Problem: Difference between revisions
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added spiral-growth link to solvable problem section |
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* '''Periods:''' Do oscillators, spaceships, guns or puffers exist of a particular period? | * '''Periods:''' Do oscillators, spaceships, guns or puffers exist of a particular period? | ||
* '''Unusual-growth patterns:''' What is the long-term effect of a predefined pattern? For example, it is unknown whether the [[Fermat prime calculator]] grows indefinitely. | * '''Unusual-growth patterns:''' What is the long-term effect of a predefined pattern? For example, it is unknown whether the [[Fermat prime calculator]] grows indefinitely. | ||
* '''Solvable problems:''' Some problems are known to have a solution, but as yet no pattern has been built. For instance, no | * '''Solvable problems:''' Some problems are known to have a solution, but as yet no pattern has been built. For instance, no spiral-growth pattern has been built to date, but a [http://conwaylife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1260#p10049 workable blueprint] is available, and no new technical problems would have to be overcome to complete the construction. | ||
* '''Construction and destruction problems:''' These include finding the smallest [[Garden of Eden]], building a stable eater that can absorb any single glider aimed at it, determining whether a particular object has a [[glider synthesis]], or discovering an unstoppable-growth pattern. | * '''Construction and destruction problems:''' These include finding the smallest [[Garden of Eden]], building a stable eater that can absorb any single glider aimed at it, determining whether a particular object has a [[glider synthesis]], or discovering an unstoppable-growth pattern. | ||
* '''Spatial minimisation problems:''' Find an object that satisfies some criterion that fits within a certain bounding box. Examples include Dave Greene's prize for a small [[stable reflector]]. | * '''Spatial minimisation problems:''' Find an object that satisfies some criterion that fits within a certain bounding box. Examples include Dave Greene's prize for a small [[stable reflector]]. | ||
* '''Temporal minimisation problems:''' As above, but concentrating on speed rather than size. | * '''Temporal minimisation problems:''' As above, but concentrating on speed rather than size. | ||
Revision as of 21:02, 24 February 2014
An open problem is a problem for which no solution has been found. An example is 'Do oscillators of all periods exist?'
Unsolved problems can be subdivided into several basic categories:
- Periods: Do oscillators, spaceships, guns or puffers exist of a particular period?
- Unusual-growth patterns: What is the long-term effect of a predefined pattern? For example, it is unknown whether the Fermat prime calculator grows indefinitely.
- Solvable problems: Some problems are known to have a solution, but as yet no pattern has been built. For instance, no spiral-growth pattern has been built to date, but a workable blueprint is available, and no new technical problems would have to be overcome to complete the construction.
- Construction and destruction problems: These include finding the smallest Garden of Eden, building a stable eater that can absorb any single glider aimed at it, determining whether a particular object has a glider synthesis, or discovering an unstoppable-growth pattern.
- Spatial minimisation problems: Find an object that satisfies some criterion that fits within a certain bounding box. Examples include Dave Greene's prize for a small stable reflector.
- Temporal minimisation problems: As above, but concentrating on speed rather than size.