Difference between revisions of "Computer Technology of Charted Space"

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[[Computer Technology of Charted Space]]: [[Computer]]s are machines using various stages of information technology to perform increasingly sophisticated calculations, from the earliest clockwork Babbage machines, performing simple mathematical caculations, to the most advanced TL-15 Bright computers performing sophisticated, heuristic maths. Self-Aware machines capable of achieving [[sentience]], [[sapience]], and full [[sophonce]] are projected to appear in the near future.  
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[[Computer Technology of Charted Space]]: [[Computer]]s are machines using various stages of information technology to perform increasingly sophisticated calculations, from the earliest clockwork Babbage machines, performing simple mathematical caculations, to the most advanced {{TL|15}} computers performing sophisticated, heuristic maths. Self-Aware machines capable of achieving [[sentience]], [[sapience]], and full [[sophonce]] are projected to appear in the near future.  
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+
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=== Library Data Referral Tree ===
 
−
Please see the following [[AAB]] [[Library Data]] articles for more information:
 
−
{{:Referral-Tree-I-Information-Technology}}
 
−
----
 
−
* C: [[Cognitive Science]] / [[Cybertechnology]] (Cogno-)
 
−
** [[Android]]
 
−
** [[Augment]]
 
−
** [[Cybernetics]]
 
−
** [[Cyborg]]
 
−
** [[Pseudobiological Robot]]
 
−
** [[Robot]]
 
−
** [[Total-Integration Process]]
 
−
** [[Wafertech]]
 
−
----
 
−
* E: [[Education in Charted Space]]
 
−
** Educational Technologies
 
−
*** [[Artificial Intelligence]]
 
−
*** [[Computer]]s
 
−
*** [[Computer Software]]
 
−
*** [[Cyberware]]
 
−
*** [[Skillset]]s
 
−
*** [[Wafer]]s
 
−
** [[Institution|Institutions of Learning]]
 
−
*** [[Data Repository]]
 
−
*** [[Educational Institute]]s
 
−
*** [[Psionics Institute]]s
 
−
 
 
 
== Description ([[Specifications]]) ==
 
== Description ([[Specifications]]) ==
 
Computers are rated according to a vast variety of characteristics and capabilities, but general quality paradigms have been established.
 
Computers are rated according to a vast variety of characteristics and capabilities, but general quality paradigms have been established.
Line 48: Line 21:
 
  [Once the machine thinking method has started, it would not take long to outstrip our feeble powers.  
 
  [Once the machine thinking method has started, it would not take long to outstrip our feeble powers.  
 
  ... At some stage therefore we should have to expect the machines to take control, in the way that is mentioned in Samuel Butler's ‘Erewhon.’]
 
  ... At some stage therefore we should have to expect the machines to take control, in the way that is mentioned in Samuel Butler's ‘Erewhon.’]
−
  - [[Terran]] scientist, Alan Turing in 1951 CE, speaking about a future in which machines outperform [[human]] [[sophont]]s intellectually.
+
  - [[Terran]] scientist, Alan Turing in 1951 CE, speaking about a future in which machines outperform [[human]]s intellectually.
  
 
A [[Turing Test]] is a test of artificial intelligence invented by a scientist from the Terran past. Modern versions of it are still in use within the [[Third Imperium]]. The [[Rule of Man]] established the test within [[Charted Space]] even though similar testing mechanisms existed within several [[sophont]] [[culture]]s including the [[Vilani]] [[Ziru Sirka]].
 
A [[Turing Test]] is a test of artificial intelligence invented by a scientist from the Terran past. Modern versions of it are still in use within the [[Third Imperium]]. The [[Rule of Man]] established the test within [[Charted Space]] even though similar testing mechanisms existed within several [[sophont]] [[culture]]s including the [[Vilani]] [[Ziru Sirka]].
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* Computers and other forms of data processing and storage expand the extilligence of a civilization, which is to say its ability to pass on learning from one generation to the next.
 
* Computers and other forms of data processing and storage expand the extilligence of a civilization, which is to say its ability to pass on learning from one generation to the next.
  
−
=== Epochal Computer Technology Periods ===
+
=== Expected Computer Development Sequence ===
 +
MACRO LEVEL:
 +
* [[Compass]] → [[Astrolabe]] → [[Sextant]] → [[Analog Computer]] → [[Electromechanical Computer]] → [[Electronic Computer]] → [[Positronic Computer]] → [[Pseudo-Reality Computer]] → [[Psychotronic Computer]]
 +
 
 +
=== Epochal Robotic Technology Periods ===
 
Computer Autonomy:  
 
Computer Autonomy:  
 
* [[Automaton]]s (TL:1-6)
 
* [[Automaton]]s (TL:1-6)
Line 99: Line 76:
 
* [[Machine Life]] (TL:28-33)
 
* [[Machine Life]] (TL:28-33)
  
−
==== Information Age Societies ====
+
==== Information Age Societies (Calculative Computers) ====
−
''[[TL:1-9]]:''
+
{| class="wikitable sortable"
−
* Digital Networks
+
|-
−
* High scarcity
+
!colspan="3"| [[Technological Period]]: [[TL:1-9]] and ''[[Tech]]-Name:'' [[Ur-Tech]]
−
* Prototype Nanotech
+
|-
−
* Calculative ("Calculating machines")
+
|colspan="3"| ''Common Characteristics:'' Digital Networks, High scarcity, Prototype Nanotech, Calculative ("Calculating machines"), [[Automaton]]s, [[Low Autonomous Robot]]s, [[etc.]]
−
* [[Automaton]]s
+
|-
−
* [[Low Autonomous Robots]]
+
! [[Tech Epoch]]
 +
! [[TL]]-Range
 +
! Remarks
 +
|-
 +
| [[Tool Making Epoch]]
 +
| [[TL:1-3]]
 +
| COMPUTERS: The abacus and the quipu represent early calculating tech. they are simple, mechanical processors that help a sophont keep large numbers of calculations in memory. Mathematics makes great leaps forward with the development of algebra, trigonometry, and calculus.
 +
|-
 +
| [[Division of Labor Epoch]] 
 +
| [[TL:4-6]]
 +
| COMPUTERS: The first analog computers and calculators greatly enhance business and academic endeavors. Mechanical and early [[electronic]] [[calculator]]s become fixtures. Electric devices, polymers, and early electronics fuel continuing progress. Designers use classic Lovelacian programming and aspire to build the first Babbage machines. Many [[sophont]] [[societies]] can build [[processor]]s that meet the Imperial standards for [[Model/1]] and [[Model/1]] [[bis]] processors. 
 +
|-
 +
| [[Processor Epoch]]
 +
| [[TL:7-9]]
 +
| COMPUTERS: Programmable computers come into vogue as the analog is replaced by the digital. Transistors make way for microchips; desktop processors soon become a feature of home, business, and school. Massive parallel processors fill entire rooms and supersede earlier technologies. The first supercomputers can often beat even expert humans at games like chess due to phenomenal calculating abilities and vast memory banks. Photonic and gravitic energy transmission as well as bio-computing replace many of the earlier generations of electronics. Voice-activated processors are more user-friendly than ever before. Many societies can build processors that meet the Imperial standards for [[Model/2]], [[Model/2]] [[bis]], and even [[Model/3]] processors.
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
−
==== Bright Age Societies ====
+
==== Bright Age Societies (Bright Computers) ====
−
''[[TL:10-18]]:''
+
{| class="wikitable sortable"
−
* Intelligent Networks
+
|-
−
* Low Scarcity
+
!colspan="3"| [[Technological Period]]: [[TL:10-18]] and ''[[Tech]]-Name:'' [[Stell-Tech]]
−
* Weak nanotech
+
|-
−
* Synaptic processors  
+
|colspan="3"| ''Common Characteristics:'' [[Intelligent Network]]s, Low Scarcity, Weak nanotech, Synaptic processors, [[Positronic Brain]]s, Cognitive ("Thinking machines"), [[High Autonomous Robot]]s, [[etc.]]
−
* Positronic brains
+
|-
−
* Cognitive ("Thinking machines")
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! [[Tech Epoch]]
−
* [[High Autonomous Robots]]
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! [[TL]]-Range
 +
! Remarks
 +
|-
 +
| [[Gravitics Epoch]]
 +
| [[TL:10-12]]
 +
| COMPUTERS: Synaptic processors and [[positronic brain]]s are vastly more capable than earlier generations of processor technology. Some advanced [[robot]]s can fool inexpert humans. Expert [[roboticist]]s call these low autonomous robots. Still, a well-trained expert sophont can often outthink and outperform advanced thinking machines from this [[Tech Epoch|epoch]]. Fluidic and magnetic energy transmission increase processing speed. Semi-organic facility and early [[ship brain]]s become common. Many societies can build processors that meet the Imperial standards for [[Model/4]], [[Model/5]], and [[Model/6]] processors.
 +
|-
 +
| [[Biologicals Epoch]]
 +
| [[TL:13-15]]
 +
| COMPUTERS: [[High autonomous robot]]s outperform many educated experts across many fields. They still can’t match the apex professors, but they can perform perfectly well at the professional level. [[Holocrystal]]s and advanced bio-compumetrics are increasing functioning to billions of actions per nanosecond. Computer brain implants allow complete rehabilitation and restoration of function to almost all individuals who were formerly handicapped. [[Infomorph]]s and downloadable brains supplement [[wafertech]]. Pseudoreality simulators show amazing promise. Many societies can build processors that meet the Imperial standards for [[Model/7]], [[Model/8]], and [[Model/9]] processors.
 +
|-
 +
| [[Artificials Epoch]]
 +
| [[TL:16-18]]
 +
| COMPUTERS: [[High autonomous robot]]s outperform many educated experts across many fields. They still can’t match the apex professors, but they can perform perfectly well at the professional level. [[Holocrystal]]s and advanced bio-compumetrics are increasing functioning to billions of actions per nanosecond. Computer brain implants allow complete rehabilitation and restoration of function to almost all individuals who were formerly handicapped. [[Infomorph]]s and downloadable brains supplement [[wafertech]]. Pseudoreality simulators show amazing promise. Many societies can build processors that meet the Imperial standards for [[Model/7]], [[Model/8]], and [[Model/9]] processors. [[Hop Drive]]s begin to use more advanced [[Ship's Computer]]s.
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
−
==== Brilliant Age Societies ====
+
==== Brilliant Age Societies (Brilliant Computers) ====
−
''[[TL:19-27]]:''
+
{| class="wikitable sortable"
−
* Delegative Rule (AI)
+
|-
−
* Post-Scarcity
+
!colspan="3"| [[Technological Period]]: [[TL:19-27]] and ''[[Tech]]-Name:'' [[Ultra-Tech]]
−
* Strong nanotech
+
|-
−
* Emotive ("Dreaming or Feeling machines")
+
|colspan="3"| ''Common Characteristics:'' Delegative Rule (AI), Post-Scarcity, Strong nanotech, Emotive ("Dreaming or Feeling machines"), [[Self-Aware Robot]]s, [[etc.]]
−
* [[Self-Aware Robots]]
+
|-
 +
! [[Tech Epoch]]
 +
! [[TL]]-Range
 +
! Remarks
 +
|-
 +
| [[Matter Transport Epoch]], [[Transformations Epoch]], and [[Psionics Epoch]]
 +
| [[TL:19-21]], [[TL:22-24]], and [[TL:25-27]]
 +
| COMPUTERS: Some Imperial scientists have quietly made the observation that [[Psionics|psionic science]] may underlay future societal and technological developments. True [[Artificial Intelligence]] is another widely anticipated factor. It is anticipated that true artificial intelligence, thinking, feeling machines whose capabilities may exceed organic sophont minds may coalesce over this [[tech period]], the [[Ultra Period]].
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
−
==== Transcendent Age Societies ====
+
==== Beyond Brilliance ====
−
''[[TL:28-30]]:''
+
{| class="wikitable sortable"
−
* TBD
+
|-
−
* [[Machine Life]]
+
!colspan="3"| [[Technological Period]]: [[TL:28-30]] & [[TL:31-33]] and ''[[Tech]]-Name:'' [[Dei-Tech]] & [[Omni-Tech]]
−
** Natural
+
|-
−
** Constructed
+
|colspan="3"| ''Common Characteristics:'' Delegative Rule (AI), Post-Scarcity, Strong nanotech, Emotive ("Dreaming or Feeling machines"), [[Self-Aware Robot]]s, [[etc.]]
 +
|-
 +
! [[Tech Epoch]]
 +
! [[TL]]-Range
 +
! Remarks
 +
|-
 +
| [[Transcendent Epoch]] & [[Ascendant Epoch]]
 +
| [[TL:28-30]] & [[TL:31-33]]
 +
| COMPUTERS: Even [[futurist]]s have a hard time guessing what form electronics will take these [[tech epoch]]s or even whether they will exist at all.
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
−
==== Ascendant Age Societies ====
+
== See also ==
−
''[[TL:31-33]]:''
+
{{Referral-Tree-I-Information-Technology}}
−
* TBD
+
{{Referral-Tree-Technologies}}
−
* [[Machine Life]]
+
----
−
** Natural
+
* C: [[Cognitive Science]] / [[Cybertechnology]] (Cogno-)
−
** Constructed
+
** [[Android]]
 +
** [[Augment]]
 +
** [[Cybernetics]]
 +
** [[Cyborg]]
 +
** [[Pseudobiological Robot]]
 +
** [[Robot]]
 +
** [[Total-Integration Process]]
 +
** [[Wafertech]]
 +
* E: [[Education in Charted Space]]
 +
** Educational Technologies
 +
*** [[Artificial Intelligence]]
 +
*** [[Computer]]s
 +
*** [[Computer Software]]
 +
*** [[Cyberware]]
 +
*** [[Skillset]]s
 +
*** [[Wafer]]s
 +
** [[Institution|Institutions of Learning]]
 +
*** [[Data Repository]]
 +
*** [[Educational Institute]]s
 +
*** [[Psionics Institute]]s
  
 
==References & Contributors (Sources)==
 
==References & Contributors (Sources)==
 
{{Advanced}}
 
{{Advanced}}
−
{{Detail}}
 
 
{{Sources
 
{{Sources
 
|S1= [[T5 Core Rules]]
 
|S1= [[T5 Core Rules]]
−
|S2= [[Traveller Wiki Editorial Team]]
 
−
|S3= Author & Contributor: Lord (Marquis) and Master of Sophontology [[User:Maksim-Smelchak|Maksim-Smelchak]] of the [[Ministry of Science]]
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
 
+
{{LEN|Charted Space|Computer|Summary page article}}
−
{{LEN|Charted Space|Computer}}
 

Latest revision as of 17:03, 7 May 2023

Computer-CT-Liz-Danforth-Traveller-Book-pg-70 19-August-2019b.jpg

Computer Technology of Charted Space: Computers are machines using various stages of information technology to perform increasingly sophisticated calculations, from the earliest clockwork Babbage machines, performing simple mathematical caculations, to the most advanced TL–15 computers performing sophisticated, heuristic maths. Self-Aware machines capable of achieving sentience, sapience, and full sophonce are projected to appear in the near future.

Description (Specifications)[edit]

Computers are rated according to a vast variety of characteristics and capabilities, but general quality paradigms have been established.

Computer Types[edit]

Computer:

  1. Computer Implant
  2. Control Console
  3. Control Panel
  4. Fire Control Computer
  5. Hand Computer
  6. House Brain
  7. Map Box
  8. Neural Net
  9. Ship's Computer
  10. Workstation

Turing Test[edit]

[Once the machine thinking method has started, it would not take long to outstrip our feeble powers. 
... At some stage therefore we should have to expect the machines to take control, in the way that is mentioned in Samuel Butler's ‘Erewhon.’]
- Terran scientist, Alan Turing in 1951 CE, speaking about a future in which machines outperform humans intellectually.

A Turing Test is a test of artificial intelligence invented by a scientist from the Terran past. Modern versions of it are still in use within the Third Imperium. The Rule of Man established the test within Charted Space even though similar testing mechanisms existed within several sophont cultures including the Vilani Ziru Sirka.

  • The Turing Test is one of the best known tests for determining artificial intelligence ratings within Charted Space. It was developed on old Terra by a cryptological code breaker and mathematician named Alan Turing.
  • The Turing Test is essentially one of social interaction. Can a robot convince a conventional sophont that it is a fellow mind through natural conversation or dialogue that flows? Or does it fail, and appear obviously robotic?
  • Increasingly sophisticated Turing Tests have been developed over the millenia. AB-101 broke many records with its amazing sophistication and lifelike behavior. More breakthroughs are expected in the near future.

Turing Ratings[edit]

Turing Ratings
TR Class IQ SQ Remarks
Sub-Turing X X X X
Turing X X X X
Supra-Turing X X X X

History & Background (Dossier)[edit]

The development of Information Technology (IT) and particularly the key device of IT, the computer is a key advancement of any technological civilization.

  • Computer technology greatly assists in the advancement of knowledge. Scientists used it to better store, collate, and push out the boundaries of scientific knowledge. Linguists use it to catalogue known languages and improve universal translators. Bureaucrats use it to aid in process of governance, massively increasing efficiency.
  • Nearly every tech level of advancement leads to an exponential increase in pure research capability and a greatly sped up doubling of existing knowledge.
  • Computers and other forms of data processing and storage expand the extilligence of a civilization, which is to say its ability to pass on learning from one generation to the next.

Expected Computer Development Sequence[edit]

MACRO LEVEL:

Epochal Robotic Technology Periods[edit]

Computer Autonomy:

Information Age Societies (Calculative Computers)[edit]

Technological Period: TL:1-9 and Tech-Name: Ur-Tech
Common Characteristics: Digital Networks, High scarcity, Prototype Nanotech, Calculative ("Calculating machines"), Automatons, Low Autonomous Robots, etc.
Tech Epoch TL-Range Remarks
Tool Making Epoch TL:1-3 COMPUTERS: The abacus and the quipu represent early calculating tech. they are simple, mechanical processors that help a sophont keep large numbers of calculations in memory. Mathematics makes great leaps forward with the development of algebra, trigonometry, and calculus.
Division of Labor Epoch TL:4-6 COMPUTERS: The first analog computers and calculators greatly enhance business and academic endeavors. Mechanical and early electronic calculators become fixtures. Electric devices, polymers, and early electronics fuel continuing progress. Designers use classic Lovelacian programming and aspire to build the first Babbage machines. Many sophont societies can build processors that meet the Imperial standards for Model/1 and Model/1 bis processors.
Processor Epoch TL:7-9 COMPUTERS: Programmable computers come into vogue as the analog is replaced by the digital. Transistors make way for microchips; desktop processors soon become a feature of home, business, and school. Massive parallel processors fill entire rooms and supersede earlier technologies. The first supercomputers can often beat even expert humans at games like chess due to phenomenal calculating abilities and vast memory banks. Photonic and gravitic energy transmission as well as bio-computing replace many of the earlier generations of electronics. Voice-activated processors are more user-friendly than ever before. Many societies can build processors that meet the Imperial standards for Model/2, Model/2 bis, and even Model/3 processors.

Bright Age Societies (Bright Computers)[edit]

Technological Period: TL:10-18 and Tech-Name: Stell-Tech
Common Characteristics: Intelligent Networks, Low Scarcity, Weak nanotech, Synaptic processors, Positronic Brains, Cognitive ("Thinking machines"), High Autonomous Robots, etc.
Tech Epoch TL-Range Remarks
Gravitics Epoch TL:10-12 COMPUTERS: Synaptic processors and positronic brains are vastly more capable than earlier generations of processor technology. Some advanced robots can fool inexpert humans. Expert roboticists call these low autonomous robots. Still, a well-trained expert sophont can often outthink and outperform advanced thinking machines from this epoch. Fluidic and magnetic energy transmission increase processing speed. Semi-organic facility and early ship brains become common. Many societies can build processors that meet the Imperial standards for Model/4, Model/5, and Model/6 processors.
Biologicals Epoch TL:13-15 COMPUTERS: High autonomous robots outperform many educated experts across many fields. They still can’t match the apex professors, but they can perform perfectly well at the professional level. Holocrystals and advanced bio-compumetrics are increasing functioning to billions of actions per nanosecond. Computer brain implants allow complete rehabilitation and restoration of function to almost all individuals who were formerly handicapped. Infomorphs and downloadable brains supplement wafertech. Pseudoreality simulators show amazing promise. Many societies can build processors that meet the Imperial standards for Model/7, Model/8, and Model/9 processors.
Artificials Epoch TL:16-18 COMPUTERS: High autonomous robots outperform many educated experts across many fields. They still can’t match the apex professors, but they can perform perfectly well at the professional level. Holocrystals and advanced bio-compumetrics are increasing functioning to billions of actions per nanosecond. Computer brain implants allow complete rehabilitation and restoration of function to almost all individuals who were formerly handicapped. Infomorphs and downloadable brains supplement wafertech. Pseudoreality simulators show amazing promise. Many societies can build processors that meet the Imperial standards for Model/7, Model/8, and Model/9 processors. Hop Drives begin to use more advanced Ship's Computers.

Brilliant Age Societies (Brilliant Computers)[edit]

Technological Period: TL:19-27 and Tech-Name: Ultra-Tech
Common Characteristics: Delegative Rule (AI), Post-Scarcity, Strong nanotech, Emotive ("Dreaming or Feeling machines"), Self-Aware Robots, etc.
Tech Epoch TL-Range Remarks
Matter Transport Epoch, Transformations Epoch, and Psionics Epoch TL:19-21, TL:22-24, and TL:25-27 COMPUTERS: Some Imperial scientists have quietly made the observation that psionic science may underlay future societal and technological developments. True Artificial Intelligence is another widely anticipated factor. It is anticipated that true artificial intelligence, thinking, feeling machines whose capabilities may exceed organic sophont minds may coalesce over this tech period, the Ultra Period.

Beyond Brilliance[edit]

Technological Period: TL:28-30 & TL:31-33 and Tech-Name: Dei-Tech & Omni-Tech
Common Characteristics: Delegative Rule (AI), Post-Scarcity, Strong nanotech, Emotive ("Dreaming or Feeling machines"), Self-Aware Robots, etc.
Tech Epoch TL-Range Remarks
Transcendent Epoch & Ascendant Epoch TL:28-30 & TL:31-33 COMPUTERS: Even futurists have a hard time guessing what form electronics will take these tech epochs or even whether they will exist at all.

See also[edit]

Information Technology[edit]

§ == ( Please refer to the following AAB Library Data for more information: ) == §

Technologies[edit]

§ == ( Please refer to the following AAB Library Data for more information: ) == §

References & Contributors (Sources)[edit]

This list of sources was used by the Traveller Wiki Editorial Team and individual contributors to compose this article. Copyrighted material is used under license from Far Future Enterprises or by permission of the author. The page history lists all of the contributions.
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