Sony connects straight to the brain
2005-04-09 10:29:17
Sony has patented a cunning idea to transmit data directly into the brain.The long term goal, which we might add is only based on a theory, should enable punters to see movies and play video games in which they smell, taste and perhaps even feel things.
If Sony manages to build its "better than life" machine, it will be the first step towards a "real-life Matrix", New Scientist gushes. Sony's patent avoids using brain implants or other surgery. Instead it will fire pulses of ultrasound at the brain to modify the firing patterns of neurons in targeted parts of the brain.
This will create "sensory experiences" ranging from moving images to tastes and sounds.
Of course we are not sure what the effect of pounding the brain with ultrasound will be. We are also not sure if it is desirable to turn your brain over to Japanese games developers and allow them to reprogram it. “All your bases are belong to us”, springs to mind.