Computational Field Model:

Toward a New Computing Model/Methodology

for Open Distributed Environment

Mario Tokoro
?

Department of Computer Science
Keio University
3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Yokohama 223 JAPAN
Tel: +81-44-63-1926 Telefax: +81-44-63-3421 E-mail: [email protected]

June 11, 1990

Abstract

This paper proposes a new computing model called computational field model for solving a problem in an object-oriented open distributed environment. In this model, we envisage an open-ended distributed environment as a continuous computational field. We introduce the notion of mass, distance, gravitational force, repulsive force, and inertia of objects to define a metric space for the field, so that objects migrate to their (sub)optimal (or satisfactory) locations. We also propose a communication model called assimilation/dissimilation model, where communication is represented as the assimilation/dissimilation of messenger objects and their migration.

1 Introduction

The more development we see in computer and communication technologies, the more our expectations of computer systems grow. Current demands on computer systems can be summarized as follows: solving larger and more complex problems, realizing more reliable real-time processing, and providing better user interfaces. When predicting how computer systems in the next decade would be like, we must change our view: the computational environment will be distributed, ubiquitous, open-ended, and evolutionary. ?also with Sony Computer Science Laboratory Inc., Takanawa Muse Building, 3-14-13 Higashi Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 141 JAPAN. Tel: +81-3-448-4380, Telefax: +81-3-448-4273, E-mail: [email protected]