Proposal
Preamble
This proposal presents ideas I have proposed in response to other suggestions over the last few months. The approach is not unique - it may be familiar to players of certain table-top SciFi RPGs. Nonetheless this approach fits within the framework used to define Elite ships.
Computer Modules
Computer Modules are internal ship components which are characterised by class (size, 1+) and rating (A+), along with the following derived properties:
A Ship should be limited to a maximum of one Computer module. While in RL Computers can be clustered together, lets not indulge this complication for now.
Programs
Loadable Programs are packages which are separately purchasable (or findable?), they have unique "Type" or function, and in keeping with Elite descriptions will have a class (size 0+) and rating (A+). There may be several versions of a "Function" with different classes and ratings.
A Pilot may own a limited number of programs in their database - irrespective of the size of the individual items - but only one of a given "Type". These are presented in a manifest in the right-hand-panel, and can be loaded/unloaded from the Computer upto the Computer's Capacity.
A Program requires a Computer of equal or greater rating to run it - 'A' requires 'A', 'B' requires 'A' or 'B', etc.
A Program's effect on the Ship is a function of its Rating, and the Rating of other Ship's systems it may use - which may or may not include the Computer itself.
Types of Programs
To get started, here are a few Types of Programs which could be available, starting with a couple that triggered this proposal:
Programs are an Extension Point
I will just highlight this as a cause célèbre. In RL software design extension points are desirable. New features and gameplay could be introduced through programs (ship behavioural changes) which may have a lower development cost than a module? (Really depends on how Elite has been engineered though...).
And Finally...
We know that your ship in Elite already has a "ship's computer" built in, running all sorts of systems and programmes as provided by the manufacturer or your friendly Engineer. We also know that the power/size ratio of computers in RL is rapidly increasing, and it is hard to limit our conception of what this technology will be like in a thousand years - assuming civilisation does not collapse (again).
So it is a valid argument that if a super computer can fit on a pin head, what are these multi-tonne (?) modules doing? We have the same argument over the way the Sensor Modules scale with the ship while their capabilities remain constant. I can only presume that the super computers of the 3300s are the super computers of the 1960s - may be its a fashion thing?
- That there is a new component type, the "Computer Module", which serves to augment a ships capabilities and provide a new expansion point for features and capabilities.
- That a "Computer Module" can host some number of "Programs" which perform functions for the Pilot and Vessel.
- That "Programs" performance and capabilities may be governed by the rating of the Computer they are running on, and by the rating of other Ship Systems which they can use as peripherals.
- That a new interface is added to the Right-hand panel to manage Programs - enable/disable upto the limit of the Ship's Computer, and stored upto a total limit in number.
- That some existing ship modules could be replaced by Programs operating in conjunction with other relevant ship's systems.
Preamble
This proposal presents ideas I have proposed in response to other suggestions over the last few months. The approach is not unique - it may be familiar to players of certain table-top SciFi RPGs. Nonetheless this approach fits within the framework used to define Elite ships.
Computer Modules
Computer Modules are internal ship components which are characterised by class (size, 1+) and rating (A+), along with the following derived properties:
- Power Draw - as with most other ship components.
- Mass - as with most other ship components.
- Capacity - the number of programs which can be loaded.
- Speed - the processing power that can be used by the programs.
A Ship should be limited to a maximum of one Computer module. While in RL Computers can be clustered together, lets not indulge this complication for now.
Programs
Loadable Programs are packages which are separately purchasable (or findable?), they have unique "Type" or function, and in keeping with Elite descriptions will have a class (size 0+) and rating (A+). There may be several versions of a "Function" with different classes and ratings.
A Pilot may own a limited number of programs in their database - irrespective of the size of the individual items - but only one of a given "Type". These are presented in a manifest in the right-hand-panel, and can be loaded/unloaded from the Computer upto the Computer's Capacity.
A Program requires a Computer of equal or greater rating to run it - 'A' requires 'A', 'B' requires 'A' or 'B', etc.
A Program's effect on the Ship is a function of its Rating, and the Rating of other Ship's systems it may use - which may or may not include the Computer itself.
Types of Programs
To get started, here are a few Types of Programs which could be available, starting with a couple that triggered this proposal:
- Discovery Scanner and Surface Scanner Functions - Replacing the dedicated modules for these functions; these programs make heavy use of the Ships Sensors and possibly FSD.
- Limpet Controllers - Again replacing dedicated modules and using the Ship's Sensors.
- Entertainment Package - Works in conjunction with Passenger Modules to make the
cargopassengers happer. Could even raise some funds if it supports gambling... - Antivirus Package - If we can find programs somehow (beacons?) then we can find viruses, [alien] alien viruses, that will steal our women! :O
- Cyber Warfare Package - So how good is your antivirus package anyway?...
- Advanced Targetting - Mak Gun Shoot Gud.
- Decryption Software - So what is in those encrypted data messages?
Programs are an Extension Point
I will just highlight this as a cause célèbre. In RL software design extension points are desirable. New features and gameplay could be introduced through programs (ship behavioural changes) which may have a lower development cost than a module? (Really depends on how Elite has been engineered though...).
And Finally...
We know that your ship in Elite already has a "ship's computer" built in, running all sorts of systems and programmes as provided by the manufacturer or your friendly Engineer. We also know that the power/size ratio of computers in RL is rapidly increasing, and it is hard to limit our conception of what this technology will be like in a thousand years - assuming civilisation does not collapse (again).
So it is a valid argument that if a super computer can fit on a pin head, what are these multi-tonne (?) modules doing? We have the same argument over the way the Sensor Modules scale with the ship while their capabilities remain constant. I can only presume that the super computers of the 3300s are the super computers of the 1960s - may be its a fashion thing?
