Project AVATAR
Protecting the New Generation
Twin Brothers Standing Guard Over the City
By C.L.F. / Rayden Tron
In the aftermath of the September 11th attack, a hoax involving Nostradamus spread like wildfire over the Internet. Rather than predicting the end of the world, this curious juxtaposition of centuries-old mysterious writing and the vast power of modern computer networks has provided inspiration for a security plan weaving together the latest in high technology with the proven principles of community.
The technological elements of this plan already exist, developed and pressed into service by universities, government agencies, and companies. What remains is to bring them together and bring them to life. This combination of hardware and software will be a true innovation, creating a better environment for tenants, easier and less expensive operations for the complex managers, and greater safety and security for all.
At one end of the hardware network would be numerous sensors throughout the complex. Internal and external sensors of various types including cameras, infrared detectors, air quality monitors, and other devices covering the varied mechanical and electrical systems in the buildings provide a constant stream of information on component health and environmental conditions.
This information would flow to branch node computers, each operating a given number of sensors and controls for a given area. Located in sites throughout the buildings, the branch node computers would preprocess the raw sensor output, filtering out static and extraneous data, creating summary reports of results within normal parameters and flagging any anomalous or out-of-spec conditions for further analysis. The branch node computers would then output their findings downstream to one of two main operating computers tucked away behind shielding in a sub-basement.
These main operating computers would make use of neural network and multiprocessing techniques to manage their own internal networks, communication with each other, adaptation to changing conditions, and information exchanges with external networks.
Software on the main operating computers would implement two intelligent agents, one "based" in each computer. They would run in parallel, serving as emergency backup for each other. They’d handle their primary responsibilities in their own towers and share duties to the smaller systems in the other buildings and common areas of the complex, handing them off from one to the other if necessary to satisfy load and capacity concerns.
Each agent would perform the dual functions of Integrated Building Management and Concierge Service. Through Integrated Building Management they provide constant, 24-hour monitoring of all vital elements in the building, reacting to any problems which may arise. Safety and security functions would benefit most from the agents’ ability to gather information swiftly and devise intelligent responses. Among the factors they would weigh in formulating a plan are the nature and severity of the condition, the exact location of the problem, what assistance to summon, whether or not an evacuation is needed, and what countermeasures to apply.
Through announcements and displays the agents direct any needed evacuation for maximum speed and efficiency. Through face-recognition technology, motion sensors, and infrared scanners, the agent in charge of the area verifies the completeness of an evacuation. Any emergency personnel arriving would have the benefit of an updated situation report.
On a more routine basis, the observations and efforts of the agents would serve to enhance security. They will recognize the comings and goings of regulars and alert guards or police upon recognition of any individual entered into their "watch list". This "watch list" can encompass everybody from wanted fugitives to troublemakers previously ejected from the complex to those under restraining orders to keep away from a specific tenant’s employee. Programming and training will enable the agents to also recognize suspicious behavior and abandoned parcels, and arrange for a swift response.
The agents will prove invaluable to increasing the ease and efficiency of maintaining a large complex. Instead of relying on vague, second-hand reports of trouble sent through varying, porous communication channels, maintenance workers would receive notice of a problem at its earliest stages and be supplied with ample information useful in troubleshooting. Through their sensors and controls, the agents run periodic tests themselves to ensure their systems are in peak operating condition. They will also schedule the more invasive tests and procedures, those involving the maintenance staff, to minimize disruption to normal operations. The agents could also automate routine clerical tasks like ordering of supplies and keeping up their stock of spare parts.
Energy conservation measures will be another important way the agents hold the line on costs. During normal operating hours, the agents keep the lighting and air conditions according to the pre-set preferences of the tenants. As time wears on, however, the agents will note empty, inactive offices and begin routine, mild power-downs, reactivating full lighting and ventilation on the approach of cleaning personnel or off-hours workers and restoring power-saving when they depart. Similar active management by the agents will save wear and tear on the elevators overnight by alternating which ones in a given bank remain active and directing users to those.
The agents provide a "human face" to a large complex through their Concierge Service functions. At their disposal would be a hardware network allowing for a verbal interface and strategically located screens for visual displays. A shared database of the 120 most common languages, a complete complex directory, and guide maps covering adjoining areas enables them to assist tenants and guests alike. They’ll announce the arrival of delivery and service personnel to the proper tenant and, upon approval, direct the visitor along the way. They’ll serve as virtual guides to tourists and, when not otherwise occupied with more serious matters, act as assistants for workers burning the midnight oil, calling up data and sending e-mail and faxes.
These elementary services and defenses are only starting points. As the agents gain experience and technology progresses, their duties will enlarge to manage active defenses that will eventually extend beyond their own complex to a vulnerable city. Through their height and constant vigilance, their ability to monitor the airwaves and the Net, a whole range of possibilities comes into play.
Work at Carnegie-Mellon University suggests one option. The Robotics Institute there is developing autonomous vehicles like helicopters and rovers. Combined with the research of the National Computer Security Response Center there on computer viruses, such vehicles, utilizing their own internal sensors and navigation packages and operating under the agents’ guidance, would have the capability to commandeer attacking devices. Projectiles would be disposed of in the Hudson River or the Meadowlands. Ground-based devices could be dragged off the closest pier.
Compact, roof mounted laser systems are another option, allowing the agents an even swifter response to threats received or warnings sent through authorized channels. As the rest of the New York City emergency services upgrade their infrastructure, the agents become members of that partnership, contributing their considerable efforts as citizens of the City.
The original Twin Towers were remarkable achievements and technology has advanced so much since then. Our ambition and drive to improve our world and achieve great goals must not be allowed to become victims of terrorism. There are always ways to go forward in spite of threats. Using our natural instinct to create is an ideal response to destruction, and in this case suggests even more potential for creation. A new World Trade Center need only be one of the first to be served and guarded by intelligent agents. This concept is applicable to other large buildings and complexes as well, and we will all benefit as a result.
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