Acoustics & Audio Technology

Interesting concepts, but I fear it is fraught with problems.

Backing up a couple of levels in technology, OCR was a nice idea, but it, too, is fraught with problems because of the number of variables. One often spends more time 'correcting' the 'output' than it might have taken to enter the data originally. Another is verbal input, also fraught with difficulties because the computer can't always 'understand' accurately.

Now we want the computer to listen to our 'thoughts'??? WOW!!! First, I'm not really sure I want my computer to know how I 'feel' ... surely, it would CRASH multiple times per day, or get 'angry' at me because of my 'illogical' thinking.

The problem is that all these relatively ambiguous types of input are more 'analog' than 'digital', and therein is the 'rub' ... until we can have computers that can at least 'act' in an analog fashion, I think this won't work.

Another real consideration is, will users want a computer as a 'partner' rather than a 'machine'? Several years ago, a major auto maker made instrumentation and warnings verbal ... "your door is open", and other regrettable sounds informed the driver, but the concept totally failed, largely because consumers didn't want their 'machine' talking to them.

Yes, the stuff of SF, and it is very cool (for me too) having the 'house' greet you when you come home, know your 'likes' and 'dislikes', BUT in actual application, I'm not really sure if 'we' are ready for such intimacy with our machines.

Just my own thoughts on the topic.

Thanks ...

If you are old enough you will remember Hal from 2001 Space Odysey. Emotions are rich tapestries of n-dimensional analog information and computers are rather simple calculators (sorters really). The ultimate input for a computer is a very fast multiple channel digital data box.

I think I agree with the first two posters here, there will be problems, there will be resistance, and it will face years of development. But I also think there are applications for which it would be invaluable. Not for gamers, Wii does well enough for that. I'm thinking more along the lines of folks like Stephen Hawking.

You are right, and shame on me (truly) for not considering that aspect. Human / Machine interface would have tremendous benefits for those with infirmities.

IN FACT, most developments such as this came as a result of more trivial, often less noble efforts, but, still, if gaming and other areas such as this can help develop technology and gain momentum for that aspect of the industry, it would eventually be available to help those who could really use it for daily life.

Thanks for reminding us.

Oh, please don't get me wrong, if video gaming creates and develops a concept that is transferrable to assist people in physical need then I'm all for it. Whatever the source, useful stuff is useful stuff. I just wouldn't want anyone to forget that there can be significant uses for seemingly trivial pursuits.

I dont really think they want MY brain..........................

Used for gaming, has a steep learning curve but is only $150 :

http://www.hothardware.com/Articles/OCZ_NIA_BrainComputer_Interface/

It might actually teach people to actively control their thoughts. They would have to exercise their brain to cause effect.

Couch potatoes will become super spuds, but I can see later generations of hardware/software that would be able to keep up with my thought process when it goes into high gear. Now that is an interface I find exhilarating and scary at the same time.

Brad