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"[Science fiction is ] That branch of literature which is concerned with the impact of scientific advance upon human beings."
- Isaac Asimov
 |
| Dustmote | ||
| A tiny sensor device that could also form networks with other motes. |
These devices are also called "localizers" in the novel.
| The dustmote image swelled until it was a meter across and almost forty centimeters high. The head-up display automation painted appropriate reflections and shadows.
"Thanks." Trinli stood so they could all see him over the top of the lens-shaped gadget. "This is the basic Qeng Ho localizer - normally embedded in protective barriers, and so on. But see, in a benign environment - even outside in the shade - it is quite self-sufficient." "Power?" said Reynolt. Trinli waved his hand dismissively. "Just pulse them with microwaves, maybe a dozen times a second. I don't know the details, but I've seen them used in much larger numbers on some projects. I'm sure that would give finer control. As for sensors, these puppies have several simple things built in - temperature, light level, sonics." |
| Technovelgy from A Deepness in the Sky,
by Vernor Vinge. Published by Tor in 1999 Additional resources -
|
Here's another bit:
...these dustmotes already had sensors and independence built in. They weren't an embedded component of a system; they could be the system itself.
For a modern analog, take a look at multi-hop RFID tags.
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Additional
resources:
More Ideas
and Technology from A Deepness in the Sky
More Ideas
and Technology by Vernor Vinge
Tech news articles related to A Deepness in the Sky
Tech news articles related to works by Vernor Vinge
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news articles:
- Multi-Hop RFID Tags Track Monkeys
- Ultrasonic Wireless ‘Neural Dust’ Sensors For Medical Monitoring
| Is Agentic AI The Wrong Kind Of Smartness? |
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| Neuroplatform Human Brain Organoid Bioprocessor Uses Less Electricity |
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'If you're one of those rarities who haven't attended a rocket-polo "carnage", let me tell you it's a colorful affair.'
'They filed clumsily into the battleroom, like children in a swimming pool for the first time, clinging to the handholds along the side.'
'a walking balloon proceeded with long strides of its aluminum legs...'
'There was nowhere on the planet where science and technology could not provide one with a comfortable home...'
'Most men updated their PIP on New Year's Day...'
'...a misshapen, many-tentacled thing about twice the size of a man.'
