Information-processing capabilities of chemical reaction–diffusion systems. 2: Finding paths in a labyrinth based on reaction–diffusion media

✍ Scribed by N. G. Rambidi; D. Yakovenchuk

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1999
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 350 KB
• Volume: 9
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1616-301X
• DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1099-0712(199901/02)9:1<27::aid-amo363>3.0.co;2-e

✦ Synopsis

A technique for finding the optimal path in a labyrinth based on wave processes in reaction-diffusion media is elaborated. Three principle points were assumed as a basis for this technique: (i) a hybrid architecture that combines an information-processing reaction-diffusion medium which performs operations of high computational complexity with a digital computer carrying out supplementary image-processing operations; (ii) light-sensitive information-processing media of Belousov-Zhabotinsky type that enable one to simulate the labyrinth and spreading wave evolution by their images stored in the medium and to reduce the problem to image-processing operations; (iii) fast lightinduced phase wave processes that spread through the labyrinth in several seconds instead of hours typical for trigger waves. Modern materials for the implementation of reaction-diffusion processes and a contemporary computer-controlled optical system were used to obtain experimental data good enough for further processing by digital means. These techniques together with the additional procedure for testing for labyrinth fragment connectedness gave the opportunity to elaborate an effective 'hardware' system capable of finding paths in a labyrinth. A 'hardware' system that would be capable of solving the problem was designed.