From “I think therefore I am” to “Thinking is the best way to travel” of so much of our knowledge base, VR and our perception of the real world is based upon the most fabulous, as yet unmatched, CPU – our brain. If we can imagine the power of taking a dizzying array of light pulses, sound waves, gaseous chemicals and electrical micro jolts that make up a real handshake, or hug, that our 2.5 lb friend turns into a life-long memory of someone we have met – then we can use that same process and build real sensory images/feelings/smells from the stored power of the brain to ‘replay’ or create new such handshakes from within the ultimate UI. Is “BrainStorm” possible? Maybe…
More discussion of the current efforts to add physical attributes to Virtual Reality – Getting “in touch” with Virtual Reality in the group Virtual Worlds of Tomorrow of the Association of Virtual Worlds.
Also, see the Knowledge Networking group, with meetings in SL.
Okay, here is a comment. Although I am not “into” the virtual reality adventures as a pastime, I have been doing this brain thing you are describing my entire life. I was one of the small percentage born with this ability, prob, though others can develop it through practice, such as ESP being able to be developed to a small extent, possibly. I may be thought of as daft, but I am able to feel these experiences emotionally and often physically, even though I am not really “there.” Although I have not been diagnosed ever as bipolar, I am still able to go to the highest highs and lowest lows, and seem to be somewhat “naturally stoned” It causes extreme elation and extreme depression. The trick in life is to be able to harness or channel this in a positive way. This is often difficult because there is so much static in your head which creates fatigue and confusion, preventing good concentration at times. It is hard to describe this and only another “sufferer” could truly understand. The abstract thoughts are often all-consuming. I am often surprised I am still here and still sane, and I feel for other creatives in history who were dealing with the same thing and often laughed at and made fun of by peers. The one panacea is finding a group of like people that are all going through it and college often supplies this, especially if creative majors are located in the same rooms or the same buildings. That is a “real trip.” To have them all together in a small area.
Thanks, lady. There are ‘artistics’ (very close to the word autistics, not by accident) like yourself who experience this as naturally as breathing, although more painfully. The power of the brain to tune itself in many ways, is no less ‘abnormal’ than its unbelievable ability to ’see’ object right side up, even though the physical optics of the eye renders all images upside down on the retina. The trick for technology is to build the machine or process to record these impulses, so they can be played back, either through a bio brain or visualized by a powerful computer. Wonderful response.
Hi! I was surfing and found your blog post… nice! I love your blog.
Cheers! Sandra. R.