Still images from generative software (source format 8000x5000px at 300dpi)

While the compelling and eye-catching beauty of generative patterns based on moving beziér curves are already old hat and widely cited, I’m still thinking that there’s room for conceptual enhancement and further analysis of the topic.

Currently, I’m testing various interfaces and input stimuli / formats (i.e. sound, image-analysys and various data formats & sources) to create interactive structures not only producing decorative drawings, but creating generative patters based on logical sequences and structures.

Current prototypes are using a simple graphic-tablet to trigger and stimulate swarm-based simulations involving up to 250 autonomous agents of different life cycles.

» More stills of created generative patterns are available at Flickr.com

In previous experiments I completely missed out on the morphing functionality provided by the library and just after some quick testing of available surfaces I came up with some quite interesting forms and results. Combinations of two surfaces – a 1st more complex like a Tranguloid Trefoil and more simple counterparts (i.e. Spheres) turned out to be a valuable source and basis for further sketching.

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Current versions and prototypes are combining rotation and scaling as well as growth-like animations using the underlying mathematical structures (see Paul Bourke) and qualities of certain surfaces.

While still being impressed by the aesthetic value of generated forms and artfully arranged elements, I’m already thinking about using underlying procedures and algorithms for more applied usage in upcoming projects.

See more stills of created generative forms at Flickr.

Java & Processing

• NetUtil OSC Library for Java Compact and efficient java library for sending and receiving messages using the OpenSound Control (OSC) protocol
• MaxLink Java libraries enabling communication between Processing (Java) and Max/MSP (made quite good experiences connecting Java applications with Max (4.x & 5) patches. Recommended!)
• oscP5 OSC implementation for the programming environment Processing
• OSC communication between Max and Processing (triggered by Midi controller) Tutorial by Ash Oakenfold

Mobile (input) Devices

• Mrmr for the iPhone/iPod Touch mrmr is an open-source research project to develop a standardized set of protocols and syntax conventions to control live installations and multimedia performances via mobile devices (demo video on youtube)
• TouchOSC iPhone / iPod Touch application that lets you send and receive Open Sound Control messages
• OSCemote Remote control application for the iPhone and iPod Touch (check the examples)
• OSCulator Another software linking controllers to music and video software
• oscpack Set of C++ classes for packing and unpacking OSC packets

Misc.

• OSC-tagged bookmarks at delicious.com
• OpenSound Control Home Page University of California, Berkeley
• opensoundcontrol.org Center For New Music and Audio Technology (CNMAT), UC Berkeley
• LusidOSC Open source initiative to define and support a layer for unique spatial input devices using OpenSound Control

If you like to recommend projects or resources that are not listed below, drop a comment. Any recommendations and helpful hints are much appreciated.

The results can be seen below in the form of low-res stills and video footage – high-res versions can be found at Flickr.

Related Resources…

• Color workshop by Joshua Davis
• Colorstripping.joshuadavis.com – Color Array Tool

Stills: TwistingBoxes sketch, 2007-04-03

Video: Screencapture of TwistingBoxes.

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* Update

Extended the TwistedBoxes sketch by the use of modified L-system algorithms. High-res stills are available in the Processing set at Flickr.com.

Stills: TwistingBoxesFractal sketch, 2007-04-05

“raster-noton . archiv für ton und nichtton” is meant to be a platform – a network covering the overlapping border areas of pop, art and science. Emerged from the fusion of the two labels Rastermusic and Noton (in 1999) they realize music projects, publications and installation works. common idea behind all releases is an experimental approach – an amalgamation of sound, art and design. Read more at raster-noton.net

Main idea was to create a virtual representation of raster-noton’s artistic output since 1999 which manifests itself in a multifaceted back catalogue consisting of more than 70 releases by now. The result is a generative visual form, that utilises simulated and behaviour-driven organic structures embedded in an interactive environment.

In addition to it’s visual part, the software was designed as an interface to interact with Cycling’s Max/Msp to provide several ways of creating generative (sound) compositions based on the contextual relations between individual releases and elements within the labels catalogue.

Sign and visual structure

Based on their structuring function the catalog’s “series” are representing central clusters within the form and are shaping the basic structure of the generative sign. Each released item / format is represented by an element within the basic shape, while contextual relations between individual releases are displayed through pre-defined ring-objects and resulting combinations.

Visual parameters of containing elements and ring forms are displaying specific qualities of unique releases (i.e. playtime, format: CD, vinyl, catalogues & books) as well as their relations to each other (same artist, same release year, same series, etc.).

Generative form

The dynamic form is based on a flock simulation containing all release items from the labels catalog – each of them presented by a unique element within the swarm. In random temporal intervals a single release is selected by the system itself and the relations to all remaining element are displayed through uniquely defined rings objects.

In combination with surrounding series elements the emerging rings forms are shaping the visual appearance of the generative sign whose underlying structure and content are continually changing with each newly released item.

Print-design mockup for presentation purpose

software – user interface

In addition to it’s formal structure, the sign can be defined as a floating map, which is abstract and concrete all at once. Graphic forms are replacing / representing real objects, which are organized within a dynamic mapping and can be perceived spatially and temporal through associative exploration.

software – software interface

Direct communication between Java application and Max/Msp is enabling participants (performers) to retrieve contextual relationships within the release catalogue as numeric data that can be used for controlling and triggering sound and visual generating software. These data / signals are receivable within simple network structures – creating a collaborative layer for multi-user performances.

Generative Composition

The acoustic layer is utilizing the same relationships between single catalog elements, which are now translated into sonic structures. The series clusters are shaping random, yet unique rhythmical patterns while relationships between released elements are triggering generative sound synthesis and manipulating sound attributes such as envelope, grain, frequency and stereophony.