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Neural Interface Technology

            Neural interface technology allows an extension of the original abilities of the brain, they can act to give access to new sense or to remote control machines, they also allow a more direct interface to computing systems. This technology has been well accepted within the Federation, most races had developed some sophistication in this technological branch, though for most races there is a fundamental limit to benefits to which neural interfaces can bring, a brain designed for four limbs and a fixed number of sense organs can simply not accept massive extension, or at best trade temporarily the ability to use what it already has with the extended senses and limbs offered by neural interfaces. Additionally brain enhancement is similarly limited, due to a fundamental barrier to add additional modules to an already complex system, however some progress is being made, especially when introduced at a young age.

            Neural interface technology is almost exclusively built on nanotechnology, the advantages of non-invasive self assembly, and the ability to repair and adapt free the user from frequent medical intervention and check ups, this means that once a neural interface has been installed it requires little further observation. The structure of a typical neural interface is a web of filaments, penetrating the synapses, and forming new ones with cell, the filaments then relay information back up their length to process modules (not necessarily large units, perhaps only a wide as the filaments, a few microns), the process modules can then exchange information with other modules, and this network generates the sophisticated computing that then interfaces with conventional equipment.

The lower order components, the interface filaments, essentially require no power as there function is essentially passive, the process modules, and the higher order components, such as transmitters memory modules, and processors have to generate their own power within the neural tissue. This power is collected from either chemical processes (usually analogous to those happening inside the surrounding cells), or making use of the potential gradients of the surrounding cells. These sources of power are sufficient though it is hoped that miniaturised and robust Casimir generators can be used, which will greatly increase the available energy, which will help to increase the current processing power, and bandwidth available to current devices.

            The devices are installed by injection or migration, either method is still readily employed, the patients head is rested into a location cradle once the nanites are on board, this cradle contains positioning cues and allows the nanites to assemble into the final structure. Though the technology differs between races there is no idea of fixed functions in the units, the capabilities of the hardware are purely dictated by the software and drivers installed, to increase the fundamental capability of the unit more nanites are introduced. However software does not immediately enable the user to use the hardware, there is in fact a lengthy period of adaptation before the user can access the capabilities of the unit, as not only does the unit have to adapt but also the user’s brain has to accommodate for the new units. It has been found that younger patients adapt quicker, which reflects the different plasticity of the users

            Once the user has adjusted to the unit they will experience an increase in function and clarity of information, until accessing it becomes almost second nature. Some people are continuously aware of the units, becoming almost an additional sense, though nearly everyone experiences some distraction while using them, for example some find it difficult to walk and to remotely operate machinery at the same time. Other people have to consciously think of operating them, often using trigger terms of ideas, these different ways all depend on the user as the hardware is always operational.

The data coming in from instruments is processed and modified by the interface which makes it more available for the brain, it also directs where this information is sent, and therefore which parts of the brain interpret the information. For example imaging from a X-ray telescope or Infra Red instruments can all be interpreted by the brain as a type of vision, and most users experience the information in this way. Other kinds of information can be displayed in other ways, for example spectrometry or particle analysis can be perceived by perhaps taste or sound, the decision of how the information is interpreted is again based within the person’s head, and it is not uncommon to experience some sort of synesthesia. Remote control of machinery or computer access is often felt as though the user has additional limbs, though for some they develop a sort of fundamental non-conscious effort in accessing equipment or computer information.

One of the aims of modern neural interface technology is to develop true telepathy, at current the devices allow sub-vocal communication between users, as well as sharing some sensory information, it is hoped that these abilities will be greatly expanded, at the moment the empathic Panatrak can nearly achieve this already with current hardware, and it is hoped that by studying how their brains can adapt to this that other races will be able to experience this amazing benefit.
 

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