LCARS
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In the Star Trek fictional universe, LCARS (an acronym for Library Computer Access and Retrieval System, pronounced /ɛl karz/), is a fictional computer operating system depicted in the Star Trek television series and motion pictures. Within Star Trek chronology, the term was first used in Star Trek: The Next Generation and in subsequent shows. In a real-world context, the term "LCARS" is frequently used to describe the style of the computer displays of the LCARS system, especially the screens from The Next Generation. The term Okudagram, named for Michael Okuda, the designer of the graphics, is also used to refer to this style. The design is popular among Star Trek fansites.
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[edit] Production
The LCARS GUI was designed by scenic art supervisor and technical consultant Michael Okuda. The original design concept was influenced by a request from Gene Roddenberry that the instrument panels not have a great deal of activity on them. This minimalized look was designed to give a sense that the technology was much more advanced than in the original Star Trek. The early display panels were made out of colored Plexiglas with light behind them. This can produce complex looking displays cheaply. As the show progressed there was more use of animations. Most of the animations seen on the show are displayed on video equipment built into the sets.[citation needed]
[edit] Real life
There have been a number of attempts at emulating the look and feel of LCARS on existing hardware and software platforms, though few are dedicated systems such as the fictional LCARS platform.
The LCARS interface has been echoed on countless websites with their own individual schemes and shape sets. However, the LCARS Standards Development Board (LCARS SDB) has set out to create a unified theme and colour set that can be downloaded and used on websites and client side applications. The LCARS SDB has existed since January 2003 and currently covers colors and components. Other suggested standards are Layout, Sounds, Animation, and Font.
Trekker Reactor is an example of LCARS web implementation with the newer, blue LCARS design that was introduced in Star Trek Nemesis. The color scheme is stated in the web site's database as well as simple design tips. Trekker Reactor also features original LCARS sounds.
One attempt at making a usable and practical LCARS environment for existing hardware is the LCARS 24 project by Bill Morris. The project currently exists on top of an existing operating system such as FreeDOS or FreeDOS32 and is a viable alternative to shell emulators. The platform comes with a set of games, utilities, and other enhancements that provide functionality similar to earlier Windows and Mac versions.
Another LCARS implementation has been done in the free German DOS based operating system DESKWORK, which shows a user interface very similar to the "Okudagrams" (screenshots) and uses an own metadata-based file system called LCARS.
In an attempt to bridge the gap between the LCARS system and the communicator and tricorder - an LCARS theme was designed for the portable Nokia N800 / N810.
[edit] References
- Star Trek: The Magazine, Issue 7, November 1999
