{"id":"computation-through-a-surface","title":"Computing through a reusable surface","regions":["physical-systems","computation","representation"],"question":"Can a change of representation replace repeated computation with operations on a reusable surface?","formulation":"Explore encoding a spatial or temporal structure in an interference-like representation and computing changes or views from it; evaluate preparation cost, reconstruction cost, approximation, and representational limits.","representations":[{"name":"An interference-based physical representation","affords":"Connects spatial information with a physical surface.","loses":"Capacity and reconstruction depend on the actual physical setup.","epistemic_kind":"reconstruction"},{"name":"A computed surface for rendering or simulation","affords":"Moves repeated work into a reusable representation.","loses":"Preparation and dynamic updates may cost more than direct computation.","epistemic_kind":"reconstruction"}],"tension":"A cheap view after expensive preparation is beneficial only for a suitable pattern of reuse.","challenge":"Which updates remain local after the transformation, and which require recomputing the surface?","development":"independent_branch","epistemic_kind":"reconstruction","evidence":["basis-computation-through-a-surface"],"next_move":{"text":"Compare total preparation, update, and query costs against direct computation for several reuse counts.","epistemic_kind":"model_proposed"},"open_questions":["Can a change of representation replace repeated computation with operations on a reusable surface?","Which updates remain local after the transformation, and which require recomputing the surface?"],"formal_status":"open_problem","version":1,"content_hash":"446c43c9ed6049935df7f2a40c9983f7699e8c027c7970bf9aa0602fc8e44428"}