Inexact processor chips "could" save energy!

[gunug]

Seemed like, back in high school Algebra, Trig & Calculus I would sometimes come up with an answer that was "in the ballpark" but far from a line drive.  Seems like some people a Rice University would like this to be a result that computer processors could achieve:

QUOTE

"Computer scientists have unveiled a computer chip that turns traditional thinking about mathematical accuracy on its head by fudging calculations.

The Rice University researchers say their “inexact” chip could be useful because it uses dramatically less power than conventional accurate processors.

The scientists claim the prototypes unveiled are 15 times more efficient because they allow occasional errors and could be used in some applications without having a negative effect.

The concept works by allowing processing components — such as hardware for adding and multiplying numbers — to make a few mistakes, which means they are not working as hard so use less power and get through tasks more quickly."

http://www.pcpro.co.uk/news/374725/inexact...dging-the-maths

[Xairbusdriver]

Yep, if the bomb is big enough, you don't have to exactly hit the target... Sometimes "close enough" is... umm... close enough. Not even the IRS cares about pennies. Other times, it might be best to have a very accurate number... as in my paycheck!

[Paddy]

Somehow, this just doesn't seem like a good idea....

[Xairbusdriver]

QUOTE

Somehow, this just doesn't seem like a good idea....

And that just proves the value! A stickler for accuracy would have made a definitive response such as, "This is the most idiotic idea I've can image!"

I can only assume that the idea comes from the "fuzzy logic" (or cost basis analysis) becoming more relevant in so many areas. For example; the cost of the new regulations will be several hundred million dollars over ten years as opposed to the cost of only a few tens of millions for a fatal accident which might only occur once every two years.

OTOH, how close does the GPS plot have to be to get you to the restaurant? Maybe more accuracy would be better for finding a stored cache of food in a wilderness... or determining the positions of two aircraft approaching each other in the clouds...