Otomata Generative Sequencer

memeories's icon

This is a neat Flash based generative sequencer that uses CA algorithms:

I'm interested in creating something similar in Max/MSP but adding other features like adjustable tempo and the ability to import samples. The later part is easy enough but I've not touched generative music in quite some time and am not sure where to begin. CA is over my head at the moment but I'm sure simpler algorithms exist which would help me get started.

Can you all think of any patches that are similar to this? Something that I could open up and hack around with to get a starting point?

Luke Hall's icon

Have a look at the "1-plane-game" subpatch in the [jit.conway] helpfile.

defeq's icon

Would LOVE to have this as a max for live sequencer. Would be even better if it used a Launchpad as a controller.

tegid o's icon

I've had a stab at this. Not perfect, but it's getting there. Not sure how this works but I think you'll need to stick all the attachments, including the transparent png into a folder in your search path. There are overlaid matrix controls and you may need to load the transparent png as the cell image file in the input matrix's property inspector.

It has pretty much the same functionality as Otomata save that (i) cells can be freed when they "oscillate" together using the toggles, (ii) you can adjust speed, and (iii) there is a maximum of 8 cells. Once all cells are activated, clicking on the grid changes the route of the existing cells in sequence (1 to 8).

It's easy enough, if laborious, to add functionality for further cells. There must be a less timing consuming way to do this, but it is beyond my capabilities.

Let me know what you think, and any tips and suggestions are most welcome!

2282.acacia2.maxpat
Max Patch
tegid o's icon

I'm having some problems attaching the main patch.

tegid o's icon

Trying again

2284.teseteret.zip
zip
jukka h's icon

Nice work!

Did you try to program "oscillation" feature?