Harnessing the Gaming Instinct to Improve the Internet

Human Computation

Google TechTalks July 26, 2006 – with Luis von Ahn, assistant professor in the Computer Science Department at Carnegie Mellon University

From the 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.

This video runs about 52 minutes but is fascinating; I started watching and couldn’t look away. It is a real glimpse into a whole other level of computer/human interaction. Basically he is harnessing gamers to do input and categorization (tagging) where computers fail. Is the Matrix that far behind? Watch and find out.

Video located courtesy of blog Now.