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| >> Philosophy April, 2001 Top |
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Advanced measurement technologies currently play an extremely important
role in the context of engineering intellect/knowledge. For example, researchers
concerned with brain science and specialists in medical treatments require
non-invasive methods for observing the cranial nerve cells of living beings.
Researchers in many advanced fields are working tirelessly to develop processes
with these capabilities, and at the same time to overcome existing barriers
to measurement. Examples include researchers in molecular biology; biomedical
engineers working in genetic engineering, the discovery, and the generation
of biological resources; and developers of new materials incorporating
ceramics, silicon and carbon systems, among other elements. Additional
examples include activities that revolutionize measuring capabilities in
the field of environmental sciences as well.
The need for breakthrough measurement technologies is an important element
of the "seeds" of research and development, since barriers to
measurement cannot be overcome without a deep understanding of the measurement
target. During this process, both engineering knowledge and scientific
knowledge are called into play. For examples, the basic ideas underlying
DNA sequencers and VLSI testers were originated by specialists in molecular
biology and semiconductor devices. On the other hand, if we are to break
down measurement barriers and develop new and practical measurement technologies,
we must also make use of advanced engineering intellect and scientific
knowledge in disciplines far removed from that of the measurement target.
These disciplines would include, for example, physics, chemistry, electronic
engineering, information technology, precision engineering, and biology.
In particular, it becomes necessary to map real-world scientific knowledge
and engineering knowledge, in the form of conventional knowledge, onto
the realm of information processing technology- the realm referred to as
"techno-informatics" - which has become inseparable from the
concept of measurement in the physical world. |
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