Direct-to-brain broadcasting?

    Sony has patented technology for transmitting sensory data directly into the human brain
    Author:
    Publish date:

    Sony has developed and patented a new technology for transmitting sensory data directly into the human brain.

    According to an article in the New Scientist journal, the non-invasive technique involves a device that fires pulses of ultrasound at the head to modify synaptic firing patterns in targeted parts of the brain, creating "sensory experiences" ranging from moving images to tastes and sounds.

    Sony first submitted a patent application for the ultrasound method in 2000, which was granted in March 2003. Since then Sony has filed a series of continuations, most recently in December 2004. Sony describes the research as speculative.

    For more information, visit www.newscientist.com.

    Back to the top

    Related

    Audio

    Use Windscreens on Directional Mics

    One characteristic of directional mics is the bass proximity effect--the bass boost you get as you talk or sing very close to the mic. This extra bass is used to great effect on vocals, especially announcers, to fatten the sound, or some say create a warmer sound, without outboard equalization. The downside is that p

    Audio

    Choosing a Microphone: Polar Patterns-Directional

    Microphones with directional characteristics do not have a uniform pickup pattern as do omnidirectional mics. Directional mics are more sensitive to sounds emanating from some directions and less to others. Two of the types of directional mics are cardioid, and hyper- or super-cardioid. Cardioid mics have a polar pa