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Emergence 2009: 1D Cellular Automaton Variant IV

Emergence

Biology 361 = Computer Science 361
Bryn Mawr College, Spring 2009

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Download/view: Rule61_103 .nlogo

WHAT IS IT?

This model shows the relationship between Elementary 1D Cellular Automata Rules 61 and 103.

HOW IT WORKS

The model begins with a single green cell. Based on the color of the cell and its two nearest neighboring cells, the next row of cells is turned either black or green, accoring to the rules characteristic of Cellular Automata #61 or #103, as indicated by a switch.

HOW TO USE IT

The SETUP button creates one green patch in the first row. The GO button creates the next row of cells based on the state of the previous row of cells and the rules of the cellular automata. The GO-FOREVER button repeats the GO procedure continuously. The SELECTROW slider allows you to select a certain row of cells. The SETUP-CONTINUE button copies the selected row to the top and runs the model from that row onward.

THINGS TO NOTICE

If run continuously, the pattern continues in the same direction (either southwest or southeast, depending on the switch) and wraps horizontally.

THINGS TO TRY

Once you've seen the difference between the two rules, try alternating the rules in between runs by hitting "go", waiting for the program to stop, hitting "setup-continue", changing the position of the "mirror?" switch, and then hitting "go" again. Try this over again a few times and watch what happens to the patters. Alternately, lower the speed using the slider at the top and change the position of the "mirror?" switch as many times as desired while the program is running. How does this change the pattern?

EXTENDING THE MODEL

In the Procedures tab, try changing the rules to mimic any of the other Cellular Automata rules. Then try running the program and alternating rules between each run as suggested above to see how the outcome of one rule can influence the outcome of another.

Models created using NetLogo.