Random Explorations in Automata Theory Gary J. Shannon Created: Mar. 2, 2003 Last updated: Mar. 25, 2003

Random Explorations in Automata Theory

This set of pages represents my informal and decidely non-academic explorations with cellular automata and matrix automata over a number of years.  These pages are perpetually under construction so check back frequently for new additions.

There is no particular order in which to view the pages.  Each one stands alone, more or less, and clickable links are provided that will launch you into related topics as well as providing definitions and more detailed examples.

Please feel free to email me with any comments, criticisms or suggestions.

Thanks, and enjoy.

--Gary J. Shannon

Where to begin?

Since all the pages are linked together no matter where you start you will be able to reach every other page eventually so you might just start with the definitions and go from there.

Or if you already know what you're looking for here's an alphabetical list of the pages that have been completed so far:

Prioritized Predicate Rules: A Novel Way to Specify Rules

Bug Wars: Using PPR rules to simulate bug colonies at war

Exploring Self Organization and Autocatalysis in a Cellular Automaton

Clocks: Synchronous, Asynchronous, Phase-Synchronous, Sequential and More

Spin States: A Generalization of the Margolus Neighborhood

Matrix Automata: Exploring Alternate Spaces

Building Logic Gates with a Pipline CA

Bead Runner: Building Logic Gates

Logic Gates: Adding a Dimension

Reversibility, Absolute and Functional

Some Assorted Pipeline Logic Gates

Some Definitions

Tubular and Tubular Toroidal Automata

Space Filling Grids

== UNDER CONSTRUCTION. Much more coming soon ==