GODDEN%gmr.com@RELAY.CS.NET (11/05/86)
As regards the banning of research on machine vision (or any technical field) because of the possible end uses of such technology in "mass murder machines", I should like to make one relevant distinction. The immediate purpose of the research as indicated in the grant proposal or as implied by the source of funding is of the utmost importance. If I were to do research on vision for the auto industry and published my results which some military type then schlepped for use in a satellite to zap civilians, I would not feel ANY responsibility if the satellite ever got used. On the other hand, if I worked for a defense contractor doing the same research, I certainly would bear some responsibility for its end use. -Kurt Godden godden@gmr.com