This paper presents a new method for sound synthesis. The method consists in mapping the histograms sequence of a cellular automata evolution onto a sound spectrogram. The data obtained from the histograms are in the form of sound spectral structures evolving in time in a natural fashion. The main problem of cellular automatas is the difficulty of control due to its unpredictability property. This mapping offers significant controllability characteristics which allow flexible processes for sound and instrument design. The sounds obtained with this mapping present natural behaviour and are capable of simulate acoustic instruments and other real sounds. 1.

Abstract. In this paper we report on the synthesis of sounds using cellular automata, specifically the multitype voter model. The mapping process adopted is based on digital signal processing analysis of automata evolutions and consists in mapping histograms onto spectrograms. The main problem of cellular automata is the difficulty of control and, consequently, sound synthesis methods based on these computational models normally present a high factor of randomness in the output. We have achieved a significant degree of control as to predict the type of sounds that we can obtain. We are able to develop a flexible sound design process with emphasis on the possibility of controlling over time the spectrum complexity.

plymouth.ac.uk We introduce and demonstrate a new mapping for generating music from the 2D Cellular Automata “Game of Life ” (GL). The core of this mapping is based on a polar co-ordinate system with origin at the GL grid centre. Such a polar approach is designed to better capture the radial symmetry inherent in the rule set for GL. The radial symmetry of the GL rule set is key to the visual experience of observing the GL, and therefore we have argued that polar coordinate system captures this key aesthetic element of much of GL more precisely. 1.

Abstract. We discuss the importance of choosing the right mapping for music composition generated from underlying ALife and emergent algorithms. Emergent algorithms are popular with composers both because their visual beauty inspires the composer, and because they can generate complexity from simple algorithm rules. Simple mappings to MIDI are preferred as they give a composer more control and predictability. However the wrong simple mapping may produce trivial music, and can fail to capture the visual aesthetic of the emergent phenomena in the music. Furthermore the mappings need some method of evaluation. To illustrate these issues we use the example of the Game of Life (GL). A polar co-ordinate mapping is introduced and we argue it is superior to previous GL mappings when both its simplicity and its visualaesthetic capture is considered. This mapping is evaluated by comparing it to linear mappings using Zipf’s Law and using a basic measure of structurality.

Abstract: In this paper we introduce a new approach to algorithmic sound composition using a bespoke technique combining coupled Cellular Automata (CA) and Histogram Mapping Synthesis. Two CA are used: a hodge podge machine and a growth model. The latter serves as control of the former. The hodge podge machine can exhibit different kinds of behaviour depending on the values of a set of rule parameters. Our method explores the fact that different simultaneous behaviours can be evolved within the same automaton if we bring into play different sets of parameter values. However, we restrict the number of parameter sets to two. Therefore, the CA growth model will have only two states and will delimit two dynamic zones in the hodge podge machine, each of which governed by a different set of parameter values. The predictable evolution of the two zones will produce a controlled dynamic sound spectrum. Among all the possibilities that this process affords for the composition of a variety of sounds algorithmically, we highlight its application to the attack portion of a sound, making it dynamically more complex than the rest of the sound.

The papers at this Convention have been selected on the basis of a submitted abstract and extended precis that have been peer reviewed by at least two qualified anonymous reviewers. This convention paper has been reproduced from the author's advance manuscript, without editing, corrections, or consideration by the Review Board. The AES takes no responsibility for the contents.