An odd-rule cellular automaton (CA) is defined by specifying a neighborhood for each cell, with the rule that a cell turns ON if it is in the neighborhood of an odd number of ON cells at the previous generation, and otherwise turns OFF. We classify a
ll the odd-rule CAs defined by neighborhoods which are subsets of a 3 X 3 grid of square cells. There are 86 different CAs modulo trivial symmetries. When we consider only the different sequences giving the number of ON cells after n generations, the number drops to 48, two of which are the Moore and von Neumann CAs. This classification is carried out by using the meta-algorithm described in an earlier paper to derive the generating functions for the 86 sequences, and then removing duplicates. The fastest-growing of these CAs is neither the Fredkin nor von Neumann neighborhood, but instead is one defined by Odd-rule 365, which turns ON almost 75% of all possible cells.
If a cellular automaton (CA) is started with a single ON cell, how many cells will be ON after n generations? For certain odd-rule CAs, including Rule 150, Rule 614, and Fredkins Replicator, the answer can be found by using the combination of a new t
ransformation of sequences, the run length transform, and some delicate scissor cuts. Several other CAs are also discussed, although the analysis becomes more difficult as the patterns become more intricate.
Define a sequence of positive integers by the rule that a(n) = n for 1 <= n <= 3, and for n >= 4, a(n) is the smallest number not already in the sequence which has a common factor with a(n-2) and is relatively prime to a(n-1). We show that this is a
permutation of the positive integers. The remarkable graph of this sequence consists of runs of alternating even and odd numbers, interrupted by small downward spikes followed by large upward spikes, suggesting the eruption of geysers in Yellowstone National Park. On a larger scale the points appear to lie on infinitely many distinct curves. There are several unanswered questions concerning the locations of these spikes and the equations for these curves.
