BLADE RUNNER -- The nickname given to those police
detectives who are specially trained in the use of the Voight-Kampff
machine and whose specific function is to track down and eliminate any
replicants that manage to escape into human society and attempt to pass
as real human beings. The official name of the Blade Runner division is
Rep-Detect.
REPLICANT -- A genetically engineered creature composed entirely of
organic substance. Animal replicants (animoids) were developed first for
use as pets and beasts of burden after most real animals became extinct.
Later, humanoid replicants were created for military purposes and for
the exploration and colonization of space. The Tyrell Corp. recently
introduced the Nexus 6, the supreme replicant -- much stronger and
faster than, and virtually indistinguishable from, real human beings.
Earth law forbids replicants on the planet, except in the huge
industrial complex where they are created. The law does not consider
replicants human and therefore accords them no rights nor protection.
ESPER -- A high-density computer with a very powerful three-
dimensional resolution capacity and a cryogenic cooling system. The
police cars and Deckard's apartment contain small models which can be
channeled into the large one at police headquarters. This big apparatus
is a well-worn, retro-fitted part of the furniture. Among many
functions, the Esper can analyze and enlarge photos, enabling
investigators to search a room without being there.[The January 1995
issue of NASA Tech Briefs includes a description of an Esper-like
machine called Omniview.]
VOIGHT-KAMPFF MACHINE -- A very advanced form of lie detector that
measures contractions of the iris muscle and the presence of invisible
airborne particles emitted from the body. The bellows were designed for
the latter function and give the machine the menacing air of a sinister
insect. The VK is used primarily by blade runners to determine if a
suspect is truly human by measuring the degree of his empathic response
through carefully worded questions and statements.
SPINNER -- The generic term for all flying cars in use around
the year 2020. Only specially authorized people and police are
licensed to operate these remarkable vehicles, which are capable
of street driving, vertical lift-off, hovering and high-speed
cruising. The Spinner is powered by three engines -- conventional
internal combustion, jet and anti-gravity. [Syd Mead explained
in subsequent articles that the concept was actually one of
internal lift like that used in vertical take-off aircraft today--NOT
anti-gravity.]
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