KINEMATIC AND TESSELLATION MODELS OF SELF-REPAIR
Abstract
The concept of self-repair is studied in terms of automata theory. Different classes of automata (systems), like well-localized and non-welllocalized automata, are considered. The parts (components) of the automata are uniformly exposed to errors. It is shown that if an automaton of a certain class has a life-span, not exceeded by any other automaton of the class, then it must contain a repairing mechanism. Such automata can be said to be self-repairing with respect to the class. A definition of selfrepair is suggested. It is found that a selfrepairing system, which is well-localized with respect to its inputs and outputs, has a finite life-span. This corresponds to the finite lifespan we observe in nature for any animal or for any well-localized machine. On the other hand, if we relax the condition that the automaton be well-localized, then infinite life-spans can be obtained. Such automata have also self-reproducing properties and we obtain here a connection between the concepts of self-repair and selfreproduction. These self-repairing automata are in a way similar to growing biological societies with loosely specified internal structures. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0269547
Entities
People
- Lars Lofgren
Organizations
- University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign