Thinking about spiking neural P systems: some theories, tools, and research topics

Abstract

The present work focuses on three notions about spiking neural P systems (SN P systems), namely normal forms, homogeneous systems, and software tools for easy access and visual simulation of such systems. The three notions are presented in general and specific ways: their backgrounds and motivations, with detailed and up to date results. The aim of the work is to outline many results on these notions, mainly for research and pedagogy. SN P systems with normal or homogeneous forms, having many biological and computing inspirations, have much to contribute in the opinion of the author to membrane computing at least. The software we here mention aims to support both learning and research of such systems. We provide a brief survey of results in chronological order, using a unified notation to aid in more detailed comparisons of results. Lastly, we provide a list of open problems or research topics on the three notions and related areas, with the hope to further extend the theory and applications of SN P systems.