ALICE stands for Autonomous Logical Intelligence and Consciousness Emulation.
The software is an adaptive control system, designed to simulate human interaction and decision making processes and was invented on Earth by the Tatsuo Kobayashi. Its primary use is as a semi-aware computer operating system. The software is not sentient and does not have personality in the traditional sense but does develop over time using a dynamic interaction protocol which does make the computer seem to have a personality of its own. The software sits on top of an abstraction layer that can be adapted to any computer system allowing autonomous control.
Control Interface
The basic control interface is a 3D holographic interface projected in short range from the control surface and provides a manipulatable surface for users to control. The system is adaptive and can be pictorial with iconography denoting functions or pure command-line driven with any level of function in-between. The default is a mix of the two with clean lines and very little skeuomorphism, using multiple interface layers to facilitate multitasking. An immersive 3D environment can also be used to bring the user into a virtual world which denotes system function, this is most often used completely mentally using a Headjack or other neural interface or it can be done with the use of a holodeck. Engineers will use this immersive system often for diagnostic purposes and it allows for maximum display of complex information.
Sentience
Although ALICE software is not truly self aware or conscious, it can perform complex activities with advanced decision making but it cannot choose to work independently outside of its programmed responses. The programmed system is incapable of true intelligence or advanced problem solving outside of its explicit programming, it is adaptive and can learn new tasks over time. It can appear to be somewhat self aware but the system is designed to not be complex enough to attain sentience.
Interactive Voice Interface
An interactive voice interface is available, though is seldom used without direct cause. The system and project a humanoid form within established interface templates. The main purpose of this is to provide a workable interface for someone unable to use the standard control interface. This includes emergency situations or situations of infirmity, where the user is physically incapable of getting to the controls. The system will respond to any name it is given, the most universal name is simply Computer though it accepts Alice and Alec by default.
Language
Language and response profiles for core Federation cultures as well as diplomatic profiles for interaction with some non-Federation cultures are availible to allow easy interaction with other races as well. This includes generic template images, accents, and common vernacular.
Gender
Male templates will respond to Alice, but also add the name Alec to allow for easier interaction for gender sensitivity.
Remote Terminals
Remote systems such as the Vertex Scanner, Solas Tempus Communicator, and even a SPERO can access the ALICE interface of remote systems. Each of these decides uses the ALICE Interface standard as well, but as the systems are linked via BlueNet each terminal can act as a remote interface for any other terminal. The usual linkage of this is for a Vertex Scanner, Communicator, or SPERO to relay commands to a fixed terminal. It does not have to be this way though, and the reverse is also possible.