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DARPA Files Patent On Predictive Simulation

Posted by Zonk on from the looking-to-the-past-for-the-future dept.

An anonymous reader writes "New Scientist has a post on a patent filed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), seeking to control a new potent predictive simulation. The patent outlines the process, which may someday allow researchers to accurately predict the behavior of observed subjects. They're not there yet, but not for lack of trying. It already works in some military war game scenarios, says the patent. 'Parunak says his model can successfully detect players' emotions, and then predict future actions accordingly. He believes the technique could one day be applied to predict the behavior of adversaries in military combat situations, competitive business tactics, and even multiplayer computer games. The patent application gives an interesting insight into DARPA's goals. The agency has pumped a lot of money into AI in recent years without reaping major rewards. One day computers may find a way to accurately second-guess humans, but I suspect we may have to wait a little longer yet.'"

4 of 150 comments (clear)

  1. are you sure this is a good idea? by theheadlessrabbit · · Score: 5, Funny

    have these scientists not watched a single sci-fi movie. Military machines that can predict human behavior always lead to human enslavement. and the only way to stop them is by sending those machines back in time to stop us from building the machines in the first place.

    --
    -I only code in BASIC.-
  2. Obligatory... by ZombieRoboNinja · · Score: 3, Funny

    Step 1: Patented behavior-prediction computer
    Step 2: Beowulf cluster
    Step 3: ???
    Step 4: Psychohistory!

  3. Prior art by MillionthMonkey · · Score: 3, Funny

    I have already predicted with 100% precision that this patent will be granted.

  4. Re:Riiiight... by Mr2cents · · Score: 3, Funny

    That's what I didn't get: if you want to use something like that for war games, why patent it? Then you have to disclose how you did it, no? Betting that your enemy will not use this because of patent laws, is quite optimistic thinking.

    USA: Please stop using our wargame simulation technology, you're only making it worse.
    Enemy: Making it worse? How can it possibly get any worse? Coca-Cola! Coca-Cola!
    USA: And don't abuse our trademarks!

    --
    "It's too bad that stupidity isn't painful." - Anton LaVey