07-04-2005 12:56									#1
	How far are we from a real matrix? Tech heads come here.... Support Apolyton or Terrorists Win

Was just wondering how far has technology come in simulating reality technologically and digitally. Is the idea of the Matrix a bogus pipe dream or is it something toward which we can reasonably progress?

	07-04-2005 14:12									#2
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Current technology is NO WAY near what would be required to create a Matrix.

First thing, to make it seem realistic, you have to remember that even though particles cannot be seen by the eye, they do make up the images we see around us.

So until computers can create resolutions with the same measurement as the scope of real life, Virtual Realities will not look like real life. So people who know real life, will sense something is not real about the Virtual World.

And remember, the smallest thing (theoritically) is a superstring. The size of a superstring: If I expanded an atom to the size of a galaxy, the superstring would be the size of an apple.

So you see, creating a resolution true to life would be incredibly hard. But this universe we live in ceases to amaze me, I doubt its impossible to do.

	07-04-2005 14:59									#3
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quote: So people who know real life,

So this all doesn't matter if they wouldn't, you coould make a tree red and no one would know.

	07-04-2005 15:00									#4
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I see.... but it's within the realm of possibility to create a rudimentary copy of reality digitally. Digital photography and video are quite advanced now... is it not possibly to create more interactive environments digitally?

How far are we on the road to simulating other senses?

	07-04-2005 15:21									#5
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quote: Originally posted by alva quote: So people who know real life, So this all doesn't matter if they wouldn't, you coould make a tree red and no one would know.

indeed, lets not forget the similarities between life and civ that we keep on finding (as shown by the "you know you've played too mcuh civ when..." threads) due to overexposure

	07-04-2005 17:12									#6
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quote: Originally posted by Dracon II I see.... but it's within the realm of possibility to create a rudimentary copy of reality digitally. Digital photography and video are quite advanced now... is it not possibly to create more interactive environments digitally? How far are we on the road to simulating other senses?

Very far. Visuals are, in some senses, the simplest. They merely involve the manipulation of light. Smells require the instantaneous generation of a mix of molecules to be released into air. Tactile senses are almost impossible, unless you actually "jack" into the brain.

	07-04-2005 18:33									#7
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quote: Originally posted by Urban Ranger unless you actually "jack" into the brain.

Which is the hard part. Generating the data (visuals, smells etc) is the easy part. So we're pretty far away. I'd say it will take at least another three years before we can have a real Matrix.

	07-04-2005 19:11									#8
	Re: How far are we from a real matrix? Tech heads come here.... Support Apolyton, buy Galactic Civilizations

quote: Originally posted by Dracon II Was just wondering how far has technology come in simulating reality technologically and digitally. Is the idea of the Matrix a bogus pipe dream or is it something toward which we can reasonably progress?

we got all kinds of 2 dimensional arrays, 3x3,4x4, take your pick.

	08-04-2005 06:35									#9
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3 years??? surely you jest!

	08-04-2005 06:37									#10
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People are not efficient energy producers, the whole idea is bunk and you can safely forget about it. There

	08-04-2005 07:20									#11
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I've recently been contacted by a worker in my most recent civ game. He worked in an enemy city, and was seeking knowledge of life outside of his world. I've been BSing him along in exchange for info about the enemy empire that has, how shall I say this? ...been rather useful...

	08-04-2005 07:28									#12
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quote: Originally posted by VetLegion People are not efficient energy producers

You are just made to think that.

	08-04-2005 07:56									#13
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The fact is you don't have to fake it if you can simply put the data straight into the brain; ala the matrix.

It doens't have to look real at all; as long as the brain believe it comes from your eyes it's sweet.

	08-04-2005 09:48									#14
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quote: Originally posted by Dracon II 3 years??? surely you jest!

Yes, I think it will take us at least three years

	08-04-2005 10:05									#15
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quote: Originally posted by VetLegion People are not efficient energy producers, the whole idea is bunk and you can safely forget about it.

That's one of the big nonsensensical parts.

Humans require energy to survive, thus, energy input is always bigger than energy output. IOW, we are sinks.

	08-04-2005 11:27									#16
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quote: Originally posted by VetLegion People are not efficient energy producers, the whole idea is bunk and you can safely forget about it. There

Oh I wasn't talking about that element of the matrix... nor am I bringing up a discussion of AI either. Just wanted to know how far we are on they way towards reproducing reality in computer simulation.

quote: The fact is you don't have to fake it if you can simply put the data straight into the brain; ala the matrix.

Is it possible to do this or is it conceivable? I s'pose the principle of hypnosis is similar... though to recreate complex environments it would have to be much more complex. Brings up the question of mind control too, which is kinda scary.

	08-04-2005 13:26									#17
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=================
The Matrix: Coming Soon In Real Life?
The patent for a device to transmit sensory data directly to the brain has been granted to Sony. It says the technique would be entirely non-invasive and would fire pulses of ultrasound at targeted parts of the brain creating "sensory experiences".
The experiences would range from tastes to sounds and could also be used to give deaf and blind people the chance to hear and see, the patent says. A current technique uses rapidly moving magnetic fields to make currents in brain tissue.
The technique, known as transcranial magnetic stimulation, cannot be finely focused where ultrasound could. If this new method does work it could have all kinds of uses even if it not able to perform the entertainment purposes envisaged by Sony.
=================
Link: http://www.newscientist.com/article...=mg18624944.600


Playstation 4 anyone?

	08-04-2005 13:39									#18
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quote: Originally posted by Grrr The fact is you don't have to fake it if you can simply put the data straight into the brain; ala the matrix.

Lets say the 'data' is something the user has never seen (can't be recognized as anything), then yes, the person will not suspect anything unusual about it (other than its new).

But if the person has seen it before, (maybe its a telephone they used to have), then the person will suspect something is not quite right about its image - why? Because computers (nowadays and in the near future) cannot produce images as real as real-life. Our brains are very powerful and can sense change.