PATTERN GENERATOR
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(2) |
| ID | ◀ 2493 ▶ |
| Object type | Methodology or model |
J. COLLINS writes: “Scientists believe that insect locomotion is controlled by a network of nerve cells called a central pattern generator (Template:Ency entity), which produces rhythmic signals. Pattern generators are also involved in many other forms of rhythmic behaviour, including breathing, chewing and sleeping” These Template:Ency entity, presently a focus of study in insects, could lead to valuable explanations of behavior of more complex animals. Mathematicians have taken up the subject and “have found that the best mathematical models for Template:Ency entitys are networks of coupled oscillators” (1994, p.36-7)
COLLINS' stimulating paper also connects Template:Ency entitys with symmetry-breaking processes. It would be interesting to investigate and try to pinpoint Template:Ency entitys in many other “rhythmic” — i.e.periodic - processes. This could lead to many other systemic conceptual connections.
See also
Dictyostelium discoideum