Perception and representation of spatial relations in a program for playing Go

Abstract

Observation of human spatial perception suggests several characteristics that may serve as useful guidelines in the design of perception components for artificial intelligence systems. This paper describes one component designed in accordance with these principles, a web perception processor for a Go playing program. After a brief discussion of some basic strategic Go concepts, the paper describes the construction and modification of perceptual webs. Then, using examples from a real game situation, it shows how web structures, and changes in those structures, provide meaningfully organized representations of significant strategic properties in actual play. The paper concludes with some observations on the central significance of perceptual processing for Go programs and human Go players alike.