Here at Zeo, we get frequent love notes on how comfortably Zeo measures brainwaves (aw, shucks).
We also get frequent notes–often attached to the first one–requesting direct access to those brainwaves.
Well, the wait is over. We’re done playing hard-to-get.
Today, we’re proud to release an alpha version of the Zeo Raw Data Library!
Where does this come from?
Remember everyone’s favorite Zeo-hacker-turned-intern, Brian?
This summer, Brian produced two amazing projects for Zeo: the first - the Zeo Data Decoder – allows you to get at your sleep data without uploading it. The second (the main course, if you will) is the Zeo Raw Data Library.
Use Your Brain
The Zeo Raw Data Library uses the serial port on the back of Zeo (you were wondering about that unused port, weren’t you) to pump out two very cool things:
- Your sleep phase in real time (Wake, REM, Light, Deep every 30 seconds)
- Your brainwaves!
We hope developers will use the Raw Data Library for cool applications. Need some ideas?
- Build a lucid dreaming application that triggers a light or sound when a user enters REM sleep.
- Wake yourself during REM in the middle of the night and keep a sweet sleep journal.
- Use brainwaves for cool Brain Computer Interface projects while you are awake. For inspiration check out interAxon.
- Visualize your brainwaves while awake for bio-feedback applications like concentration or relaxation.
How do I get my hands on it?!?
Calm down and step away from the brainwave detector…
You can get the documentation, the library to read the RDL, and an example sleep stage and brainwave visualizer over on sourceforge. Yup; we decided to open source all of that stuff, so feel free to hack/modify to your needs (and share if you like!). The special firmware (2.6.3R) needed to run the RDL is over here after you fill out a simple form.
We encourage people who are using the RDL to jump on the forums and discuss it. People are already using the RDL to optimize polyphasic sleep naps and help them lucid dream with Zeo. Please use the forums for support and also feel free to email us at DeveloperRelations@myZeo.com. We’ll also do our best to help troubleshoot, but remember that this is an alpha release so there may be bugs.
The Future is Open Wide
We released the Zeo Raw Data Library because
- It’s your data–we want you to be free to use it any way you like
- We are really excited to see what people develop that ends up helping others get a better night’s rest
Please let us know what you think in the comments on on the forums. Hack away!
Ben (ZQ: 75) is one of the co-founders of Zeo and company CTO. He’s passionate about keeping Zeo at the forefront of wireless technology, and about giving users control over their data.
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Oh, this is just six kinds of awesome! I’m very glad to see Zeo heading more and more in the direction of openness and interoperability. These steps create all kinds of wonderful possibilities.
cool, and in the spirit of the times …. and don’t forget, intention and attention will also do much of this stuff … don’t let those abilities atrophy do to dependence on a mediating device! … now, go make art with your new zeo
This is great news!! I plan to work on a lucid dream device that works just as you describe above (triggers on light and/or sounds). I think it could be done fairly cheaply given the open access to data (which is so cool and very smart of you all to do). Are you thinking that applications developed could be shared on an app-like store for the zeo? Or… maybe that is what the blog is for? Anyway I’d be interested to hear your thoughts or… if anyone has done something like this already feel free to email me at rpluedtke@gmail.com (no need to re-invent the wheel right)
Thanks very much, Reggie
Reggie,
In the long-term an app store like concept makes a-lot of sense. In the short term we have set up an area on the forum to chat about how you are using the Raw Data Library. Lots of people are actually working on lucid dreaming.
Here it is: http://blog.myzeo.com/forum/zeo-raw-data-library/
And there is more on Zeo + lucid dreaming here:
http://blog.myzeo.com/forum/lucid-dreaming-discussion/
When I found out that Zeo was no longer selling its products I was really disappointed. I hope Zeo Inc will can find a way to rejuvenate itself.
In the meantime, I would like to get the word out to Zeo hackers about how to make your own replacement headband sensors:
http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Replacement-Zeo-Sleep-Monitor-Headband-Sensor/
I’m hoping Zeo Inc won’t take offense in me providing this guide to other users. I am providing this to help out other Zeo users until an official source of replacement headbands becomes available again.