Star Trek: The Next Generation Database Analysis

Most modern science fiction portrays some form of database. From simple text-based systems to complex virtual reality environments, the way information is retrieved from these databases often reflects trends in database management systems. The library computer system seen in "Star Trek: The Next Generation" (ST:TNG) offers an excellent example of a database that both reflects contemporary technologies and illustrates accurate predictions in the development of those technologies. The database contained in the library computer in ST:TNG is capable of storing a vast array of different types of data. The episode "Elementary, Dear Data" [9] demonstrates the various types of information that can be stored and manipulated by the database on the

We have had keyboard input since the very first personal computers. Customizable graphical user interfaces, or GUIs, have existed since the late 1970's, originating with the Xerox PARC [7]. GUIs have been the standard user interface since the early 1990's with various versions of Microsoft Windows and the Macintosh operating systems. The current evolution of the GUI is towards a three dimensional interface, such as that exhibited by Compiz [3] and Ambient [1]. The LCARS utilized a customizable GUI, with a touch-screen interface. This was an excellent predictor of technology soon to be developed. With the introduction of the iPhone and iPod Touch in 2007, followed by the iPad in 2010 [8], Apple, Inc. has brought us closer and closer to the interfaces illustrated in ST:TNG. In addition to keypad entry, starfleet personnel can also interact with the LCARS by voice command. Modern speech recognition technology is extremely sophisticated and has a wide range of use in telephony, military, and healthcare applications. Current research continues in many areas, including real-time automatic translation, hands-free computing, and interactive voice response [11]. Work has been done allowing vocal retrieval and updating of information contained within a virtual reality database [6]. While we do not possess any sort of transporter or

(n.d.). Retrieved May 24, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compiz

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6.Hirotaka, N., Kaori, Y., & Seiichi, U. (2004). Study on virtual reality database system - Input and update to database by voice [Abstract]. Joho Shori Gakkai Kenkyu Hokoku, 2004(2), 95-102. Retrieved May 24, 2010, from http://sciencelinks.jp/j-east/article/200407/000020040704A0143679.php

7.History of the graphical user interface. (n.d.). Retrieved May 24, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_graphical_user_interface

8.IPhone OS. (n.d.). Retrieved May 24, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPhone_OS

9.Lane, B. A. (Writer), & Bowman, R. (Director). (1988, December 5). Elementary, dear Data [Television series episode]. In Star trek: The next generation.

10.LCARS - Memory alpha, the Star trek wiki. (n.d.). Retrieved May 24, 2010, from http://memory-alpha.org/wiki/LCARS

11.Speech recognition. (n.d.). Retrieved May 24, 2010, from