Conventionally, we have been accustomed to using materialistic means for communication. However, it cannot be denied that something much more advanced and futuristic has made its way into our minds.
The concept of telepathy is no stranger to us. It has been depicted in various forms through media and fiction reads. in movies and sci-fi books, we come across many instances of mind-reading and the power of intuition.
Telepathy according to the science dudes is the ability to communicate ideas, thoughts, or even emotions directly between people without the use of traditional channels or physical interactions.
Telepathic Communication Devices- An Overview
In simple terms, a telepathic communication device will be a tool that would allow humans to traverse with each other using their minds as the medium. It could be considered a form of communication wherein two people will be able to talk to each other just by thinking about it.
These devices, though a hypothetical concept only, are a big step towards futuristic living. We may be able to start by having mind chips and transistor devices to help us with the talking before being able to build a fully functional telepathic ecosystem.
How do they Function?
The simple answer to this question is – HUMAN MIND. The human mind is a mystery to date and holds within itself the answer to every question possible. Being able to commute is no big deal for a machine as extraordinary as that. Going deeper into the discussion let’s try to break down the process in little bits for our ease of understanding.
1. Detection
The very first step in the process would be to detect signals coming from the user’s brain. For proper communication, we need to have advanced sensors and detectors that can gather signals and interpret them at an ultra-high speed. Such sensors could be attached to our scalp or directly to the brain components for better output efficiency.
2. Conversion
Once the brain signals are detected, they would have to be converted into a form that is comprehendible by the human brain. For achieving this at a future-oriented level, we require better-built programming systems and devices which can work with complex algorithms at the required pace.
3. Transmission
The next step involves transmitting the signals back. The decoded data needs to be sent from the sender’s device back to the receiver’s end. This involves high-speed data encryption and decryption along with efficient wireless networks for transmission.
4. Comprehension
The last showdown would involve the perception and comprehension of the received brain signals. By perception, we are interested in the manifesting capabilities of man. We might be depending on our power of thought and sensation for commuting information in the future.
Current Scenario
Though we have not been able to devise a fully-functional telepathic unit at present; we have some closely related technologies being developed actively. Some of them have been mentioned below:
Brain-to-Text/Speech Systems:
Researchers have been developing technologies that would allow us to convert our thoughts and idea into text or speech form. Studies have shown immense possibilities in this field. Such techniques will be a boon for people with hearing impairments and textual dysfunctions.
These systems at present are focused primarily on assisting elderlies and handicapped people who face trouble in writing or speech communication. One of the successful and known machine examples of this technology is the CallText 5010. The famous machine built by Intel gave Stephen Hawking his voice.
Neural Implants:
BCIs (Brain-computer Interfaces) have been modified to make them capable of controlling the human body parts, mainly the limbs and prosthetics. It is one of the various minute forms of telepathy that we have been able to devise to date.
Using these systems one can control his/her body parts just by the thought of it. It is presently being used in rehabilitation projects for persons who are paralysis-stricken.
Brain-to-Brain Interfaces:
Another mega-invention of the century is the brain-to-brain interface. It is a sophisticated mechanism that enables basic forms of communication via the brains of multiple individuals.
For example, scientists have been successful in transferring data using electroencephalography (EEG) and transcranial magnetic stimulation(TMS). The mind-blowing fact is that both these individuals were in deep sleep throughout the experiment and were still able to communicate as if they were awake.
Challenges to the Program
Preparing the Human Mind
the most challenging part of the project is the training of the human brain in such a way that it can decode the incoming signals and transmit its signals simultaneously without any mechanical aid. Developing the brain to perform such a wide spectrum of processing is a major scientific as well as a big technical issue.
Noise Interruptions
For conducting mind-to-mind communication we need to create an environment well-suited for it. The most important prerequisite would be noise canceling. Unwanted noise would disrupt the signal transmission leading to poor or faulty communication. Advanced sensors that are capable of filtering signals and differentiating useful data from junk, would be necessary.
Network Customization
Every brain is unique. All human minds are anatomically similar yet very different when it comes to their thought process and idea perception. Building a program that could adapt to such variations, is a great challenge for the science community.
Ethical Issues
Technologies such as this, interfere with the natural makeup and working of the human body. This raises several ethical concerns regarding the users’ privacy, consent and potential access to unauthorized data. The prey evolves along with the predator; likewise, advancements in telepathic devices will also pose a greater risk in the future as widespread use will make a larger population vulnerable to it.
Technological Blockage
We are currently arrested at the present level of expertise due to the degree of our scientific capacity. Constructing telepathic devices would require better methods to be put to use.
Techniques such as neuro-imaging and temporal resolution will prove to be helpful in further advancements in the application. Overcoming technical constraints is a major challenge faced by research enthusiasts.
Wings for the Future…
Simply imagining something as surreal as being able to talk without uttering a word is bliss. We are already set out on the road of turning this idea into reality and soon a household concept. The coming years will witness one of man’s greatest superpowers in action.
