NeuroVIZR – What Makes It Unique
Garnet Dupuis / Luci Tunes
October 16, 2021
Introduction
Technologies evolve as new discoveries are made. The evolution is often on a slow smooth gradient however sometimes a tipping point occurs resulting in a sudden leap. The NeuroVIZR is such a leap.
The modern lineage took birth in the late 1950’s when William Burroughs used the book The Living Brain (just written by Dr. William G. Walter) to explain to his friend Brion Gysin the probable reason for his recent unusual visual/cognitive experience while on a train ride.
Along with a technical buddy, they created the Dream Machine (aka Dreamachine) which was a crude cardboard cylinder with evenly spaced cutout slits that spun round and round on a record player.
Their alpha frequency eyes-closed experiences resulted in the first pre-contemporary “Mind Machine”.
The Frequency Following Response (FFR)
In the 1930’s, in neurology there was an accidental discovery.
It was noted that the common electrical signals naturally occurring within the brain could be affected easily by various external signals.
The external signals could be visual, auditory, kinetic, electric and even magnetic.
Furthermore, the effect was relatively predictable in that the rate of the external signal would typically begin to coax the internal brain frequencies into the same rhythms.
The phenomenon was considered curious but of no significance at this early stage of brain research.
It was not until the mid-late 1960’s, as brain research moved ahead, that the Frequency Following Response (FFR) was again investigated.
It was in the years following that FFR was renamed Brain Entrainment.
It is Brain Entrainment that forms the core of the “Mind Machines” developed in the 1980’s and is still the basic theoretical principle of the various “Neo-Mind Machines” resurfacing on the market now.
Brain Entrainment – Deja Vu
FFR/Brain Entrainment became very attractive in the late 1970’s and 1980’s.
During this period, there was an attempt to explore consciousness with methods and techniques that integrated Asian spiritual approaches combined with Western psychology and psychedelics.
Transpersonal Psychology emerged at the heart of The Human Potential Movement.
During this period, there was no “personal technology” and analogue devices were large, expensive and unreliable.
It was a time when “biofeedback” was one of the most popular personal technologies available.
Mind Machines were promoted as a way to access altered states of consciousness, relaxation, meditation and other unusual experiences through light and sound stimulation.
However, the technology remained relatively limited.
Most of the systems relied on predictable and repetitive stimulation designed around the principle of Brain Entrainment.
The objective was essentially to encourage the brain to follow a specific external rhythm.
The Limitations of Brain Entrainment
Brain Entrainment works by presenting a repetitive external signal that encourages the brain to synchronize with that rhythm.
This approach can be effective in producing predictable changes in brain activity.
However, repetition can also create a problem.
The brain is a highly efficient pattern recognition system.
When a pattern becomes predictable, the brain quickly recognizes it.
Once the pattern is recognized, the brain may reduce its level of attention.
The stimulation can therefore become increasingly less engaging.
This represents one of the important differences between conventional Brain Entrainment technologies and the NeuroVIZR.
Brain Engagement
The NeuroVIZR takes a different approach.
Rather than attempting to guide the brain into a repetitive “step march” rhythm, the NeuroVIZR is designed around the principle of Brain Engagement.
For Light/Sound signaling to potentially trigger neuroplastic change, the brain must be engaged and sustain a higher state of alerted attention.
The stimulation must also present some marginal degree of challenge or demand to provoke change.
The brain is naturally a pattern recognition processor.
It constantly attempts to detect previously attained patterns as a way of reducing energy and time requirements.
In other words, if the brain adequately recognizes a pattern of signaling, it can stop “paying attention” and settle for a presumptive conclusion.
The NeuroVIZR approach therefore focuses on creating Light and Sound experiences that remain engaging rather than simply repetitive.
The goal is not to force the brain into obedience to an external rhythm.
Instead, the experience attempts to maintain alerted attention through changing and challenging sensory signaling.
From Mind Machines to Brain Exercise
The NeuroVIZR represents an evolution beyond the conventional Mind Machine.
Earlier technologies were primarily designed around Brain Entrainment and the Frequency Following Response.
The NeuroVIZR instead focuses on Brain Engagement and the possibility of positive neuroplastic change.
Light and Sound are organized into compositions that provide a subjectively rich and entertaining experience.
These experiences can be understood as a form of Brain Exercise.
The objective is to provide sensory experiences that encourage the brain to remain active, engaged and responsive.
First Language and the NeuroVIZR
Another important feature of the NeuroVIZR is its relationship to the principle of First Language.
The concept of First Language describes Light and Sound as deeply rooted forms of sensory communication that precede higher cognitive interpretation.
The NeuroVIZR uses Light and Sound compositions designed to communicate with the brain through sensory signaling rather than relying entirely on conscious thought or cognitive analysis.
These experiences can therefore be described as “Knowing without Thinking”.
Like music, Light and Sound can communicate experiences, patterns and emotional qualities without requiring conventional language.
A musical composition can create a powerful subjective experience without the listener needing to logically analyze every sound.
The NeuroVIZR applies a similar principle to Light and Sound.
The experience is not intended to force a specific response.
Instead, the compositions are designed to guide and engage the brain through dynamic sensory communication.
What Makes the NeuroVIZR Unique
The NeuroVIZR represents a shift away from the conventional Brain Entrainment approach used by earlier Mind Machines.
Rather than relying on repetitive rhythms, it uses dynamic Light and Sound compositions designed to maintain alerted attention and Brain Engagement.
The goal is not simply to synchronize the brain to an external frequency.
The NeuroVIZR instead presents changing sensory experiences that can challenge habitual patterns and encourage the brain to remain responsive.
Its approach combines Brain Engagement, Sensory Enrichment and the principles of neuroplasticity within a comfortable and portable wearable device.
The result is an experience that can be understood as Brain Exercise, Creative Entertainment, Consciousness Exploration or simply a new and enjoyable way to engage the brain.