Mercury Computer Systems
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Computer Cores
- Number of computer cores: Three.
The primary computer core is accessed in the control room on Deck 13 in amidships for maximum protection. It covers five decks and extends from Deck 9 to Deck 13. The Auxiliary core is located on Deck 16 and extends down to Deck 18, covering three decks. It is fed by two sets of redundant EPS conduits as well as primary power. The third computer core is an autonomous system designed to process information gathered from the enhanced sensor arrays. It functions as a subsystem that is connected to the primary core, and enables the sensor arrays to function at maximum capacity without seriously compromising the other routine functions of the starship. In a situation where the primary core goes offline, the Oracle array can be connecting to the auxiliary system, although this is not recommended, as it is less well able to handle the additional sensor information. The Oracle computer core is accessed on Deck 28, and extends from Deck 26 to Deck 28.
- Type: Isolinear computer system with integrated bio-neural gel-packs.
As the data gathered by Oracle-class vessels consumes much of the usually redundant storage that would be found on other starships, the computer core has been designed to upload information at speed and in compressed form when docked at a starbase in order to maintain free space for the future gathering of information.
LCARS
Acronym for Library Computer Access and Retrieval System, the common user interface of 24th century computer systems, based on verbal and graphically enhanced keyboard/display input and output. The graphical interface adapts to the task which is supposed to be performed, allowing for maximum ease-of-use. The Oracle Class operates on LCARS build version 5.3 to account for increases in processor speed and power, and increased security.
Security Levels
Access to all Starfleet data is highly regulated. A standard set of access levels have been programmed into the computer cores of all ships in order to stop any undesired access to confidential data. Security levels are also variable, and task-specific. Certain areas of the ship are restricted to unauthorized personnel, regardless of security level. Security levels can also be raised, lowered, or revoked by Command personnel. Security levels in use aboard an Oracle Class are:
- Level 10 – Captain and Above
- Level 9 – First Officer
- Level 8 - Commander
- Level 7 – Lt. Commander
- Level 6 – Lieutenant
- Level 5 – Lt. Junior Grade
- Level 4 - Ensign
- Level 3 – Non-Commissioned Crew
- Level 2 – Civilian Personnel
- Level 1 – Open Access (Read Only)
Note: Security Levels beyond current rank can and are bestowed where, when and to whom they are necessary. The main computer grants access based on a battery of checks to the individual user, including face and voice recognition in conjunction with a vocal code as an added level of security.
Universal Translator
All Starfleet vessels make use of a computer program called a Universal Translator that is employed for communication among persons who speak different languages. It performs a pattern analysis of an unknown language based on a variety of criteria to create a translation matrix. The translator is built in the Starfleet badge and small receivers are implanted in the ear canal. The Universal Translator matrix aboard an Oracle Class starship typically consists of well over 100,000 languages and increases with every new encounter.