Two-way control of a virtual avatar from lucid dreams

Abstract

Objective. In lucid dreams (LDs), it is possible to maintain consciousness and achieve predetermined goals while in REM sleep. Since the 1980s, scientists have been searching for LD application areas. The current study is the first to demonstrate a method for controlling a car avatar with feedback from LDs. Support for this possibility could be used for personal applications and LD studies. Method. Five experienced LD practitioners participated in the present study. Electromyographical (EMG) sensors were used to detect leg and arm muscle movements, and red diodes were put in front of participants’ eyes to indicate obstacles. Software converted EMG impulses into movements of a virtual car, which was chosen as the avatar. The study was conducted under laboratory conditions with polysomnographic LD verification (pre-agreed eye signals were recorded during REM sleep). Results. The participants spent one to four nights in the laboratory and induced 18 confirmed LDs. In 12 LDs, they drove a virtual car, successfully avoided obstacles, or both. All results were observed in real-time and recorded by the research team. Discussion. The results show an achievable way to control the functions of a computer program with feedback from LDs. In theory, many more options for controlling and feedback besides EMG sensors and diodes could be used. With development, all these technologies could help control more sophisticated objects in virtual and physical realms. The two-way communication from LDs with computers observed in this study could facilitate new studies because people could correct the settings and functions of devices by themselves from LDs. This would also foster communication between people while asleep.