ARTICLES
Illustrating the Mind (continued)
Acknowledgement
It should be emphasised that the final image is entirely calculated
from the EEG data. Although the hues and design are changed
by VEE, it is still possible to make valid comparisons.
The author would like to thank George Pinniger for valuable
discussions.
Several features are apparent in Figure 2:
Author
• differences between the subjects;
Steve Simpson, School of Electrical and Information Engineering,
University of Sydney. Steve has held various posts within the
School and Faculty of Engineering, including Head of School and
Associate Dean. [email protected] for all enquiries.
• differences between hemispheres (top and bottom);
• changes when the music starts and during the music;
• differences pre- and post- music (left and right sides),
indicating an effect of the music on the mind.
References
The auditory cortex is close to the electrode locations, and this
undoubtedly has an effect, but explanations for some features
are not obvious. In any case, Figure 2 is illustrative only.
However, it is worth discussing the commonly held belief that
the right hemisphere of the brain (lower halves in Figures 2A-
C) is associated with art, creativity, insight, etc., and the left
with science, maths, analysis, etc. Although there are indeed
differences between the hemispheres, it is not advisable to
interpret the images in that way. The description is a gross and
inaccurate simplification which treats a complex relationship as
a dichotomy, not just between the hemispheres, but between the
concepts themselves.
[1] Khamis, H., Mohamed, A., and Simpson, S.W., “Frequency-
moment signatures: A method for automated seizure detection
from scalp EEG,” Clin. Neurophys. 124, 2317-27, 2013.
[2] The VEE (Visual Evolution Engine) software incrementally
transforms images using two-dimensional Fourier Transforms. It
was initially developed to process artworks.
Conclusion
The purpose of this brief write-up is to provide some food for
thought; the illustration of the mind is an ongoing and open-
ended project. As well as activities in the arts, research in
collaboration with Royal Prince Alfred Hospital will target use
of the visualisations for effective diagnosis and classification of
dementia.
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SCIENCE EDUCATIONAL NEWS VOL 67 NO 3