Using Computer Power to Create New Academic Disciplines and Technologies
20th Anniversary
Sony Computer Science Laboratories, Inc.
|
|
|
|
Searching for ideal cooperative relationships between people, the real world, and networks.
Aiming to understand the truth about mankind and life itself using computer power.
At the Sony Computer Science Laboratories (Sony CSL),
top class researchers from Japan and around the world work on original research
in an environment that respects freedom and independence of thought.
While working on research themes that span a wide range of areas,
these researchers stimulate each other
while aiming to contribute to a truly international society.
This year, CSL marks the 20th anniversary of its establishment.
This article presents events that celebrate that establishment
and a roundtable discussion on CSL’s past, present, and future. |
 Sony Computer Science Laboratories, Inc.
Established in 1988 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation
Purpose
To contribute to humanity, society, and Sony through fundamental yet applicable
research related to computers.
Principles
● Small, elite group (under 30 researchers)
● Research proceeds at the individual discretion of the researcher
● Interaction with related external researchers
● Unique hiring process (candidates make a presentations to all CSL
researchers)
● Yearly contract (renewable), salaries determined annually
Results
● CSL has produced many technology transfers to the Sony Group. These
include an object-oriented OS used in entertainment robots, the “POBox”*1
predictive input function for cellular phones, and “PlaceEngine”*2, which is
included in the Sony Computer Entertainment PSP® *3
● Active joint research and personnel exchanges with Sony Corporation itself
● Creating and leading new academic fields such as systems biology, systems
brain research, and econophysics
|
*1: POBox: Text entry assistance software developed by
Sony Computer Science Laboratories, Inc. POBox
predicts and displays the remaining parts of words
based on the part entered, word frequency, and the
user's previous input history.
“POBox” is a registered trademark of Sony
Corporation.
*2: PlaceEngine: Technology that can measure, in
real time, the current position of WiFi equipment.
This technology can determine the position of
equipment even in locations where GPS is not
available. “PlaceEngine” is a registered trademark of
Koozyt, Inc. This technology was developed by Sony
Computer Science Laboratories, Inc. and is licensed
by Koozyt, Inc.
*3: “PSP” and “PLAYSTATION3” are registered
trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc.
|
|
Vol.54
