AI & U

 

Not quite an AI.

Computers are smart but not yet up to the level of Artificial Intelligence. They have personality but not true awareness. They learn but have built in limits. They are very efficient, but cant do everything.

 

We may often refer to the ship's computer as its AI. However it is not a true conscious thinking machine, it is a very sophisticated self learning computer system, that can imitate personality in order to make interactions with it more pleasant and efficient.

The computer's personality profile may be modified in a number of ways, with the default being friendly but very business like. Having an AI be sarcastic or rude is funny for a day but most people dont want to work with it. Likewise having a sexy computer voice that calls you darling is a novelty that quickly wears off.

The real use for an AI's imitation of personality is to better interact with the crew, so everything gets done in the most efficient way possible. To this end the computer will learn to read between the lines of human speech, recognizing many (but not all) subtle communications clues. Of course it will ask for clarification when in doubt, or when executing any critical command given it. 

 

The creepy factor.

Yes your ship's AI is listening and watching everything all the time. It is also recording everything.
The recording of a room with no audio or video activity will be over-written in 24 hours. The recording of the bridge and the log of key systems can not be deleted. All other recordings can be deleted, but this requires an access code and bio signature. So it is clear who deleted the file. There are no cameras in bathrooms, however the audio pickup from the adjacent room can hear you. 

 

The privacy switch. In each crew quarters is a mechanical timer switch connected to the audio video surveillance system. By flipping the switch you turn off the system for 1 hour. After which time it automatically resets. You can also manually turn it back on at any time. Note, this does not affect the environmental sensors.

The ship is full of environmental sensors, continuously monitored by the computer. The AI will sound a general alert if any drastic change is detected. It will notify the bridge calmly of any minor anomalies. The most basic concerns include; fire and loss of air pressure. In both cases the affected area will be closed off, unless it is occupied by crew. In that event, a command code is required to seal the area.

The AI will also detect any firearm discharge and sound an alert.

As part of its basic program, a ship's AI acts to keep the entire crew informed about anything that is important or unusual. This can cause an over abundance of info. A problem that the AI learns to deal with as it integrates with the crew's personality.

Ability to multitask.

This is a must for any computer, but especially one that runs a star ship. In general tasks are prioritized into 3 categories; Normal automatic functioning of ship systems. Execution of command orders. Interaction with crew off the bridge. The ship's AI is expected to monitor and regulate all systems, while performing mission specific tasks and executing orders from the bridge, while conversing and helping the off duty crew members.

The ship's AI is capable of doing just about everything. The crew are not technically required for a simple mission. Their role is to deal with unexpected events and to provide maintenance for the machine. The idea of unmanned probe or messenger ships has been bounced around for some time, but has not yet gone into use.

High Command of the UN-EDF has reviewed Plan; NoManAttack, which calls for a strike group of many small AI star ships to make the first assault on a target system. Followed later by the traditional warships. The plan included the provision for a command ship in the AI strike group which would have a crew to direct the fighting. It is believed that the Lobstron attack of 2030 used this sort of tactic. 

 

 

The balance.

How much do we want our computers doing for us of their own imitative, vs. How much we want them to wait for orders before taking action. A good case in point are the use of DPGs. Naturally the computer will alert the bridge when it detects an object, above a tiny size, on a collision course with the ship. But what should happen next? Does the AI deploy the point defence guns, and take a shot? Does it get ready, but hold until the order is given to fire? Does it do nothing at all?

Part of the argument is about efficiency, but there is also a subtle psychological factor at work too. If the crew has nothing to do, it will tend to become disconnected, apathetic and ineffective. Thus the default for computers is to take no action unless absolutely necessary. Having given the crew all the relevant info and suggesting the logical course of action, the AI simply stands by for orders. Of course is the crew fails to respond to a imminent and serious situation, the IA is programmed to take action to save the ship and crew, unless a command code prevents it.