Computers Are Your Future

Nanotechnology: The art of manipulating materials on an atomic or molecular scale especially to build microscopic devices Biochip: Like a computer chip that processes biological instructions Tomorrow’s Hardware:Smaller, Faster, Cheaper, Connected © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Moore’s Law: Microprocessors and miniature circuitry will double in circuit density and, therefore, processing power every 18 to 24 months. Metcalfe’s Law: The value of a computer network grows in proportion to the square of the number of people connected to it. Moore’s Law & Metcalfe’s Law © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Automated Highway Systems (AHS): Information is passed between vehicles and highways to prevent collision. Digital Forensics: Computers are used to fight cybercrime and computer crime. Computers Everywhere © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Biological Feedback Devices: Translate eye movements, body movements, and brain waves into computer input Virtual Reality: Immersive 3D environments that are computer-generated Computers Everywhere © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Cave Automatic Virtual Environment (CAVE): Projects stereoscopic images onto walls to create a virtual environment Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML): Language used to creates virtual environments online Virtual Reality © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Chemical Detectors: Computers are used to detect traces of explosives in airports. Tactile Displays: Haptics – sense of touch Researchers are developing tactile displays that stimulate skin to generate a sensation of contact. Computers Everywhere © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Artificial Intelligence:Toward the Smart Machine? • Artificial intelligence is the ability to endow computers with intelligence. • It has only been partially successful due to the obstacles encountered. • Programs cannot function intelligently outside the context for which they are designed. © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Defining Intelligence There is no clear consensus on what intelligence really is. Intelligence involves some or all of the following abilities: • Learn and retain the learned knowledge • Reason on the basis of this knowledge • Adapt to new circumstances • Plan (develop strategies) • Communicate • Recognize patterns © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Defining Intelligence Compared to the human brain, computers accept smaller amounts of input and have poorer pattern recognition skills, but they calculate and output faster than humans. © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

The Turing Test • British computer scientist Alan Turing suggested that a computer is intelligent if a group of unbiased judges cannot tell the difference between computer-generated and human output. • Many believe the test is too simplistic. • Programmers have created programs to trick the judges. © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Neural Networks Neural networks are computers that mimic the structure of the human brain. • Computers composed of hundreds of thousands of tiny, interconnected processors © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Pattern Recognition • Computers using a digital camera and pattern recognition software can process what is being seen and then draws connections between the patterns perceived and the patterns stored in a database. • This technology is used to recognize suspicious movement in buildings. © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Intelligent Agents • Agents are automatic programs that help the user. • The programs communicate with the user, understand their needs, and offer assistance. • Microsoft’s Office Assistant is an example. © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Machine Translation • Machine translation is using computers to translate foreign text automatically. • Resolving ambiguities is problematic. • One program can translate 300,000 words per hour, but results contain many errors. © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Genetic Algorithms • Based on evolutionary theory, genetic algorithms involve creating artificial intelligence by developing laboratory conditions in which the most intelligent programs survive. • Algorithms are placed in a computer environment and allowed to mutate; one algorithm emerges as the best at tackling the problem. © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Area of research based on the conviction that computers will achieve artificial intelligence equal to that of humans Strong Artificial Intelligence • CYC–to create a computer that knows as much as a 12 year old • COG–insect-like humanoid robot • Kismet–sociable humanoid robot that can learn and interact with humans © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Robots A robot is a computer-based device programmed to perform motions that can accomplish useful tasks. • Japanese-made Partner-type Personal Robot (PaPeRo) – responds to human interactions. © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Computers Are Your Future