A Cellular Automaton for Pied-de-poule (Houndstooth)
Loe Feijs and Marina Toeters

Proceedings of Bridges 2017: Mathematics, Art, Music, Architecture, Education, Culture
Pages 403–406
Short Papers

Abstract

We report on the generation of a specific type of pied-de-poule pattern (houndstooth) using a dedicated cellular automaton. The generator is a one-dimensional automaton such that the development features a so-called puppytooth pattern. In order to make this possible we had to introduce a system of five colors. The desired pattern appears as a Gestalt under an obvious forgetful mapping, viewing darker colors as black and lighter colors as white. It is possible to extend the automaton, which offers a rich playground for various types of semi-random, yet pied-de-poule like behaviors. The pattern was used to weave fabric; we show the fabric and several realized garments.

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