Week 5: Bug Semantics

Webster’s II New College Dictionary defines “Bug” as: “…2.An insect,… 4.b. Computer Sci. A defect in the code or performance of a program,…[&] 6. A small hidden device…used for eavesdropping.”  The semantics of what is a bug is the subject for this week’s blog.

In reading over various New Technology Research & Development (NTRD) reports I came across the CLASH, not the music group but a robot that can climb up cloth like a bug.   See the following link for details: http://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/diy/no-couch-is-safe-from-clash-clothclimbing-robot.  The concept of the GWU course is to merge various technologies together.  Earlier this year I did some research on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology and the thought of merging it with micro-bugs & computers came to mind.  However, upon further reading the CLASH was larger than anticipated but led me to the Robotic Autonomous Crawling Hexapod (RoACH).  See the link http://robotics.eecs.berkeley.edu/~ronf/Ambulation/Roach.html .  The RoACH is similar in size to a quarter and in line with the following concept I would like to propose.

As mentioned earlier I previously conducted research on RFID technology.  There are two versions of the early history of RFID technology.  Both stem from a common background; developed by the Allied forces during World War II.  (ORG 2005-2009)  The first version by some sources indicate the Allies – primarily the English & Americans – developed a technology called “Identify Friend or Foe (IFF)” to differentiate aircraft in order to determine whether to respond to a threat or not. (CENTER 1997)  The second version begins in the 1920’s with a Russian musician, Leon Theremin who performed with his invention the “Theremin” in many well established concert halls in the United States until his disappearance in 1938.  (McIntyre 2005, 9-11)  After the fall of the “Iron Curtain” Mr. Theremin was interviewed in Russia where his involvement in the development of “The Thing” was brought to light.  The device was called “The Thing” after its discovery by U.S. State Department security in 1952.  “The Thing” was embedded in a seal of the United States (U.S.).  The seal was presented to U.S. Ambassador Averell Harriman in the mid 1940’s by Russian school children & placed in the Embassy Residence until its discovery. (Murray 1996-2011)

To build upon existing technologies by incorporating newer technical developments & merging them with improved business processes the capability exists to merge printable electronics with a printable battery power source and Central Processing Unit (CPU) onto a micro bug.  Unlike “The Thing” an immobile device, a mobile bug or roach would pose greater challenges in being detected and improve the capability of those using such a device.  (Bonsor 2011) & (McIntyre 2005, 18)  This would renew the use of the acronym IFF; people will now look at an annoying bug crawling or flying around and ask what kind of bug is it?  Contemplatively – CDamian (10-10-2011)

Works Cited

Bonsor, Kevin. HowStuffWorks. 2011. http://computer.howstuffworks.com/printing-computer1.htm (accessed June 14, 2011).

CENTER, DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL. http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/avchr5.htm. June 30, 1997. (accessed June 13, 2011).

McIntyre, Katherine Albrecht & Liz. Spychips: How Major Corporations and Government Plan to Track Your Every Move with RFID. Nashsville: Nelson Communication, Inc., 2005.

Murray, Compiled by Kevin D. http://www.spybusters.com/Great_Seal_Bug.html. 1996-2011. (accessed June 13, 2011).

ORG, RFIDENT. http://www.rfident.org/. 2005-2009. (accessed June 13, 2011).