A new model of understanding emotions in humans published today lends itself well to creating realistic emotions for use in computer software, online applications, and even future robots. The new model, based on a system of cognitive attachment mapping and emotions algorithms processing, is supported by existing emotions research pulled from peer reviewed journals, and provides a logical basis for explaining emotions, which means programmers will soon be able to replicate it for use in computing devices.
Cognitive attachment mapping is a method of explaining how a person's ˜self' can be modeled by plotting the numerous mental attachments to ideas that make us individuals, and from which our emotions are based. The model, explained in the book
œHow Emotions Work; In Humans and Computers ($6.99 at Amazon.com) by emotions researcher Sean Webb, references numerous studies and experiments, including two very recent experiments in marketing psychology regarding brand attachments performed separately at the the a University of Illinois, and Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern in 2012.
œWe're not sure if this model will be able to be used to create a genuine artificial sentience like Data on Star Trek, but we're confident it's solid enough for programmers to create simulated personalities that will seem human and pass the Turing test, stated Sean Webb, the author of the book. The Turing test is a test of a machine's ability to exhibit intelligent behavior equivalent to, or indistinguishable from, that of an actual human.
So will robots and human cyborgs like the ones presented in movies like Blade Runner soon be a reality? œWe don't know, replied Webb. œThat will be up to developers. We are just presenting the model. Personally, I'd like to see interactive applications that can provide virtual companionship for elderly people, or that can help troubled teens before they hurt themselves or others.
The new book that explains the model, out today, is immediately available on Amazon.com, and will soon be available on iTunes and at Audible. It also explains how websites will soon understand emotions in their users, which could be very useful in targeted advertising placement science.
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