The most impressive exhibits I found at 2007 Nextfest were the ones using headbands that measure brainwaves. One exhibit used this technology for a game called "Brain Ball." "Brain Ball" is a relaxation game where two players face off to try to move a small white ball accross the table. The ball moves towards the player with the more relaxed brain waves.
In a similar exhibit, called "Kokoro Gatari," the same sort of headband set up was used in a medical application. In this case, the sensors could detect the difference between positive and negative thought. Doctors can use this to communicate with patients with Lou Gerhig's disease. Doctors can get a 'yes/no' answer from a patient who can't speak or move.
There's huge potential to use this technology in a game or narrative. A game that rewards positive thought, and punishes negative thought. Or a narrative where the viewer can drive the plot by simly thinking 'yes' or thinking 'no'.
photo by Ala Diab