Alt-BEAM Archive
Message #02378
To: "'JVernonM@aol.com'" JVernonM@aol.com
From: Wilf Rigter Wilf.Rigter@powertech.bc.ca
Date: Thu, 15 Apr 1999 20:04:02 -0700
Subject: [alt-beam] Re: Beam genome
Hello Jim,
I like your suggestion for documenting the Beam genome. A slightly more
modest intermediate objective would be a Beam "genealogy", a formal
documentation of the body of work contributed by all those who have advanced
the state of the art of BEAM (c) and BEAM (like) ideas/devices/systems as it
relates to this group.
At first glance writing a Beam genealogy could be quite problematic,
defining which came first, who invented it, what it was derived from. It
would require a consensus of the historical time line (or time tree) showing
the creators, genotype, phenotype and evolutionary links of all BEAM devices
from pre-Beam to the present.
But consider how Beamers and Beam technology would benefit from such a
document.
New Beam genes (ideas) are expressed and propagated into designs where they
can be tested for their survival fitness at a the rate which depends on the
distribution of information. Currently, Beam designs/ideas are described on
websites, here on the list or by publication of papers, articles and
reports. This is the present reproductive mechanism whereby Beam genes are
combined ( better than sex you say?), Beam cells/organisms build, tested,
and become a lesser or greater part of the BEAM genome (and Beam myth /
history). The rate of evolution of Beam genes depend also the structural
frame work or back bone of the genome. By facilitating genetic exchange and
providing a template for growth of Beam cells/organisms, the Beam genome
will reach a critical mass and we may anticipate a chain reaction of Beam
mutations many of which are simple derivatives but some of which will be
sufficiently unique developments or important improvements to the state of
the Beam art/tech to become dominant genes frequently expressed in new Beam
cells and organisms.
This is how it may happen. Someone (not me) will just start this Beam genome
project and write a hyper text environment with a summary of the history of
Beam "as we know it". There would be a lot of discussion (gnashing of
teeth) while filling in the details of Beam history and a consensus document
will emerge laying the frame work for the present and future development of
the Beam genome . Once beyond the historical phase, the Beam genome
becomes a living, growing, evolving "public domain" document to which new
ideas/systems/designs are added including the details (credits) of their
origins.
For example an article is written for a "single stepping" solar walker
design capable of operating in very low light with a circuit combining
elements from Tilden's MicroCore and Bolt's SunEater. The Beam
builders/testers register their interest and/or support (gene amplification)
by building "single steppers" or by adapting or mutating the design ie
"double stepper" which of course would be more efficient, twice as fast or
easier to build etc. attracting more builders. Each builder will add their
report or comments to the "single stepper" gene automatically recorded by
the Beam gene counters with the statistics linked to the genome index/search
engine.
Now it would be interesting to see how this BEAM evolutionary tree would fit
into a history of all other robotics development. It would probably appear
now as a branch of homeostatic machines or a footnote in neural networks,
still significant since so far BEAM is the "work" of a just a few minor
gods. It is possible that Mr. T has made much progress and that major BEAM
developments are imminent but so far the work seems to be progressing by
small chapters in the hidden Book of Beam.
On the other hand most of the participants in this group are a pretty active
bunch theoretical and/or experimental amateur BEAM scientists. Perhaps with
a cooperative effort by so many bright lights, it may be possible to make
Beam take that quantum leap to the next level.
Still interested in doing this Jim?
Reflection of a Beam moment:
The BEAM pond is not very deep by some measures and bottomless by others but
is teeming with strange and wonderful creatures. If you enjoy discovering or
rediscovering technical, biological and other intellectual insights into
life, the universe, and everything, take a deep breath, hold your nose, dive
in and see what strange things lurk below the surface. And you better learn
how to swim cause as long as you stay at the shallow end ....
Reflections of a Beam nightmare
An official Beam genome archive maintained/protected by them! (shudder)
Anyone caught looking behind the curtains of the Only True Beam genome will
be cast from the pond, branded, excommunicated, their genes renamed, cut off
from all further reproductive interaction and generally set adrift without
food for thought to rot in some obscure backwater of the technological
universe.
So let that be a warning Zardoz!
enjoy
Wilf Rigter mailto:wilf.rigter@powertech.bc.ca
tel: (604)590-7493
fax: (604)590-3411
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