Whole brain emulation (
WBE) or
mind uploading (sometimes called
"mind copying" or "
mind transfer") is the hypothetical process of
scanning mental state (including long-term memory and "self") of a particular brain substrate and copying it to a computational device, such as a digital, analog, quantum-based or software-based
artificial neural network. The computational device could then run a
simulation model of the brain information processing, such that it responds in essentially the same way as the original brain (i.e., indistinguishable from the brain for all relevant purposes) and experiences having a
conscious mind.