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Cortical Cybernetic Implants

Posted by michael on from the amazing-grace dept.

Floody writes "Wired is running a story with amazing cyberpunk "wow factor." Implanted visual cortex stimulation, complete with "percutaneous pedestal"; a metal jack installed directly into the skull. Where can I get a night vision enhancement module for this with HUD and distance finder?" We've posted a couple of previous stories about Dobelle and his work on bionic eyes, but this one has more details: one frame per second, $100,000. Wow.

2 of 311 comments (clear)

  1. Fun fun by Gudlyf · · Score: 5, Funny
    "Suddenly, the color drains from the patient's face. His deadened eyes roll back. Then another warping convulsion."

    Yeah, sounds like oodles of fun. Shiver...

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  2. Re:FPS value is wrong. by Tackhead · · Score: 5, Funny
    > The first version of this device installed in Jerry 20 years ago could acheive at least 4 FPS, so this version should be faster.

    If I put a big-azz heatsink in my brain with the fins sticking out the back of my head, can I overclock it to get better framerates?

    (Hmm, or watercooling. Overclock it and wander around with a big ice bath. :)

    Just one question left - for those of us who checked "C++++" (I'll be first in line to get the new cybernetic interface installed into my skull. " in our Geek Code .sigs, where do we sign up?

    Impractical but fun choice: Ability to see ultraviolet. Walk through a botanical garden and get a bee's-eye view.

    Practical but more useful choice: Ability to see near infrared.

    Impractical but even cooler choice: Ability to see far infrared. Know which dark alley the d00d you're trying to frag walked down... even if you're 5 minutes behind him. The coolant for the sensor might help with overclocking, too - anything to keep the frame-rate up! :)

    And finally, some good uses for serious overclocking - real-time image reprocessing! Imagine driving with night-vision active at night (and software to filter out glare of incoming high-beams), and use the same software to highlight road signs and banner-block ugly billboards with pictures of trees or background patterns by day. Interface with GPS, visit New York and hack it to put up a picture of the WTC towers overtop of whatever sawed-off 20-storey mundane blocks they try to "replace" them with.)