Communication and Information Technology
Computer/Smart Systems
SmartSystems - Adaptive Interpretive Systems (AIS) - are capable of adapting to and interpreting human and environmental needs by heuristic modeling made possible through the access of IDS. There are theoretically 5 levels of AIS - 1AIS to 5AIS. Only the first two levels are legal and the Federacy doesn't have the technology to create 5AIS. The level of AIS represents, in general, the IDS (IntegratedDataSets, sometimes called IDS or Big Ideas) which the system is able to access and manipulate. However, the matrixing nature of IDS tends to create relational response sets within the AIS which are cumulative within a single system. Ergo, a single IDS only has itself, but 2 IDS will create 2 sets of relations, 3 will create 6 and so on. 1AIS (Requires T0) systems are capable of having 1 narrow aspect (programming instructions) and 1 skill which will be completely dedicated to carrying out its program. 2AIS (requiring T2) are very smart, but tend to be focused. Such SmartSystems may extrapolate focusing more on their Aspect and not merely the limitations of their skills; in short, they are often seen as being "creative" though this is more a function of their ability to quickly and efficiently access IDS. Thoroughly efficient robots are capable at this level, and even remarkably Resoni-appearing androids, though the Federacy frowns upon even mildly humanoid appearing robots, strongly suggesting that form at least (minimally) follow function. For example, a protocol droid that is humanoid and looking like it's been dipped in gold paint with a mechanical voice coming out of a fixed mouthbox and big pefectly circular eyes would be considered acceptable. 3AIS (requiring T3) are extremely smart and are capable of passing Broad Spectrum Intelligence testing, but tend to lack the empathic and Otherness Conceptualizations necessary to be labeled Self Aware. Still, they are very capable multitaskers and are only limited to their peripherals. These systems are often called High Level Free Range Autonomous systems, or FRAgs. 3AIS are Restricted in the Federacy. 3AIS systems inside of a sufficiently advanced synthoid body could pass for human to unaugmented detection systems. It goes without saying that Androids are illegal in the Federacy. At 4AIS (Level 4 AIS), requiring T4, it has been consistently shown that access to enough resources causes something akin to true Self Awareness, or Artificial Intelligence, to form in computer systems. 4AIS are Illegal in all known Federacy systems and against Federacy Core Guidance.| In game terms, Level 2 AIS systems are capable of having 1 not overly complex aspect - such as Guard This Perimeter - and up to 2 related skills and an approach, such as Robot Guard +1. Level 3 AIS systems are capable of 1 very complex aspect, 1 simple aspect and up to 4 related skills and maybe even have Robot +2. Level 4 AIS would be able to fully emulate actual characters, provided they had appropriate peripherals. |
Comm/Data Systems
At T0 and above, Communication and Information Technology are one and the same as one drives the other. In the Federacy, for those "fortunate" enough to move about the stars, the PERSONA systems depends upon T1+ being a reality throughout the Federacy. Interstellar communication does not yet exist, though it’s rumored that some labs are getting close to this T4 marvel. At T3 star system level communication is instantaneous. At T1 communication upon a single planet is a blanket level reality. T0 and above SmartSystems are very small and most are integrated into starsystem spanning information systems. At T0, computer and communication technology is essentially one and the same, with communication necessity being driven by access to data. The ability to link up to transmission towers and satellites and high powered networks means that data access is the standard and a given. Tabletop holographic technology and virtual reality sets are effective. Computer/communication systems become even smaller than the previous tech: an earpiece is the ENTIRE computer/comm system being able to link efficiently into peripherals. A location functioning at T0 will have near-ubiquitous communication capacity, but the population may not necessarily be Connected, as PERSONAs are not available below T1. Personal holographic technology is effective, though slightly expensive, but direct retinal projection is a definite reality allowing for the basis of PERSONA utilization. IDCwear can be produced at T1 (continuous communication, medical monitoring and real time tracking with effective non-intrusion protocols). IDCwear is capable of serving as an emergency communication system, in part because of its built-in trans-receiver. T2 shows that Q-Neutrino Field transmissions are practical and effortless, thus planetary personal communication is a reality. These devices can transmit through most planetary bodies at considerable range (typically 500,000 km) instantaneously. Setting up several Q-Neutrino transmitters ensures complete planet wide communication at a reasonably low cost. One System class Q-Neutrino Broadcast Station can facilitate more than 2 million simultaneous data streams, and can easily fit on a working class vessel. As part of the Federacy's standard multi-point Communication redundancy plan, all Federacy Capital class ships are fitted with at least one Q-Neutrino Field transmitter; most exploratory vessels also have one. Within starsystems, those at T2 have immediate access to data systems. Because all Federacy Administrative District function at T3, all Federacy citizens within any star system with an FAD have the capacity to be connected. At this level, the amount of data that a person can carry and the quality of SmartSystems puts data of necessity in the hands of the average citizen immediately. No Federacy world will ever have communications at a functional level lower than T2. T3 MindTek allows for safe and cost-effective Direct Neural Interface systems making communications (and the ensuing enmeshment) even more ubiquitous. T3 introduces Q+Neutrino systems allowing for "short range" (generally within 5AUs without the rather expensive booster) instant communication. In essence, any starsystem worth its salt provides instantaneous communication (though you'll probably get long distance charges if beyond a primary transmitter). Q+ Neutrino transmitters are not cost effective beyond 25 AUs. The Federacy provides one Q+Neutrino transmission system (with typical Federacy class redundancies) for free to every Colony or higher settlement. One System class Q+Neutrino Broadcast Station can facilitate more than 100 million simultaneous data streams and can easily fit on a working class vessel. In short, every Federacy Colony or higher can provide the Connected - see PERSONA aspect. T4+ - This theoretical technology level grants the ability to speak between the stars, and though there are whispers of a few isolated breakthroughs, there's nothing confirmed. Successful point to point interstellar communication would be like the advent of the ability to send messages across the world via wire.
Children Technologies
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