Mind scanner

Your challenge: Future gazing: How should the Mesmer 3000 mind scanner be used? Present your argument.

What’s the story?

For a number of years there have been technologies around which have raised the prospect of it being possible to ‘read’ someone’s mind.

It is 2055 and that day has now arrived. A device has recently become commercially available which allows the operator to access a subject’s thoughts and memories.

The device, called the Mesmer 3000, operates using three small electrodes. These can be implanted under the skin and linked to a small transmitter, which can also be implanted in the same way, for remote operation. Otherwise the electrodes can simply be taped in place on the surface of the skin.

The Mesmer 3000 is marketed specifically at law enforcement agencies and currently costs in excess of $5 million, which puts it above the reach of most individuals. However, costs will soon start to fall as other companies develop the same technology and who knows how long it might be before devices like the Mesmer 3000 become commonly available?

You have been asked by the Government to advise them on how this technology should be used and by whom. Should it be available on the open market? What would the advantages be? And how about the danger? It is your task to make a recommendation to the Government.

Mind reading machines?

Over the last 50 years engineers have built machines which have allowed us to examine the workings of the brain in ever increasing detail. These machines include:

  • Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) machines which allow real time imaging of brain areas involved in specific tasks
  • Magnetoencephalograph (MEG) machines which can show brain activity on a millisecond by millisecond basis
  • Positron Emission Tomography (PET) machines which can image glucose metabolism in the brain

Other recent research by NASA has shown that when we talk to ourselves without making sounds, such as when we are silently reading a book, our brain still sends signals to the larynx and jaw. These signals can be picked up and read. This technology was originally designed to allow communication in noisy environments but it could also possibly be used to hear things that people suppose they are really just thinking.

Computer researchers are also making breakthroughs in getting machines to recognise human expressions and mannerisms. These are often giveaways to what is going on inside our heads and humans skilled in reading body language can quite often give the impression that they are reading minds.

Would it seem too farfetched that a machine which combined all of these technologies could read your mind?

What you need to do

Once you have thought through your argument how and by whom the mind scanner should be used, produce a video (max. five minutes) to present your case. There is no right or wrong way to do this. You can use any props you want or just do a talking head. You should:

  • Give a recommendation on who should use the mind scanner and why
  • Explain what you think the ethical problems with such a device might be
  • What do you think the advantages would be?
  • What would the information gained with the scanners be used for? Can you see issues with holding people’s private information?

Want to make sure you get your point across? Have a look at our Presentation tips.

Here are some questions to get you started…

  • Should mind scans always require the permission of the subject or can you think of some situations where they might be necessary? What situations would this depend on?
  • What would be the situation if a person was under suspicion for a serious crime but refused to give permission for a mind scan?
  • If a person suspected of committing a crime were subject to a mind scan, should police be allowed to use memories and thoughts as evidence in court?
  • Should private individuals be allowed to own this kind of technology?
  • This kind of scanner would probably be very useful for medical applications, would there need to be any restrictions on its use in this case?
  • If this technology can be made to work, the chances are that someday it will be small enough and cheap enough that everyone will have access to it. What would the world be like if everyone could read everyone else’s thoughts? If this is a possible outcome, does it make you change your mind about what should be done with this technology while it is still big and expensive?

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How will your entry be judged?

To really impress the judges your entry has to meet three equally weighted criteria:

  • Engage! You have to communicate with your audience in an exciting and engaging fashion
  • Understand! You must show that you understand the science behind the challenge and your solution
  • Solve! You need to offer a solution to the problem you have been presented. The more innovative and interesting your approach the better!

Submitting your challenge video

Upload your challenge video now, using the IET Faraday Video Wizard.

Closing date for submitting your entries is the 14th December. Don’t forget to read the terms and conditions before you enter.

If the judges choose your video as one of the 4 regional winners, your winning team will be invited to take part in the filming of 4 ‘Faraday returns’ videos with leading scientists and engineers. Filming will take place in January, please therefore ensure that your team is available during this period.