Author: Graham Neill
Publisher: Tab Books (1979)
ISBN: 0830698353
Category: Computer / Artificial Intelligence
Synopsis:
Not too many years ago computer programming carried the aura of a Black Art, known only to a few mystical practitioners evoking their powers for a living. As computers slowly permeated our lives, workers in a multitude of fields found themselves involved with these wonders. And always there was the programmer performing his magic.
But as the manufacturers of integrated circuits developed Increasingly complex functions in their microscopic wonders, computers soon followed that could rest on a desk, unlike the multiple racks of equipment they displaced.
But what of the programmer? As this powerful and relatively inexpensive new generation of computers dotted the workplaces of the world, programming became a required skill for many of those in need of a computer.
And in the latest phase of the computer explosion, hobbyists are designing, building, and programming their own personal computers. What had once been the exclusive domain of professionals is today crowded with a host of semi-professional and amateur programmers. And this new breed soon reaized the imitations of conventional programming. Computer applications today increasingly demand sophisticated programming techniques filtering down from universities and high-technology companies conducting research in Artificial Intelligence, the use of a computer to perform tasks that if performed by a human would require inteligence.
In one of the first applications of AI programming, the professionals set their computers to translating Russian into Engish. The launching of Sputnik I into Earth orbit in October 1957 led many to believe That the Russian scientists' knowledge of Engish placed our experts, most.pf whom didn't know Russian, at a disadvantage.
They could read our technical literature, but we couldn't read theirs. And soon computers were churning out translations of Russian about 30 percent complete. But obtaining the other 20 percent proved to be despairingly complex, so complex, in fact, that efforts virtually came to a halt. Again today, though, linguists and programmers work together, perfecting these computer translations of natural languages. Even hobbyists devote considerable efforts to natural language translations.
In another AI area, computerized chess playing has become so popular that annual World Computer Chess Championships take place. Computer vies against computer in a test of "intelligence." At present skiied human players can dominate a computer opponent. The computers lack sufficient long-range planniag, the chess masters say. But it is likely that In the future more sophisticated AI techniques, combined with faster computers having larger memory capabilities, will master this shortcoming. Then the only relevant action will pit computer against computer.
Though the computer competes effectively against humans in ganes like chess, the gap remains wide in pattern recognition. This too is an area for AI practices. Discerning objects, perhaps to give a robot vision, requires very sophisticated programs. This facet of programming is yet in its infancy.
Pushing computers and their programs to maximum efficiency goes beyond a modern day application of the Puritan work ethic. In Its essence the fascination seems to be in the simulation of life itself. Perhaps we have drawn from the writers of science fiction a longing for those future worlds, where mundane chores become the tasks of worker robots, where super powerful computer brains churn out solutions to problems as yet undreamed of. By looking to the stars, we may yet improve the lot of man here on Earth.
The author provides an introduction to this blossoming field. Whether your interests Me in intelligent game playing, natural Iangage processing, robotics, math and science work, or in engineering aids, Artificial Intelligence will prove to be a powerful tool in your programming chest.
Notes: Bibliography: p. 248-249. Includes index.
Cover Price: 12.95 USD
Tags: Artificial intelligence | Turing | AI | Turing Test | Computer Programming | Programming
Edition: 1st ed.
Printing: 1st printing
Pages: 251
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: Near Pristine
Dustjacket Condition: No Dustjacket
Shipping Weight: 1 Lbs 6 Ozs
Book Status:
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