Formal Definition
Lateral computing is a fuzzy set of all computing techniques which use unconventional computing approach. Hence Lateral computing includes those techniques which use semi conventional or hybrid computing. The degree of membership for lateral computing techniques is greater than 0 in the fuzzy set of unconventional computing techniques.
The following brings out some important differentiators for lateral computing.
- Conventional computing
- The problem and technique are directly correlated.
- Treats the problem with rigorous mathematical analysis.
- Creates mathematical models.
- The computing technique can be analyzed mathematically.
- Lateral computing
- The problem may hardly have any relation to the computing technique used
- Approaches problems by analogies such as human information processing model, annealing, etc.
- Sometimes the computing technique cannot be mathematically analyzed.
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