ObjectNets

ObjectNets are a conceptual framework and computational technique used in artificial intelligence and computer science. They represent systems composed of interconnected objects, where each object has its own internal state and behavior. These objects can interact with each other through defined interfaces, passing messages or modifying each other's states. The core idea is to model complex systems as a collection of independent, but communicating, entities.

This approach allows for a modular and distributed representation of knowledge and functionality. Instead of a monolithic program, the system is broken down into smaller, manageable units. ObjectNets can be used to model a wide range of phenomena, from physical systems and biological processes to social interactions and software architectures. The emergent behavior of the entire system arises from the local interactions between individual objects.

The design of ObjectNets often involves defining the types of objects, their properties, their possible states, and the rules governing their interactions. This can lead to systems that are easier to understand, debug, and extend. Furthermore, the inherent parallelism in the interactions between objects can be exploited for efficient computation, particularly in distributed environments. The concept has influenced various fields, including agent-based modeling and concurrent programming.