I would argue its better explained by ai being able to.infer who is meant even if more than one person has that name. Whichnisnpretty trivial to do well.
I dont tbink it would go like that st all. It woukd assume you mean whatever smith you interact with the most unless your working on something that would strongly imply a specific smith. If you want someone other than your closest colleague by that name youd include a first name.
@freemo @allstartrek I may have been joking. I'm pretty sure the cause is that the writers didn't want to have to deal with the issue. 😂
I suspect thw thought crossed their mind, it is prpbably even explained in one of the official technical manuals.
@freemo @allstartrek That's true! Maybe they'll do an episode on it like the one that explains why all the aliens are basically humans with things stuck to their faces. 😂
Made perfect sense to me ;) lolol
Think of it another way if we the viewers can infer from a single name who thry are referimg to ao could an advanced ai that sees and hears all
@freemo @allstartrek
Computer: "Specify, Smith"
Captain: (Sighs) *Lieutenant* Smith
Computer: "Specify, Lieutenant Smith"
Captain: "Dammit, Lieutenant Steven Smith"
Computer: "There is no Lieutenant Dammit Smith on the crew manifest."
Can you imagine the first week at Starfleet Academy? Or a starship with a disproportionately Welsh crew so there are like ten each called Williams or Jones?