Difference between revisions of "Holodeck"
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The '''holodeck''' (or '''holosuite''') is a technology in the [[Star Trek]] universe which allows the user to create a life-like virtual environment through the use of [[ | The '''holodeck''' (or '''holosuite''') is a technology in the [[Star Trek]] universe which allows the user to create a life-like virtual environment through the use of [[hologram]]s. It can be used for training<ref>DS9 "The Magnificent Ferengi"</ref> or research<ref>TNG "Identity Crisis"</ref>, but has primarily achieved popularity as a form of entertainment. | ||
==Design== | ==Design== | ||
Revision as of 01:35, 3 June 2008
The holodeck (or holosuite) is a technology in the Star Trek universe which allows the user to create a life-like virtual environment through the use of holograms. It can be used for training[1] or research[2], but has primarily achieved popularity as a form of entertainment.
Design
The holodeck takes the form of an empty chamber. Holographic emitters and force field generators are embedded in the walls and one or more control surfaces are usually available, either as a stand-alone console or as a wall panel. The holodeck generally has only one exit[3].
Inside the holodeck, a virtual environment is created via holograms made tangible through the use of force fields. In order to simulate outdoors areas, landscapes can be projected on the walls[4]. Through optical illusions, the holodeck can support multiple users, each seeing a different part of the simulation[5].
Holodecks are equipped with safety settings to prevent the injury or death of their users. Without these safeties, the holodeck is as dangerous as whatever environment it simulates[6]. Deactivating the safeties can theoretically be done only by authorized personnel[7]; in practice, the safeties are prone to failure should the holodeck suffer malfunctions in its hardware or software[8].
Usage
Most holodecks carry a library of pre-programmed simulations[9]. Additionally, holoprograms are available commercially, either for sale[10] or for rent, much like books or films today. Users can also create their own holodeck programs by giving the computer voice commands describing the environment to simulate.
After selecting or defining a program, the user enters the simulation. The program generally ends when one or more objectives have been completed[11]. The user can save and restore his or her progress at any time, reset the simulation, or alter its contents[12].
At any time the user can call for a control console (or "arch") to manipulate the simulation or access the holodeck's exit door[13].
It is possible for the user to create his or her own holoprogram. This can be done by using existing sensor or library computer data[14], via voice commands[15] or through written text[16].
Risks and incidents
While holodecks are a widely-used technology, and commercial holodecks have a respectable safety record, the holodecks in use on Federation starships have shown a significant amount of unexpected behaviour and outright malfunctions. The holodeck safeties in particular are prone to failure[17][18]; and even with the safeties working, it is possible to receive injuries on the holodeck[19]. Additionally, it is often difficult or impossible to evacuate users from a malfunctioning holodeck, and simply turning off the simulation with people inside can be dangerous to the occupants.[20]
In two peculiar incidents, the holodeck accidentally created a fully sentient artificial intelligence[21][22].
See Also
References
- ↑ DS9 "The Magnificent Ferengi"
- ↑ TNG "Identity Crisis"
- ↑ TNG "The Big Goodbye"
- ↑ TNG "Encounter at Farpoint"
- ↑ TNG "Elementary, Dear Data"
- ↑ Star Trek: First Contact
- ↑ TNG "Descent"
- ↑ TNG "The Big Goodbye"
- ↑ Star Trek: First Contact
- ↑ DS9 "Our Man Bashir"
- ↑ DS9 "Our Man Bashir"
- ↑ TNG "The Big Goodbye"
- ↑ Star Trek: Generations
- ↑ TNG "Ship in a Bottle"
- ↑ TNG "Schisms"
- ↑ VOY "Author, Author"
- ↑ TNG "The Big Goodbye"
- ↑ TNG "A Fist Full of Datas"
- ↑ TNG "Conundrum" - a crew member injured her shoulder in a diving simulation
- ↑ TNG "The Big Goodbye"
- ↑ TNG "Elementary, Dear Data"
- ↑ VOY "Spirit Folk"