THE UNMUTUAL PRISONER ARTICLE ARCHIVE
"ROVER EXPOSED ", By Steve Dix
THE ROVER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
THE Semi-Autonomous
Roving Protoplasmic Guardian Unit represents the ultimate in terms of Synthetic
Protoplasmoid cybernetics. It is composed of a polymer based protoplasm designed
to act in a similar way to a single-celled organism. This protoplasmic base
is held together by electro-chemical bonds maintained by an internal power supply.
Exact details are prime classified.
The "Rover" is controlled by the thoughts of its operator via sensors,
worn over the skull, that can read the basic motor functions of the brain and
translate them, via computer, into a sequence of protoplasmoid movement commands.
The proto-plasmoid is also able to communicate back various perceptions which
are translated into terms understandable to the human operator.
OPERATIONAL INTERFACE
The basic Protoplasmoid is controlled by interface to the operator's brain via
a computer. The operator interface is as follows:
Cortical Sensor Networks: There are two Cortical Sensor Networks
which are worn upon the temples, directly above the motor control areas of the
brain. These networks have to be precisely fitted for each individual operator
to ensure maximum sensor accuracy. The sensors are attuned to the subsection
of the brain's motor area that deals with locomotion.
Visual Feedback Network: This larger and more complex network
of stimulators is designed to sit directly on the back of the skull above the
part of the brain used in retinal pattern recognition. It stimulates individual
neurons to produce white dots in the operator's mental picture of the world.
Sensory Deprivation Equipment: Due to the immense mental strain
put on the operator of a Protoplasmoid, it is imperative that he be isolated
from all exterior distractions, however small. This means that the operator
has to wear a thick waterproof suit, a blindfold and earplugs whilst floating
in a body-temperature saline solution in a
darkened isolation tank. During this the operator's only contact with the exterior
world is an earphone through which he may be given commands.
PROTOPLASMOID OPERATION AND FEEDBACK
Once the operator is controlling the Protoplasmoid, any thoughts involving locomotion
in a specific direction are translated into movement commands for the Protoplasmoid.
However, the Protoplasmoid has some limited decision capability and can be relied
on in simple circumstances
to act Autonomously. These decisions are ade upon two criteria: 1) Hunger satisfaction.
2) Self-preservation. Hunger satisfaction is defined as the engulfing of a biological
entity for a period long enough to render the entity unconscious, whilst Self-preservation
can refer to several things - damage sustained, or withdrawal from situations
where damage is imminent. Operators are warned not to exceed time limitations
upon Protoplasmoid Operation, as exhaustion and emotional stress can trigger
the Protoplasmoid's basic instincts, as can be seen in the file "Individual
Six: Schizoid".
Feedback is based upon the protoplasmic shell's reactions to a wide range of
the electro-magnetic spectrum.
As has been stated earlier, this feedback is translated into dots on the operator's
"mental picture". The computer processing the feedback from the Protoplasmoid
represents different frequencies via concentrations of dots. The image processing
uses "Mexican Hat" transformations to isolate and track moving objects.
Village landmarks are also recognized and placed in the picture. The Protoplasmoid
distinguishes inanimate objects and biological entities by reception of body
heat and brain waves. A recent problem has occurred with the proliferation of
"felis felis" within the village as Protoplasmoids cannot tell the
difference between humans and animals. Since Autonomous Protoplasmoids are set
to detect the brainwaves of approaching villagers, they homed in on the brainwaves
generated by the cats whilst stalking. Consequentially, the majority were spending
their time chasing cats. It is hoped that minor adjustments will soon have this
problem under control.
MORPHOLOGICAL CONTROL OF THE PROTOPLASMOID
As well as being able to control the Protoplasmoid motion, the Operator can
control the size of the protoplasmic Sphere. This is done by increasing or decreasing
the electrochemical force holding the Protoplasmoid together. The Operator controls
the size by the section of the brain that controls the hands. This is the largest
control section of the brain, so the operator is allowed considerable subtlety
in size control. One interesting development is the vibration of the Protoplasmoid
to produce a disturbing roar, which has an unnerving effect upon anyone pursued
by it. This effect is produced by the operator drumming the fingers of both
hands.
Size control allows the Protoplasmoid to go anywhere that is desired. The file
"Individual Six Arrival Conditioning" shows a theatrical use of size
by producing a Protoplasmoid from a fountain.
SETTING A PROTOPLASMOID TO PATROL AUTONOMOUSLY
Due to the tremendous stresses and strains upon the human operators of Protoplasmoids,
some tasks are carried out autonomously by a computer, which controls up to
five Protoplasmoids. If the Protoplasmoid detects any Biological entities it
will be allowed limited reign of its instincts, so that it merely herds the
wayward villager, rather than engulfing them.
No.1 OVERRIDE
As with all Village defences, No.1 has absolute authority to override orders
being sent to a Protoplasmoid. This only occurs in an emergency, as No.1 usually
issues countermands via No.2.
PROTOPLASMOID RECOGNITION ELECTROPASSES
In the past, problems have arisen due to the unsubtlety of the Protoplasmoid's
senses. Therefore it is important that staff have some way of indicating their
status to the Protoplasmoid. This is provided by an Electropass - a miniature
beacon that sends a digital signal on a constantly changing wavelength that
the Protoplasmoid is programmed to recognise.