Coevolution of Camouflage
Speaker
Host
Jonathan Ragan-Kelley
CSAIL MIT
Abstract:
Camouflage in nature seems to arise from competition between predator and prey. To survive, predators must find prey, and prey must avoid being found. This work simulates an abstract model of that adversarial relationship. It looks at crypsis through evolving prey camouflage patterns (as color textures) in competition with evolving predator vision. During their “lifetime” predators learn to better locate camouflaged prey. The environment for this 2D simulation is provided by a set of photographs, typically of natural scenes. This model is based on two evolving populations, one of prey and another of predators. Mutual conflict between these populations can produce both effective prey camouflage and predators skilled at “breaking” camouflage. The result is an open source artificial life model to help study camouflage in nature, and the perceptual phenomenon of camouflage more generally.
Bio:
Craig Reynolds is an unaffiliated researcher and retired software developer. He is best known for the “boids” model of flocking, and has simulated camouflage evolution in nature. His research publications have been cited 18,000 times. He worked on several feature films (including TRON (1982)) and on various shorts (The Juggler (1981), Stanley and Stella in: Breaking the Ice (1987), Ductile Flow (1990)). He developed software tools for animation production, games, and simulation-based vehicle testing. In 1998 he won The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Scientific and Engineering Award for pioneering contributions to the development of three dimensional computer animation for motion picture production.
Lunch will be served at 12:30, and Craig will be available to talk after with anyone who is interested.
Camouflage in nature seems to arise from competition between predator and prey. To survive, predators must find prey, and prey must avoid being found. This work simulates an abstract model of that adversarial relationship. It looks at crypsis through evolving prey camouflage patterns (as color textures) in competition with evolving predator vision. During their “lifetime” predators learn to better locate camouflaged prey. The environment for this 2D simulation is provided by a set of photographs, typically of natural scenes. This model is based on two evolving populations, one of prey and another of predators. Mutual conflict between these populations can produce both effective prey camouflage and predators skilled at “breaking” camouflage. The result is an open source artificial life model to help study camouflage in nature, and the perceptual phenomenon of camouflage more generally.
Bio:
Craig Reynolds is an unaffiliated researcher and retired software developer. He is best known for the “boids” model of flocking, and has simulated camouflage evolution in nature. His research publications have been cited 18,000 times. He worked on several feature films (including TRON (1982)) and on various shorts (The Juggler (1981), Stanley and Stella in: Breaking the Ice (1987), Ductile Flow (1990)). He developed software tools for animation production, games, and simulation-based vehicle testing. In 1998 he won The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Scientific and Engineering Award for pioneering contributions to the development of three dimensional computer animation for motion picture production.
Lunch will be served at 12:30, and Craig will be available to talk after with anyone who is interested.