Holodeck
A holodeck is a recreational and training room aboard Federation starships that is capable of holographic simulations. It employs three-dimensional holographic projections as well as replication technology, and force field generators. The holodeck can project sounds, smells and tastes, using speakers, atomizers and integral replication systems.
The holodeck can generate images that appear to extend for an unlimited distance, making the room appear much larger than it is. To do this, the holodeck systems are constantly monitoring the users. That way, if a user walks down a long corridor, the simulation changes so they will never run into the holodeck's wall. It does this by continuously adjusting the holographic projections and using a force field treadmill. This can be disabled with a voice command so that the users can access the holodeck's controls.
The holodeck creates solid objects by using replicator technology to create actual solid matter, such as consumables. Other holographic projections are augmented with force beams to simulate solid, tangible objects. The replicated objects from the holodeck, therefore, can exist outside the holodeck, while the augmented holographic projections cannot. Failure of a holodeck’s matter conversion subsystem can cause the loss of solid objects within the holodeck environment.
Holodeck characters’ programming have been known to include a subroutine element designed to hide anachronisms to the program's time period, such as uniforms and communicators, and prevent them from raising the character's ire and curiosity.
The holodeck can be controlled either from an exterior control or from the interior arch.
The energy matrix of a holodeck is incompatible with other ship systems.
User Options
There are several viewing modes in a holodeck program that the user may choose:
- Objective mode, where the user doesn’t interact with the characters and merely watches the program play out. In this mode, users are capable of walking through the simulated objects, such as walls.
- Subjective mode, where the user becomes part of the program as a character. The user interacts with the characters as well as simulated objects.
Federation holodecks are also pre-programmed with safety protocols to prevent serious injury to the users. If one of the force fields from an augmented holographic projection could cause certain physical harm to the user, that field will automatically collapse to allow the user to escape unharmed. These safety protocols can be disengaged by the user upon request.
