Why are only two senses transmittable via technology?

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The discussion centers on the limited transmission of senses through technology, primarily focusing on why only sight and sound are effectively conveyed. It highlights that these two senses provide the most immediate information and are easier to transmit compared to touch, taste, and smell. Examples like haptic feedback in gaming and historical attempts at smell-o-vision illustrate the challenges of replicating other senses. The conversation also touches on the complexities of encoding and transmitting sensory experiences, noting that the technology for tactile and olfactory communication remains underdeveloped. Ultimately, the consensus is that while advancements could be made, the practical applications and demand for such technologies are currently lacking.
  • #31
Algr said:
Now that is a stretch.
Yes, but not beyond the point of recognition. Audio transcripts are a thing.
 
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  • #33
It's a stretch because language is not synonymous with sound. It can be vision or even touch. Of course that dovetails back to the original topic. A braille-pin touchscreen is transmitting touch as technology. But it requires a lot of training to use. I wonder if you could make a video game controller where the button could communicate a braille letter indicating what tool that button activates at the moment.


Linguistically, is that last sentence a question or a statement? Should I have ended it with a question mark?
 
  • #34
Algr said:
I wonder if you could make a video game controller where the button could communicate a braille letter indicating what tool that button activates at the moment.


Linguistically, is that last sentence a question or a statement? Should I have ended it with a question mark?
A statement. :wink: You were stating that you wonder something.
No question mark. People get that wrong all the time.
 
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  • #35
Smell land taste are pretty invasive senses - they actually require direct chemical interaction.

One can look away from a sight, or turn off a sound - and once gone they're gone. But it's very difficult to turn off a taste or smell once you've started to experience it. It takes time to fade.

You can imagine all sorts of mischief to be had if some complete stranger could put chemicals on your tongue or in your nose - not to mention unsanitary or hazardous.

We're just not ready for that kind of immersion.
 
  • #36
Again, I say Smell-O-Vision.. It's been done.
 
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  • #37
Vanadium 50 said:
Again, I say Smell-O-Vision.. It's been done.
It has. And it flopped.

One might re-interpret the OP's question to be: why did it not become popular?
 
  • #38
Algr said:
I wonder if you could make a video game controller where the button could communicate a braille letter indicating what tool that button activates at the moment.
Just what every blind video gamer needs.
 
  • #39
Invent porn VR involving all the senses and you'll make billions.

But in terms of simple messaging, think of the #1 classic message ever, FIRE! Do you need more than one sense to get the idea?
 
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  • #40
anorlunda said:
Invent porn VR involving all the senses and you'll make billions.
Pretty sure I saw something on a cable show called strange sex about this. Not sure about ALL the senses, but the important ones were covered.
 
  • #41
Vanadium 50 said:
Again, I say Smell-O-Vision..
Why? I mentioned it in the first post. (Though not by name.)

DaveC426913 said:
One might re-interpret the OP's question to be: why did it not become popular?
The mechanism was too complex and took the viewers out of the movie. There would have to be something strapped under your nose like supplemental oxygen.
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That way you would spray tiny amounts that would not build up in the theater.

Then for touch, you get a massage chair that can pivot like one of those motion sensor rides. The story would be about someone with a giant octopus on their back.
 

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