Screenless
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Screenless computing describes systems for transmitting visual information from a digital source or sources without the use of a computer screen.
Screenless computing systems can be divided into three groups: Visual Image, Retinal Direct, and Synaptic Interface.
Visual Image screenless computing includes any screenless image that the eye can perceive. The most common example of Visual Image screenless computing is a hologram. Arguably, virtual reality goggles (which consist of two small screens but are nonetheless sufficiently different from traditional computer screens to be considered screenless) and heads-up display in jet fighters (which display images on the clear cockpit window) also are included in Visual Image category. In all of these cases, light is reflected off some intermediate object (hologram, LCD panel, or cockpit window) before it reaches the retina. In the case of LCD panels the light is reflected from the back of the panel, but is nonetheless a reflected source.
Retinal Direct screenless computing remains a feasible but so far undemonstrated technology in which images are projected directly onto the retina. It is distinguished from visual image because light not reflected from some intermediate object onto the retina, it is instead projected directly onto the retina. Retinal Direct systems, once implemented, hold out the promise of extreme privacy when computing work is done in public places because most snooping relies on viewing the same reflected light as the person who is legitimately viewing the screen, and retinal direct systems do not rely on reflected light.
Synaptic Interface screenless computing does not use light at all. Visual information completely bypasses the retina and optic nerve and is transmitted directly to the brain. The most commonly known Synaptic Interface system is the fictional system from The Matrix. It is fair to note, however, that the massive cables and direct-to-brain mechanical coupling as shown in The Matrix is unnecessarily intrusive when infra-red through-the-skin systems based on LED or radio transmission would eliminate the need for a permanently exposed socket in the skull.
