The MediaStim fMRI Experiment Coordination System

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) allows the researcher a peek at the functioning of the human brain. A subject is placed in an fMRI scanner and localized brain activity can be located and identified. The technology has both basic research and practical clinical applications. The key to using this technology is to provide stimuli to the scanner subject that stimulates a specific cognitive center in the brain with a specific, identifiable pattern. The MediaStim system is designed to present immersive multimedia stimuli to a subject in the scanner with the goal of stressing specific cognitive centers in a way that adheres to experiment protocols and is clearly identifiable by image analysis software. MediaStim is the first project to automate the entire process from stimuli development through data acquisition to data archiving and processing. Major goals of the project include advanced stimuli authoring environments, integration of physiological monitoring and rich stimulus experiences.