The measurement of information

Abstract This paper views information as a residual or catalytic form of energy which regulates other forms of energy in natural and artificial systems. Accordingly, attempts can be made to measure information directly or indirectly through the use of conventional energy equations. Information can be measured in terms of a basic unit, I (a set consisting of one or more algorithms and heuristics plus data) which when implemented results in work equivalent to one joule of energy. The joule, an international system (SI) unit, can be translated into other standard units of energy. The impact of information use on energy expenditure or conservation can be measured by contrasting an informed system's energy effectiveness and efficiency with that of the same or an identical uninformed system, holding other factors equal. Likewise, the value of information can be measured through the use of conventional money or time units. Future research could address the two broad areas of (1) parallel algorithmic and heuristic processing, both human and computer, at different levels of complexity, and (2) development of a matrix or “periodic table” classification to represent with SI units the diverse kinds of information elements and groups. Conventional energy equations could support the derivation of new or more refined information measures. Case data could be developed to represent instances whereby intelligent systems substitute information-intensive behavior for energy-, capital- or time-intensive behavior. Ultimately, such case data could provide a basis for statistical inferences or mathematical deductions relevant to extensive development of information and software metrics.