Cellular Neural Networks to Explore Complexity

In this paper the fundamentals of Cellular NeuralNetworks (CNNs) are introduced. Subsequently it is shownthat, due to their locally distributed way of exchanging signals,such structures can be used as powerful devices to simulateand to reproduce, in an analog fashion and low cost, complexbehaviors, i.e. dynamics commonly encountered in livingsystems, such as autonomous wave formation and propagationas well as morphogenetical pattern development. In factit is proven that both of these behaviours can be simulatedwith CNNs with the same cell structure, and the thoroughlydifferent dynamics can arise only suitably modulatingthe CNN cell parameters. Therefore a unifying approachto pattern formation and active wave propagation phenomenais presented. The derivation of the complex phenomena isanalytically addressed and several simulation results arealso reported.