Text 15587, 66 rader
Skriven 2007-01-22 13:30:52 av Rich Gauszka (1:379/45)
Ärende: Microsoft files patent for beyond-the-grave computing
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From: "Rich Gauszka" <gauszka@dontspamhotmail.com>

I wonder if future generations will have to wga verify to receive the centuries
old message?

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/300636_msftimmortal22.html

In this culture of instant information, some Microsoft Corp. researchers are
pursuing a radical notion -- the concept of saving messages for delivery in
decades, centuries or more.

The project, dubbed "immortal computing," would let people store digital
information in physical artifacts and other forms to be preserved and revealed
to future generations, and maybe even to future civilizations. After all, when
looking that far in the future, you never know who the end users might be.

"It is definitely a long-term project," said Andy Wilson, the Microsoft
researcher whose musings on the ephemeral nature of digital information
inspired the research initiative.

One scenario the researchers envision: People could store messages to
descendants, information about their lives or interactive holograms of
themselves for access by visitors at their tombstones or urns.

And here's where the notion of immortality really kicks in: The researchers say
the artifacts could be symbolic representations of people, reflecting elements
of their personalities. The systems might be set up to take action -- e-mailing
birthday greetings to people identified as grandchildren, for example.

The previously undisclosed project came to light through a newly surfaced
patent application in which the researchers explain some of the concepts
they're exploring. The project seeks to address the fact that large amounts of
valuable information are stored on media with limited life spans, in formats
that could be rendered obsolete. Consider how quickly floppy disks disappeared.

But the researchers aren't just thinking about the informational legacies of
individuals.

"Maybe we should start thinking as a civilization about creating our Rosetta
stones now, along with lots of information, even going beyond personal memories
into civilization memories," said Eric Horvitz, a Microsoft principal
researcher who also is working on the project.

Where the project will end up isn't clear. In some cases, Microsoft Research
projects ultimately lead to products, or contribute to them, but in other
situations they don't. The researchers declined to say whether they have a
working prototype of an "immortal computing" artifact.

This is just one of multiple projects for each of the involved researchers. But
the patent application, filed in June 2005 and made public this month, at least
shows that they've given the concept of "immortal computing" considerable
thought.

Among other things, the filing describes the potential use of durable data
storage, such as advanced imaging techniques, to make sure the information
survives over time. One key will be to avoid storage devices that require
movable -- and potentially breakable -- internal parts.

The filing says the information could be retrieved through a separate
interface, independent of the individual artifact, in part to allow the method
of display to evolve with changing technology. People who store information
would be able to decide in advance when and to whom it would be disclosed,
using DNA or biometrics to confirm identity.

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