Subsequently, Zhang Chenyan told Alex everything he knew. He also learned from Alex that this experiment was quite large and well-organized.
After listening, Alex sighed, "I know it's dangerous, but I can't persuade my father. He lives in the present but can't let go of the past. No matter what I say, it's useless. He even lectures me, saying he's almost fifty and will soon be a burden with no meaning in life. This experiment is a free opportunity, and if he's selected, it will be considered a major contribution, with high merit points as a reward."
"What did you say? Major contribution?" Zhang Chenyan got excited upon hearing those words and wanted to confirm again.
"Yes," Alex nodded. "Research on brain-computer interfaces has always been a top priority, and this is the final trial. If it passes, it will be marketed. The Alliance is very focused on this outcome, so those selected for the trial will be credited with a major contribution and given high merit points."
Hearing this, Zhang Chenyan fell silent, gripping his cup tightly, his brow furrowed as if making a very important decision.
Initially, Alex didn't notice Zhang Chenyan's unusual behavior and continued to talk about his father's obsession with the past, almost treating City A like home. He felt it might be because he hadn't provided his father with enough emotional support, leading to this situation.
"Hey, are you listening to me?" Alex pushed Zhang Chenyan, "Why are you holding an empty cup? It's just a decoration; it's not like you can drink anything from it."
Seeing that Alex's chatter was about to start, Zhang Chenyan interrupted, "Where is the registration point you mentioned?"
"The registration point? Let me tell you…" Alex started to say, then realized, "Why do you ask?"
Zhang Chenyan wasn't sure how to answer because he didn't want to tell Alex directly that he planned to sign up. With Alex's nagging nature, he would certainly call him crazy and give him a long lecture. He didn't want to waste time on that.
"I want to check it out. I'm worried my mother might see the information and get ideas," Zhang Chenyan said, lying with a straight face. "I'll understand the situation first so I can persuade her better and not be caught off guard."
Alex nodded, "You're thorough. The registration point is in City B. Enter from the Alpha Gate and follow the signs. You should see it soon, right under the hexagram building."
City A made people nostalgic for the past, but neighboring City B was completely different. It was a hub for virtual device research. Unlike City R, where research was varied as long as it stayed within the rules—materials, agriculture, animals, machinery, software—City B focused solely on digital world-related projects, especially virtual devices like brain-computer interfaces and pods.
As for the hexagram building, it was the headquarters of the Telus Corporation.
About 80% of core technologies related to the digital world were controlled by Telus, with another 10% involving Telus shares or investments. The work pod Zhang Chenyan used and the experience pod he rented for Xie Han were all products of Telus. Naturally, the brain-computer interface devices were no exception.
"When you enter City B, you should see it right away. The queue is as long as for a Liu Xixi concert," Alex couldn't help but sigh. "Some people seek novelty and excitement, others seek merit points to survive, all risking their lives. Of course, except my father—he just misses his deceased family too much."
"Well, at least you're a good son for acknowledging that," Zhang Chenyan patted Alex's shoulder and then turned to leave.
Back at his desk, Zhang Chenyan checked his schedule and saw it still marked "special leave." He realized that due to the duplicate issue, he had a few extra days off, and his early return wasn't updated, so he was free.
Unless he had a workaholic spirit worthy of the Top Ten Heroes of the Alliance award, which he certainly did not.
After confirming he didn't have to work, he left immediately for City B.
Entering from the Alpha Gate, he saw the long queue even before spotting the signs. Alex had not exaggerated.
He approached someone nearby to confirm the end of the line, then obediently took his place.
The person in front of him was a young man who seemed to be about his age. Seeing Zhang Chenyan approach, the young man frowned with apparent displeasure.
Zhang Chenyan couldn't recall doing anything offensive, so the other's open hostility puzzled him.
"Sorry, am I in the wrong place?" Zhang Chenyan asked, trying to make conversation and hoping for some useful information.
The young man bluntly replied, "Just feels like my chances are slimmer with you here, so I'm annoyed."
"What do you mean?" Zhang Chenyan maintained a polite smile.
"See those people up front? They're all here to register, but only a few will be selected," the young man said impatiently. "I've heard they'll avoid risks and consider the target users. Those over forty will probably get less than ten spots, high spenders around thirty might get a hundred, and the main consumer group in their twenties might also get a hundred. Younger ones might get some spots too, but safety concerns limit the numbers. So, in total, no more than three hundred."
Zhang Chenyan didn't know where the young man got this information but agreed that the competition was fierce. Not everyone would be chosen.
The registration line was so long, and the selection process would likely be even more complicated.
While thinking, Zhang Chenyan saw an avatar in Telus attire approaching their line, seemingly distributing something.
Soon, the person reached him, and through his wrist device, he received a consent form. The staff watched them sign their names and gave verbal confirmation.
To Zhang Chenyan, this form seemed more like a warning. It briefly introduced the brain-computer interface, then listed potential discomforts and risks, including those Zhang Chenyan had discussed with Alex, but in more detail.
Inserting a cable into the back of the head or implanting a chip could allow us to roam the virtual world; control objects or change things with just a thought; eliminate the need to memorize knowledge by directly transmitting content to the brain; enable disabled individuals to experience running or using their hands again, and see a colorful world.
This was not a wild fantasy but a bold, reasonable vision based on brain-computer interface technology.
Pods had achieved part of this, but compared to brain-computer interfaces, only a small fraction. Brain-computer interfaces meant a broader world and more possibilities.
Anytime, anywhere, infinite possibilities.
As the name suggests, a "brain-computer interface" is a direct connection between living neural tissue and artificial devices, establishing a communication channel between the digital world and the brain.
This channel is not about a person going to another place but about entering another world.
Research on brain-computer interfaces dates back to 1924, when German doctor Hans Berger discovered brainwaves, realizing that consciousness could be converted into electronic signals. Based on this, brain-computer interface technology began and gradually developed.
During research, brain-computer interface technology generally falls into two categories: invasive and non-invasive. The former involves measuring electrodes touching or even inserted into the brain, providing high-quality signals but with higher risks; the latter doesn't touch the brain, using scalp electrode caps, ultrasound, or MRI technology, with less effective brain signal capture.
From this alone, you can see that humans are always making trade-offs.
For better results, you must take high risks. For stability, you accept mediocre outcomes.
Non-invasive brain-computer devices have long been widely used, mostly with pods, enhancing user experience.
About 80% of market pods have non-invasive brain-computer devices, while the remaining 20% are old models, sold cheaply on the black market. Previously, Telus had conducted a large-scale recall of old devices.
Now, non-invasive brain-computer devices are very safe, with solid foundations in neural signal processing, deep learning algorithms, and motion control, widely used in various fields. For example, brain-computer interface-controlled robots can perform surgeries, handle dangerous tasks, or help disabled people with daily activities. Even Zhang Chenyan himself has used non-invasive brain-computer devices for many tasks.
It has become a natural part of life.
This time, Telus was testing invasive brain-computer devices, meaning chip implants through surgery.
Before this, Zhang Chenyan had read reports saying that implantable chip materials had undergone multiple tests to ensure safety and minimize rejection reactions.
The basic principle of brain-computer interface technology involves two steps: first, using devices to read and decode "brain signals," obtaining brain cell response curves to consciousness; then converting these response curves into commands to control machines, executing human intentions.
This involves several modules: a. Signal acquisition (e.g., leads and recording electrodes); b. Signal processing, including decoding and encoding software and hardware for stimulation (in some cases); c. Stimulation delivery components (internal and external stimulators and stimulation electrodes); d. Auxiliary effect components (e.g., communication devices and computers); e. Sensor components for neural feedback; f. Programming modules, including control function operation protocols.
Each of these may seem simple, but reaching the level of human trials requires significant research.
For example, is signal acquisition comprehensive, accurate, and stable? Is signal processing timely, precise, and reasonable? Are stimulation delivery components safe? Are auxiliary effect components comprehensive? Do neural feedback sensor components fit? Do programming modules meet user needs?
All these aspects must be considered and handled properly.
There's also a crucial issue: chip implantation.
In 1998, American scientists implanted brain-computer interfaces in a stroke patient, allowing him to control a computer cursor. In 2014, at the Brazil World Cup, a disabled person wearing a mechanical exoskeleton completed the opening kick using a brain-computer interface, invented by French Academy of Sciences member Miguel Nicolelis.
The human brain consists of the scalp, skull, dura mater, arachnoid membrane, and cerebral cortex. Non-invasive methods only act on the scalp; invasive methods fully implant in the cerebral cortex.
Invasive methods are high-risk because they require craniotomy to implant sensors in brain tissue, causing immune reactions and signal transmission issues due to healing tissue.
Would you choose such a high-risk surgery if given the chance?