arXiv subjects

Martyn Amos

Publications and source records attributed to Martyn Amos.

24 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2008

Swarm-Based Spatial Sorting

Purpose: To present an algorithm for spatially sorting objects into an annular structure. Design/Methodology/Approach: A swarm-based model that requires only stochastic agent behaviour coupled with a pheromone-inspired "attraction-repulsion" mechanism. Findings: The algorithm consistently generates high-quality annular structures, and is particularly powerful in situations where the initial configuration of objects is similar to those observed in nature. Research limitations/implications: Experimental evidence supports previous theoretical arguments about the nature and mechanism of spatial sorting by insects. Practical implications: The algorithm may find applications in distributed robotics. Originality/value: The model offers a powerful minimal algorithmic framework, and also sheds further light on the nature of attraction-repulsion algorithms and underlying natural processes.

cs.AI↗

arXiv2008

Prediction and Mitigation of Crush Conditions in Emergency Evacuations

Several simulation environments exist for the simulation of large-scale evacuations of buildings, ships, or other enclosed spaces. These offer sophisticated tools for the study of human behaviour, the recreation of environmental factors such as fire or smoke, and the inclusion of architectural or structural features, such as elevators, pillars and exits. Although such simulation environments can provide insights into crowd behaviour, they lack the ability to examine potentially dangerous forces building up within a crowd. These are commonly referred to as crush conditions, and are a common cause of death in emergency evacuations. In this paper, we describe a methodology for the prediction and mitigation of crush conditions. The paper is organised as follows. We first establish the need for such a model, defining the main factors that lead to crush conditions, and describing several exemplar case studies. We then examine current methods for studying crush, and describe their limitations. From this, we develop a three-stage hybrid approach, using a combination of techniques. We conclude with a brief discussion of the potential benefits of our approach.

cs.CE↗

arXiv2005

"Going back to our roots": second generation biocomputing

Researchers in the field of biocomputing have, for many years, successfully "harvested and exploited" the natural world for inspiration in developing systems that are robust, adaptable and capable of generating novel and even "creative" solutions to human-defined problems. However, in this position paper we argue that the time has now come for a reassessment of how we exploit biology to generate new computational systems. Previous solutions (the "first generation" of biocomputing techniques), whilst reasonably effective, are crude analogues of actual biological systems. We believe that a new, inherently inter-disciplinary approach is needed for the development of the emerging "second generation" of bio-inspired methods. This new modus operandi will require much closer interaction between the engineering and life sciences communities, as well as a bidirectional flow of concepts, applications and expertise. We support our argument by examining, in this new light, three existing areas of biocomputing (genetic programming, artificial immune systems and evolvable hardware), as well as an emerging area (natural genetic engineering) which may provide useful pointers as to the way forward.

cs.AI↗

arXiv2005

Bacterial self-organisation and computation

In this article we highlight chemotaxis (cellular movement) as a rich source of potential engineering applications and computational models, highlighting current research and possible future work. We first give a brief description of the biological mechanism, before describing recent work on modelling it in silico. We then propose a methodology for extending existing models and their possible application as a fundamental tool in engineering cellular pattern formation. We discuss possible engineering applications of human-defined cell patterns, as well as the potential for using abstract models of chemotaxis for generalised computation, before concluding with a brief discussion of future challenges and opportunities in this field.

q-bio.CB↗

arXiv2005

Effect of door delay on aircraft evacuation time

The recent commercial launch of twin-deck Very Large Transport Aircraft (VLTA) such as the Airbus A380 has raised questions concerning the speed at which they may be evacuated. The abnormal height of emergency exits on the upper deck has led to speculation that emotional factors such as fear may lead to door delay, and thus play a significant role in increasing overall evacuation time. Full-scale evacuation tests are financially expensive and potentially hazardous, and systematic studies of the evacuation of VLTA are rare. Here we present a computationally cheap agent-based framework for the general simulation of aircraft evacuation, and apply it to the particular case of the Airbus A380. In particular, we investigate the effect of door delay, and conclude that even a moderate average delay can lead to evacuation times that exceed the maximum for safety certification. The model suggests practical ways to minimise evacuation time, as well as providing a general framework for the simulation of evacuation.

cs.MA↗

arXiv2005

An ant-based algorithm for annular sorting

In this paper we describe a minimal model for annular sorting by Leptothorax ants. Simulation results are consistent with the structures observed in actual ant colonies.

nlin.AO↗