Project A5T71D - A.S.T.R.A

Started by Andromeda, April 15, 2014, 06:59:58 AM

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Andromeda



I.D: Astra - Advanced Systems Analysis and Research Assistant
Serial Number: A5T71D
Classification: Class-5 Virtual Intelligence
Purpose: Next-Generation LCARS Interface

Information:
Project A5T71D, more commonly refereed to as Astra, for the Advanced Systems Analysis and Research Assistant is a Class-5 VI tool. Designed and used to act as a more interactive interface for the LCARS system, The VI is a self-sustaining system with an adaptive matrix. Capable of simulating emotions and analysing mannerisms and the behaviour of the people that interact with it.

It uses the Data it collects on each person and assigns it to an account for each person, hence the phrase "Logging you out [Name]" used as opposed to "Good bye". This data is used to allow the program to better interact with its users.

It's Personality and image design are based upon [Redacted] who [Redacted] In the 2370s and was previously [Redacted] to Doctor [Redacted]. Originally given the project it was designed to be tested on, the VI's personality and appearance was to be based on


The VI Project was initially envisioned in the 2370s after the return of the USS Voyager. The popularity of the vessels EMH gave some people the idea of using a hologram like this as an interactive tool to a starship computer but enable it to learn and automate a number of time consuming tasks. The various classifications of VI have dramatically evolved over the years. Each Class being refereed to as Generation as of the 2nd class due to their changes.

Project Team:
Chief of Staff: Doctor Heinrich Von Berlin
Programmer: Commander Andriana Pollock
Historical Researcher: Doctor Nathaniel White
Psychologist: Doctor Samantha Kensington
Anthropologist: Lieutenant Commander Koh Michigawa
Holographic Specialist: Lieutenant Marcus Kryn
Technical Specialist: Lieutenant Joshua Stone

1st Generation VI's were basic, clumsy and arrogant. They lacked sophisticated programming that allowed them to understand body language and emotions and vocal tones. As such they failed to acknowledge sarcasm or satire, often with dangerous results. These were based on Doctor Zimmerman and the EMH for personality and appearance as a sort of joint project.

2nd Generation VI's made many improvements on the system. The joint work between the team and Zimmerman was ended and this time the VI was based on Starfleet's first female Captain, Erika Hernandez. One of the primary improvements on the system was that this VI was capable of understanding emotions, but a little too well. As the VI could learn and access the Library Computer, it downloaded all the data it could of counselling and psychology. Resulting in the VI overloading it's own memory core with too much complex data it couldn't process.

3rd Generation VI's were based on James T. Kirk. They were almost.. perfect. The personality matrix was a little too much like the real person. It resulted in the VI being very stubborn. While extremely reliable, it rarely thought with reason or rationality. And was a little too flirtatious with some people. These VI's were also the first that featured an expanded memory core and data storage core. As well as compatibility with higher grade computer systems, allowing them to be more efficient and able to handle large memory addresses and process large quantities of data.

4th Generation VI's were based on the 23rd Century Vulcan Science officer, Lieutenant junior grade Saavik as she appeared in 2285 during the Kahn Incident. It was a more sophisticated VI, the personality matrix wasn't as large as the previous ones due to the fact this VI was based on a Vulcan. The lack of emotional needs meant that a lot of processing space was free and it could be considerably more efficient in its dealings.

And finally the 5th Generation VI came. This time it was the final product. The VI Project finally had a release candidate. But it needed to be tested, and as such it was given a Code name, Serial Number and a more comprehensive Identity. The system is a great deal more sophisticated that the last ones and it was decided it would be tested out first for use on the project dealing with the Romulans and Starfleet Medical and Starfleet's scientific branches.

The 5th Generation VI, now known pretty much as Astra, short for the Advanced Systems Analysis and Research Assistant is capable of much more. It's memory core is adaptive and self-maintaining, even capable of converting Physical Storage into extra memory as well as Cache memory. It's Processing hardware is too adaptive and based on a Core Lattice which gives the VI a considerable boost to it's ability to process data and requests, making it a valuable research and analysis tool. It even features an Emergency Power Module, a system that stores up to 2 weeks worth of power in a high-capacity battery, giving 2 Weeks of use, and possibly longer if in Low-Power mode.

The VI does however have it's own Controversies. Many fail to see the difference between a Virtual Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence, which for the purpose of this official record has been laid out below, with information sourced from the Starfleet Corps of Engineers, Daystron Institute and Geordie La Forge's own research on the Android, Data, B-4 and Lore.

Quote
A VI or Virtual Intelligence is a Smart Program capable of giving the appearance of being an AI (Artificial Intelligence). These systems are not capable of becoming self-aware and do not have any notions of self-preservation. They require manual programming for personalities and are not capable of developing their own. VI's do learn in some capacity though, they use smart programming to adapt to situations and act accordingly. VI's are also strongly influenced by their Protocols, where an AI is not and has the choice of following them if it wishes to, with the assistance of Ethical subroutines.

VI's are also unable to change their own programming. They're not capable of self-improvement on the level of an AI. However a VI can become an AI. It just requires one or more of the following things: A Quantum, Positronic or M-Series Multitronic based Computer or an Isolinar based Computer. Now, most modern day computers are based on Isolinear circuitry, this any VI can become an AI. The difference is that most Holographic characters on Holodecks that became self-aware and thus a form of AI, did so intentionally or unintentionally by an act of another person.

Examples being Vic Fontaine of DS9, Professor Moriarty (A required subject at the Academy for anyone learning about Operations or Engineering studies) of the USS Enterprise-D and of course the Emergency Medical Hologram of the USS Voyager. Vic Fontaine was made self-aware by his designer, Felix. Thus his self-awareness was intentional.

Professor Moriarty was created by the Computer of the USS Enterprise-D (Galaxy Class vessels having the most powerful and advanced computer cores in the fleet along side of Sovereign, Prometheus and Intrepid class vessels) to provide a character capable of defeating Lt Commander Data. Which the computer took literally and gave the character the same computational power as itself in order to defeat Data.

And finally the EMH of the USS Voyager. He was not created self-aware. His "Ascension" was the result of the Ocampan female, Kes. Who did not see the difference between the Doctor's personality programming and an actual person, or at least did not care. Thus pushed for the doctor to be treated equally and for him to better himself. Thus the hologram did and with these enhancements to better it's ability to conduct its job, it became more self-aware each time.




Generation 5 VI's and the Nerada Project:
The 5th Generation VI, known as Astra, which is a more shortened form of the Advanced Systems Analysis and Research Assistant, regardless that a literal shortening would spell Asara. It did not roll of the tongue as Astra did for many at the Daystrom Institute where the VI Project was based out of.

Doctor Timothy Rogan from Starfleet Medical and Sub-Commander Devek Galoy from the Romulan Star Empire took part in a discussion between Starfleet Command, The Daystrom Institute and the various individuals taking part and in charge of the Nerada Project. The nature of the discussion was to test this new technology as part of the Nerada's Scientific Mandate. As such Doctor Rogan was given the authority to customize the VI as the Co-Leader of the project and as the Ranking Starfleet officer on base.

Thus the VI was modelled on Doctor [Redacted].