Two-Parameter Generalization of the Collatz Function: Characterization of Terminal Cycles and Empirical Results

This paper proposes a new two-parameter generalization T_{b,s}(x) of the Z -> Z Collatz function T(x) and restates the eponymous conjecture in terms of the proposed function. The generalization obviates some of the conditions for emergence of terminal cycles for the Collatz T(x) function over the integers. The stopping behavior of the T_{b,s}(x) is qualitatively similar to that of the T(x).  The paper presents theoretical discussion of the generalization and computational results on the terminal cycles and stopping times of T_{b,s}(x). The {1,2} cycle of T(x) is shown to be a case of coincidence of three independent cycle categories of T_{b,s}(x).