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Up: Example: A Simple Line
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In the case of the broken line segment, additional tools must be brought to bear on the problem.
The following algorithm demonstrates how to repair a line segment if it is known when and where the break occurs.
- 1.
- A broken segment is composed of two pieces. Materials know which end they are on, so they secrete the pheremone associated with their polarity.
- 2.
- Next, start a growing point at the processor which senses the greatest presence of the opposite polarity's pheremone.
- 3.
- Move in a direction ortho+ towards the opposite polarity and ortho- from own polarity.
- 4.
- Terminate when sensing an opposite polarity material.
Inspired by the DNA language, an alternate method of repair involves a peer pressure algorithm in which the materials themselves grow towards each other.
- 1.
- A broken segment is composed of 2 or more pieces. Each piece
creates a unique identifier based on the LONUM algorithm
[1].
- 2.
- Each piece secretes a pheremone with its label.
- 3.
- Unlabelled processors detect the presence of multiple pheremones dedifferentiate so they might be recruited as fresh material.
- 4.
- Dedifferentiated materials nearby labelled materials become labelled materials.
- 5.
- This continues until the broken ends meet.
Next: Example: A Growing Point
Up: Example: A Simple Line
Previous: Diagnosing a Disconnect
Jeremy Zucker
2000-06-10