The generating function of convex polyominoes: The resolution of a \(q\)- differential system (Q1343776)

The authors obtain a closed formula for the generating function \(Z(x, y,q)\) of convex polygons, according to the height, width and area, by solving a system of \(q\)-algebraic equations that defines \(Z(x, y,q)\). The method of resolution of this system is a kind of \(q\)-analogue of the method used for solving linear systems of differential equations. The result is expressed in terms of certain \(q\)-series of the following form: \[ \sum_{n\geq 0} x^ n f_ n(y, q), \] where \(f_ n(y,q)\) is an explicit rational function in \(y\) and \(q\). The formula thus obtained is, up to now, the ``nicest'' formula known for \(Z(x,y,q)\). Note that it has been reobtained later on by a different and simpler method; see the first author [A method for the enumeration of various classes of column-convex polygons, to appear in Discrete Math.].