TABLE OF CONTENTS Level: 2
Definition: Computer software programs designed to perform autonomously and with a high degree of built-in flexibility. The degree of intelligence varies with the complexity or sophistication of the software. Agents are typically designed as tasking programs, and the sophistication of the software determines the extent or types of tasks the particular agent is able to perform. IAs may be created to perform specific functions or actions such as locating products according to specified criteria, or even make certain types of decisions without human involvement. Agents may operate proactively to initiate a specific communication or transaction or reactively to respond to external events and conditions. Certain agents are able to learn from user behaviors, and update their own knowledge base to accommodate this behavior style. (See also AI, Bot, ALICE, and Smart Home.)
Level: 3
Definition: Refers to a digital audio broadcasting system where digital radio signals are transmitted over the same frequency band as analog AM or FM radio, but employing a separate modulated digital signal. Digital information is piggybacked on a normal AM or FM analog signal (using a subcarrier), thus avoiding any complicated extra frequency assignments. IBOC has now been widely deployed throughout the United States. (See also HDC and SDARS.)
Level: 2
Definition: An integrated electronic circuit, often called a chip, that performs single or multiple functions on a silicon wafer. (See also Chip, Chip Set, and...
