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Computer Chip that Computes Probabilities and Not Logic

physorg.com — (PhysOrg.com) -- Lyric Semiconductor has unveiled a new type of chip that uses probability inputs and outputs instead... Aug 19, 2010

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90 Comments

gerrykAug 20, 2010Buried

Show+133Vote!

A computer that doesn't operate using logic?

Behold the femputer!

ubernogginAug 19, 2010Buried

Show+64Vote!

This is probably cool.

iphtashufitzAug 20, 2010Buried

Show+53Vote!

The various outputs of this chip:

● As I see it, yes
● It is certain
● It is decidedly so
● Most likely
● Outlook good
● Signs point to yes
● Without a doubt
● Yes
● Yes – definitely
● You may rely on it

● Reply hazy, try again
● Ask again later
● Better not tell you now
● Cannot predict now
● Concentrate and ask again

● Don't count on it
● My reply is no
● My sources say no
● Outlook not so good
● Very doubtful

geodebugAug 20, 2010Buried

Show+29Vote!

Magic 8 bit?

chuckdontsurfAug 20, 2010Buried

Show+28Vote!

THAT DOES NOT FEMPUTE!

earthtonesAug 19, 2010Buried

Show+27Vote!

Certainly an interesting idea. They should call it the "poker chip". Heh.

paranor01Aug 20, 2010Buried

Show+22Vote!

Does this mean we can now build an infinite improbability drive if we invert the probability inputs?

spritomAug 20, 2010Buried

Show+14Vote!

Is it powered by a nice hot cup of tea?

geodebugAug 20, 2010Buried

Show+12Vote!

Came for Douglas Adams reference. Not disappointed.

neutron7Aug 20, 2010Buried

Show+12Vote!

probably.

geodebugAug 20, 2010Buried

Show+10Vote!

Fuzzy logic isn't new. Having this particular technology on a chip is. The main benefit is faster, real-time calculations.

neutron7Aug 20, 2010Buried

Show+8Vote!

I prefer bistromathics myself. Infinite improbability drives are hard on the whales.

appleofdischordAug 20, 2010Buried

Show+8Vote!

The cats are now diamonds.

ecamachoAug 20, 2010Buried

Show+8Vote!

Can anyone actually explain this in plain English?

(I'm expecting the answer to be "probably")

diggbigwigAug 20, 2010Buried

Show+8Vote!

So approximately 0.0000000001% of the time, the computer will respond with a simple "f**k off and die" screen of death?

ikorkyiAug 20, 2010Buried

Show+7Vote!

i like this.

stap1egunAug 20, 2010Buried

Show+7Vote!

I'm having trouble understanding why this is more useful than just simulating probability in binary form. Is it just more efficient somewhat like a GPU is optimized for graphics calculations, or is it a fundamentally new method of computing similar to quantum computing?

I would be grateful if someone could explain this for me. Thanks!

solecizeAug 20, 2010Buried

Show+6Vote!

maybe

samuraighostAug 20, 2010Buried

Show+6Vote!

Because it's better than turning into an apple or a multi-colored piece of glass.

lederhosedAug 20, 2010Buried

Show+5Vote!

so it can tell me when that monkey will turn out hamlet? yes!

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