The European, march 9 1995

Ultramind has recently won the "technological innovation" category of the recent international Electronic Multimedia Awards for its RelaxPlus system which gives "mind control" over computer software. It works by measuring changes in the current flowing between electrodes attached to two of the user’s fingers. The flow varies according to the user’s emotional state, so by consciously controlling thought, it is possible to alter the behaviour of the software. The resulting signals are beamed from an infra-red transmitter to a receiver attached to the computer, enabling user’s to control their software from a distance of up to four metres. By analysing the changes in current and their frequency, the software can alter the display and the sound from the computer to reflect the user’s changing mental state. The system is being used in hospitals and other organisations to enable people to manage their stress levels better. This can improve performance in examinations and sport, and reduce headaches and even the intensity of irritable bowel syndrome. User’s can alter screen animations or music playback by controlling their state of mind. The sound option was introduced for people who are averse to computers, giving them the option to receive feedback with their eyes closed. Three versions of RelaxPlus are available: business executive and professional. They vary according to the number of user’s, their ability to maintain an audit trail and the degree to which they can be customised. Ultramind now plans to attack the consumer market. It believes that its system adds a new level of control to computer games. "Cool " players, for example, might score better or achieve more than those who get excited. The company is already working with developers of software games. It also plans to expand its activities into mainland Europe during the next six months.

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