On Tue, 9 Apr 2002, Tim May wrote: > Physics-wise, it's a jiveass fantasy. No way are there "micro-strips" > readable from a distance in today's currency, and very likely not in the > next 20 years. (I don't dispute that a careful lab setup could maybe > read a note at a few meters, in a properly-shielded environment, without > any shieding between note and detectors, and with enough time and > tuning. But a wad of bills, folded, stuffed, and with little time to > make the detection...an altogether different kettle of fish.) > > Further, placing the notes in a simple aluminum foil pouch, or a wallet > with equivalent lining, would cut any detectable signals by maybe 30-50 > dB.
That solves the theives problem :-) And you wouldn't need a wad, that's the whole point. You'd just need 1. It could transfer money just like a smart card. But I'll grant it's science fiction at this point. Maybe a smart card that has the weight of a gold coin with some thickness to it would work better. For the filthy rich, make the outside real gold! The rest of us can use brass. I still think the basic problem is simple - how do you trust the bits? If the actual computations are done inside a secure box, most people will trust it. There will always be people who try to beat the system, but it'll take a lot of technology, and they'll do it often enough to get caught (most theives simply don't want to pass up a good deal when they invent one :-) The actual structure of the box doesn't matter - a floppy cloth bill or thick coin is still a computer. Who makes and distributes it is what matters. Patience, persistence, truth, Dr. mike
