Unique father problem
| Unique father problem | ||
| ||
| View static image | ||
| Pattern type | Problem | |
|---|---|---|
| Static symmetry | Unspecified | |
| Discovered by | Unknown | |
| Year of discovery | Unknown | |
The unique father problem is the following question, posed by John Conway in 1972 in Lifeline Volume 6 with an associated $50 cash prize,[1] along with the grandfather problem:
- Is there a stable configuration whose only father is itself (with some fading junk some distance away not being counted)?
The problem remains open as of January 2022, although an infinite 6×3 pattern was found on December 31, 2021 that qualifies. [2]
Also see
References
- ↑ Robert Wainwright (October 1972). Lifeline, vol 6, p. 1.
- ↑ Ilkka Törmä (January 2, 2022). Re: Unproven conjectures (discussion thread) at the ConwayLife.com forums