For the first time in history, an IBM computer will be taking center stage on the well-known game show, Jeopardy.
Playing against two other phenomenal Jeopardy players, Brad Rutter and Ken Jennings, this supercomputer named Watson, will have to defeat the running champion to claim its title.
To be taped and aired in mid February, trivia watchers from around the globe will be glued to their televisions, to see if a computer can truly act human enough to compete, and be knowledgeable enough to win.
A computer with a personality? This lifelike computer screen changes color to depict different emotions. In altering its colors, it also expresses to the audience its certainty in answering questions.
It has to work as fast as the other contestants, in clicking its game show buzzer.
Within three seconds the computer has to check its systems to see if it has a possible answer, and click the buzzer immediately thereafter.
In person, audience members are saying it's "unbelievable to watch".
With a computer voice that answers questions, this computer is projecting a different type of personality than that of Jeopardy competitors that fans are immune to.
How does Watson do it? This IBM computer has an incredible number of algorithms it must use for clicking the buzzer, formulating answers and processing questions. It filters through these algorithms on every question, determining which are trustworthy, and which may apply to the question at hand.
Watson also comes complete with a dictionary, of which IBM creators do not believe assist the computer too much in the game of Jeopardy.
Watson is also connected to a selection of databases, which house all of the algorithms and information Watson is programmed to filter and understand.
These databases are not, in fact, hooked up to the internet, as Jeopardy ruling had deemed that 'cheating'. The databases are much like an IBM server, that connect formulas of information for Watson to scan.
Another great feature for the audience members on Jeopardy, is that Watson takes the three best possible answers and places them on its screen.
The audience can then travel the thought process of the computer, also, wondering which answer Watson will deem correct.
When a trial run competition was attempted, Watson answered one hundred percent of its questions correctly.
This also placed Watson in the lead, when practicing to compete.
Now, practice is one thing, but audience members, IBM team members and home viewers alike are excited to see what Watson can do in a real time competition.
Interviews by Watson's opponents and a few live shots of the supercomputer in action, can be found online.
Until the actual viewing of the game, viewers will just have to wait to see Watson in full-throttle action.
The expected view dates for the competition begin on Valentine's Day this year, and continue for the next two days thereafter. The winning pot for the champion - one million dollars.
If Watson wins, IBM has decided they will donate one hundred percent of the winnings to charity.
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