karakots@apple.com (Ken Karakotsios) (06/08/90)
CASim The Cellular Automata Simulator for the Macintosh II is now available! CASim is tool for exploring Art, Simulation, and Artificial Life through cellular automata. A cellular automata (CA) is an array of cells, in which each cell computes a new state for itself at each tick of an imaginary clock. The new state of a cell is based on its current state, the neighboring cells' current states, and an algorithm (rule) defined for the array. With CASim you can run predefined rules, or create your own rules through a "point & click" interface. CAs can create organized, colorful patterns out of randomness. These patterns evolve and change in complex ways over time. Many rules can be used to model physical phenomena. Experimenting with different "starting patterns" can lead to the design of oscillators, gliders, and self-reproducing structures (artificial life). CASim has built in rules which model diffusion, fractals, ecosystems, two-dimensional Turing machines, disease spread, cyclical chemical reactions, heat flow, and of course the famous "Life" rule, along with many variations on Life. CASim runs in 256 (or less) colors on any Macintosh II, and has many useful tools for exploring "CA space". These tools allow you to: o control the color palette o save and restore rule files, image files, and animation files o record to "data log" files information on the populations of cells in various states o draw images into the cell array o randomize cells periodically o change cell size o change cell array size CASim also comes with a 100+ page manual which describes how to use the software, and provides background on the theory, history, and applications of cellular automata. If you would like more information on CASim, send e-mail to karakots@apple.com To order CASim, send a check for $29.95 to Ken Karakotsios 1272 Copper Peak Lane San Jose, CA, 95120 Ken Karakotsios karakots@apple.com (408)-974-1942