Google TechTalks examins human computation and how to achieve a better search engine by exploiting people to work for free through online video game addictions and technology.

Luis von Ahn is an assistant professor in the Computer Science Department at Carnegie Mellon University, where he also received his Ph.D. in 2005. Previously, Luis obtained a B.S. in mathematics from Duke University in 2000. He is the recipient of a Microsoft Research Fellowship.

ABSTRACT Tasks like image recognition are trivial for humans, but continue to challenge even the most sophisticated computer programs. This talk introduces a paradigm for utilizing human processing power to solve problems that computers cannot yet solve. Traditional approaches to solving such problems focus on improving software. I advocate a novel approach: constructively channel human brainpower using computer games. For example, the ESP Game, described in this talk, is an enjoyable online game — many people play over 40 hours a week — and when people play, they help label images on the Web with descriptive keywords. These keywords can be used to significantly improve the accuracy of image search. People play the game not because they want to help, but because they enjoy it.

I describe other examples of “games with a purpose”: Peekaboom, which helps determine the location of objects in images, and Verbosity, which collects common-sense knowledge. I also explain a general approach for constructing games with a purpose.

Helicopter crew catches a couple fornicating in the back of a convertible. Military technology at is best.

Your Tax Dollars at Work

Homeland Security Survielence

A quick demonstration of ct92404’s Tesla Coil, showing some of what you can do with 100,000 volts at high frequency!

It’s very true. NEVER re-enter your vehicle while gas is pumping. You will create static electricity that will ignite the gas in your car. This is a real incident caught on tape by a surveilance camera.

Pretty cool, looks very realistic! By Ron Fedkiw, Assistant Professor at Stanford Computer Science, whose research areas include computational fluid dynamics and computer graphics.

This is an educational film from 1983 describing a little bit of the history and tools of electronic music. The best thing about it is that it is behind the times for 1983, and seems more like a 1970s film. Frequently featured is a Moog modular! Also featured is a Fairlight, but as an analog obsessive. You’ll love this film if you love analog synthesizers, electronic music (historic, not electronica), or music geeks. : ) Lots of cool oscilloscope shots, primitive sequencers, etc.