[MURG] Re: X-Prize

[Sim Bamford]

Hi All,

The list went a bit quiet on this, so here's my first stab at a 
suggested prize. Comments welcome. Please feel free to use or 
adapt it if you think it's worthy.

Sincerely
Simeon Bamford

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Suggested Name of Challenge (i.e. WTN X PRIZE for ****)

Individual Simulation

Brief Description of Suggested Challenge (No more than 600 words 
please)

A volunteer is to be scanned or otherwise recorded from. The data 
gained is to be used to create an accurate computer simulation of 
the individual, which can run in real time.


Suggested Potential Rules

1) The scanning or recording technique must be safe, and must not 
affect the individual at a behavioural or cognitive level. This 
is to be demonstrated in animal trials.

2) A panel of judges will get to know the individual prior to 
scanning. They will then be able to cross examine the individual 
and the simulation by video link. They will not be able to guess 
which is the simulation.

3) The environment in which the simulated individual is placed 
may be modelled by any means. However it must be demonstrated 
that it is data from the scanning or recording procedure alone 
which is used to create the simulation of the individual.

4) In all experimental procedures of candidate organisations, the 
simulated individual to be treated ethically and afforded, to the 
greatest degree possible, human rights. All candidate 
organisations to place themselves under the authority of a group 
consisting of all candidate organisations regarding ethical 
procedures, in addition to any authorities which may also be 
deemed applicable.


Suggested Time Life of the Award (how long given to win?)

Indefinite - there are too many unknowns in the technologies that 
will need to be developed to make accurate guesses about the 
arrival of this ability.


How Many Companies to Compete?

As many as should choose to.


Suggested Prize Amount

Let this be determined by a market mechanism, see below.


Suggested Funding Mechanism (ideas for the best way and/or the 
sources to raise the
money to pay off the winner of the challenge competition)

I believe that many trusts and individuals will be willing to 
donate prize funds. This is primarily because the end result may 
be seen by many as having the potential to offer them a form of 
longevity.