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Date:    Wed, 01 Oct 1997 01:26:42 -0700
From:    "Christopher J. Phoenix" 
To:      info-mems
Subject: Smart surfaces--algorithms?

I'm contributing to a paper that involves a transport system with many tiny
actuators, similar to your smart surfaces.  We're looking at how to avoid
traffic jams from moving many small parts at once.  Ultimately we'd like to
be able to perform a sorting function, where the actuators detect the type
of part and decide locally what direction it should go in; but I suspect
that this will cause traffic jams or even gridlock, if the parts get too
congested on the surface.

Have you done any research on decentralized path planning for many parts on
a smart surface?  Do you know anyone who has?  I'm looking for an algorithm
that clearly eliminates the danger of gridlock with crossing streams of
parts, or anything similar that might be a good starting point.

Thanks,
Chris
- --
Chris Phoenix   cphoenix@best.com
Work (Reading Research Council): 650-692-8990;    Home/voicemail: 415-860-1536


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