Sony Patents a Brain Wave
Techtree News Staff Email Print
April 07, 2005


Sony has been reported to have acquired a patent for an idea to transmit data directly into the brain, with the goal of enabling a person to see movies and play video games in which they smell, taste and perhaps even feel things.

According to the report, the patent is based only on a theory, but not on any invention that marks the first step towards a real-life Matrix.



The patent describes a device that fires ultrasound pulses at the head to modify the firing patterns of neurons in targeted parts of the brain. Aiming to create sensory experiences ranging from moving images to tastes and sounds.

The report also states that it was denied an interview with the inventor, who is based at a Sony office in San Diego, California. Though Sony Electronics spokeswoman Elizabeth Boukis, said the work was a prophetic invention and no experiments at all had been done on it. She added that it was based on an inspiration which may someday be the direction that technology will take us.

The technique would be entirely non-invasive and will not use brain implants or other surgery. Experts said that they did not dismiss the idea out of hand, though they also expressed concern about the proposed method’s long-term safety.

This technology hopes to open up a new dimension to users of Playstation consoles making game play even more immersive.


http://www.techtree.com/techtree/jsp/showstory.jsp?storyid=66882