feelings and change the level of arousal, needs and emotion. The third is the control of the mind with the electronic system, e. g. biofeedback and the linkage between the brain and the computer. The technique of biofeedback has already applied in many areas, e. g. education, industry and sports other than in the clinical medicine. The final stage of psycho-electronics will be the man-computer linkage. This system has possibilities to bring dramatic effects in the medical treatment for neurological or psychological desease and advance personal capacity. Widespread discussions on assesments from technology, psychology, physiology and ethics are required for application of psycho-electronics to man.