Biofeedback system to guarantee gaming thrills

Future video games could routinely monitor players' vital signs and emotional state to ensure a truly exhilarating experience.

At least, that is what Brendan Walker, curator of a forthcoming exhibit at London's Science Museum, called Thrill Laboratory, would like to see.

At the Thrill Lab, which opens on 17 October 2006, volunteers will be asked to try several different fairground rides while hooked up to equipment that tracks their emotional state.

This includes an accelerometer that measures the G-force their body is subjected to and an ECG monitor that keeps track of their heart rate. In addition, a helmet-mounted camera will film their facial expressions as they ride the machine.