Question

    A mind-reading chip that lets you control a computer by just thinking has been made public at a conference in China. Named Brain Talker, the chip could be used to control computers, smart phones and other devices, its creators say. It has been jointly developed by Tianjin University and China Electronics Corporation.

This kind of brain-computer interface (接口) is designed to let a person control a computer, a smartphone or other electronic devices using his/her brainwaves alone-without needing any forms of verbal orders, movements, or button pressing. Brain interfaces would not only allow for the faster operation of various technologies, but also be used to assist people with disabilities, for example by letting an individual drive an electric wheelchair just by thinking.

“Brain-computer interfaces hold a promising future,” said Dong Ming. "The Brain Talker chip advances brain-computer interface technology, allowing it to become more portable, wearable and accessible to the general public.

The brain decoding (解码) chip works by picking out minor neural (神经) electrical signals in the brain and rapidly translating them into a form that the computer can understand. “This brain-computer chip has the ability to identify minor neural electrical signals and decode their information efficiently, which can greatly enhance the speed and accuracy of brain-computer interfaces，” said Dr. Dong.

Recent technology advances have allowed researchers to develop the Brain Talker chip, so it is smaller and operates faster, more precisely and with greater efficiency than existing brain-computer interfaces. Although it is not clear exactly how the device will be worn, most brain-computer interface devices are worn on the outside of the body, rather than being fixed directly into the users’ brain. Cheng Longlong, a data scientist, said that the research team will attempt to improve the performance of the Brain Talker. One day brain-computer codec chips will contribute to medical treatment, education, self-discipline, security as well as games and entertainment.

1.Why do the creators develop the Brain Talker?

A.To improve the quality of a smartphone

B.To create more efficient electronic devices

C.To make the computer portable and accessible

D.To assist people to faster drive electronic devices

2.What does Dr Dong expect of the Brain Talker?

A.It has an uncertain future B.It can record people's brainwaves

C.It can be widely used by the public D.It will advance public entertainment

3.What is the fourth paragraph mainly about?

A.How the chip controls computer.

B.How the brain works with a computer.

C.How the brain processes information

D.How the chip picks out neural electrical signals.

4.What can be inferred from the last paragraph?

A.The chip will be worn inside the users’ body

B.It's too challenging to improve the Brain Talk

C.The performance of the Brain Talker is satisfying

D.Some patients will benefit from the Brain Talker

Answer

1.D

2.C

3.A

4.D

【解析】

这是一篇说明文。文章主要介绍了一种可以读懂人的思维，并连接到电脑的“读心术”芯片。

1.细节理解题。根据第二段的“This kind of brain-computer interface is designed to let a person control a computer, a smartphone or other electronic devices using his/her brainwaves alone-without needing any forms of verbal orders, movements, or button pressing.”，可知Brain Talker不需要口头指令，动作或者按钮，而是通过脑电波来控制其他设备，因此会帮助人们更快地驱动电子设备。故选D项。

2.推理判断题。根据第三段 “a promising future和The Brain Talker chip advances brain-computer interface technology, allowing it to become more portable, wearable and accessible to the general public.”Brain Talker芯片提高了大脑-电脑接口技术，使其变得更便携、更可穿戴、更便于大众使用。可推知Dr Dong对Brain Talker的期望是被公众广泛的接收和使用。故选C项。

3.主旨大意题。根据第四段“The brain decoding chip works by picking out minor neural electrical signals in the brain and rapidly translating them into a form that the computer can understand.”大脑解码芯片的工作原理是，从大脑中提取出微小的神经电信号，并迅速将其翻译成计算机能够理解的形式。可知本段主要介绍了Brain Talker这个产品芯片的工作原理，所以第四段的大意是芯片如何来控制电脑的。故选A项。

4.推理判断题。根据最后一段“One day brain-computer codec chips will contribute to medical treatment, education, self-discipline, security as well as games and entertainment.”，可知芯片未来可以利用在医疗，教育等领域，所以推断一些患者会受益于Brain Talker。故选D项。