Click Image for Larger View MUX-1, AC Adapter, Audio/Video Cable, Control Cable Front Panel Rear Panel Suggested Use

Biofeedback Video Mux

Gaming System control for Biofeedback Training

Features:

• Biometric equipment can select TV signal (audio and video) from two separate channels "A" and "B". ("Mux" mean "multiplexor" in electronics parlance.)
• Typical connection is Channel "A" to the Gaming system or desired channel, and Channel "B" to a retraining program, or left open for no program.
• Compatible with virtually any DVD/VCR/CD or gaming system (Sony Playstation-1/2, Nintendo Game Cube/64, X-Box, Sega Dreamcast, etc.)
• Interfaces with any biofeedback equipment that includes a general-purpose relay (open-circuit vs. conduction) output OR any equipment that can provide audio output (such as through a sound card), with our Feedback Media Platform (separate device -- purchased separately).
• Many types of biofeedback equipment provides simple (boring) feedback scenarios provided by the manufacturer. Now, exciting gaming system interaction can be used as feedback. User can play game if successful maintaining desired mental state, and is switched to blank screen or alternative program (calming DVD, for example.)
• Great for teaching children to remain calm under pressure, for example. Useful for desensitizing training, attention training, and many other training modalities -- experiment!
• Includes triple RCA cable for TV connection.
• Includes control interface cable.
• Can be used in concert with Feedback Media Platform to avoid missing DVD programming, but not required.
• No batteries required, AC wall adapter provided (110VAC Input).
• Test button simplifies diagnostics.

Compatible with:

• Tested with:
  • Thought Technologies ProComp+ Equipment. (Under "Feedback Option" set "Use Switch Control".)
  • The "Thinking Cap" developed by Hershel Tommim of Biocomp.
• Also interfaces with ANY biofeedback equipment that can direct a sound board to emit a sound. Requires a Feedback Media Platform that will plug into your sound board output and then into the Mux. Play a sound, DVD plays; silence, DVD pauses. Compatible with:
  • Lexicor Equipment
  • WaveRider Equipment
  • BrainMaster
  • CapScan
  • NeuroCare Pro
  • Absolutely any equipment that can emit a tone from your soundboard output.

See Also:

• Mux Compatibility Guide - What video gaming systems and biofeedback equipment work with this. Links to gaming systems, appropriate DVD programs, and DVD Players.
• Mux Sba Troubleshooting Guide? - How to use this with an Feedback Media Platform.
• Mux Instructions - Full basic instructions for operation and connection.

Ordering Information:

• Biofeedback Video Mux (PN:MUX-1) Wall-Adapter Model
  • Compatible with (110VAC, 60Hz) power only unless substitute adapter is used.
  • $179 plus $9.95 Shipping and Handling (US)
• 30-day money-back satisfaction guarantee. 1-year defects warranty.
• Please add $30 for International shipping.
• NOTE: Quantities Limited. Some minor delay may be experienced by your order.
• We can offer SECURE ORDERING through your browser:
  Order Biofeedback Video Mux

Narrative Overview

We've been thinking about how to use video gaming systems as a means of feedback. One of our customers suggested that we allow the Universal Bio Interface device to turn on/off the TV, so that a subject would be allowed to play but be faced with the blank screen of the TV if not successful. Unfortunately, this approach exhibits the classical case of "Toggling", as the power switch on the remote control will turn on or off the device based on the prior state, and it is very difficult to guarantee that a blind device could keep this in sync. Instead, we came up with the Biofeedback Video Mux.

Conceptually, this device is simple, but it allows a wealth of new feedback scenarios. You have probably seen mechanical A/B switches to select from various input sources for printers and other equipment. Essentially, the Biofeedback Video Mux does just that, but in response to a control signal from your biofeedback equipment.

In the simplest connection scenario, connect the output of the Biofeedback Video Mux to the TV, and Input Channel "A" to the Gaming system, and leave Input Channel "B" unconnected. (See the complete instructions for links to suppliers for game systems and other supplies.) Connect the control cable to your biofeedback equipment, either directly, or through our Feedback Media Platform if your system does not provide an electrical output signal, but can provide a sound/silence signal.

The Mux will select Input Channel "A" by default, but will be switched to Channel "B" if the control signal is asserted. (See the Mux Instructions for details on what assertion means on the control cable.) If you find that the system is working backwards, simply swap cables on Input Channels A and B.

For example, assume you have arranged to monitor the Galvanic Skin Response? of your subject, and will assert the control signal if the skin resistance drops, i.e. if the subject is not remaining calm. At the start of the training session, the subject is (hopefully) calm, i.e. high skin resistance. The subject begins to play the video game and is challenged. He starts to lose his cool, but the game is interrupted and a blank screen substituted for the game. This period reminds the subject that he must remain calm or he can't play the game.

A first-cut extension of this scenario is to connect a DVD program to Input Channel "B" so that when the game is interrupted, a calming program is provided instead. We have selected some recommended videos for this purpose, and can be found in the Mux Instructions.

It is important to note that the game continues to run as does the DVD program, even if it is not selected, and the joystick or other input device will continue to operate as well. This is in contrast with the Feedback Media Platform which pauses the DVD and restarts from that position. Therefore, it is important to choose games that are tolerant of such extended interruptions, and DVD programs that will as well.

If you have a DVD that is not compatible for one reason or another with the Feedback Media Platform, the Biofeedback Video Mux can be used in a similar manner, with only slight reduction in functionality. Connect the primary DVD player up to Input Channel "A" of the Mux, and leave the other channel open. When maintaining the desired mental state, the DVD can be seen on the TV, otherwise it is blank. The only difference between this operation and the Universal Bio Interface is that the Mux does NOT pause the DVD, it continues to play, and a portion of the program will be skipped based on the period of time that Channel "B" was selected.

However, it does have the advantage that an alternative DVD program can be viewed during the time that the Universal Bio Interface would otherwise be paused. An extension of this is to utilize the Mux in concert with one or two Feedback Media Platform devices to pause each of the DVD programs when it is not being viewed, and to play the other program.

Mux Comments by Practitioners and others.

You may add your own experiences and comments on the Mux Comments topic.

-- Raymond Lutz - 07 Jun 2004