WEB NOISH
{RdEs} Sonic Emergency Distributed Network
2011 PHONOS-IUA GRANT
Sound-Light Installation >> Oscar Martin
Generative and autopoetic sound-light installation that embodies complex systems theories based on concepts and processes such as emergency and self-organization. The installation bases on models taken from various fields of science, philosophy, biology,computer science and study of the artificial intelligence (cellular automata, neural network,Cybernetics..).

The installation explores the sonic and compositional possibilities of these concepts, using a network of "modules-particles" that interact with each other and the environment. Each “module-particle” follows simple individual rules, but is able to generate more complex and sophisticated patterns when combined with the others.
It consists of a distributed network comprising 35-40 micro-modules (hardware-software) that are connected to each other and communicated through cables and light sensors. Each module is composed of an ATmega328 chip, a speaker to deliver sound and four LEDs to emit light. It also contains a "LDR" sensor capable of measuring the amount of ambient light. Each micro-module is connected with another four, two connected to its input ports and two to its output ports.

Each module can "vibrate" in luminosity and sound following a number of individual behaviours, which are predefined through programming. These states of "vibration" are communicated to the next interconnected modules by a pulse frequency code. These pulses are received by the two input ports in each module, having to choose (using a algorithm of affinity) one of both and adopt it as the current state of vibration as well as transmit the new state over the network.

After a while, trends emerge in the system, states of vibration are generalized and temporarily stabilized. Later, new states of instability and imbalance will generate new attractors and other patterns. {{}}

The basic idea is that: following predefined and simple patterns, the micro-modules network is able to produce more complex behaviours and higher levels of abstraction from the interaction and feedback between them and the environment and make us perceive these emergency processes by means of the light and sounds generated in the installation.
The Device and how it works
The micro modules are designed and built taking the paradigm "Arduino" - open hardware platform based on a simple board equipped with a microcontroller and a development environment that implements the programming language Processing / Wiring.

Each module consists of a microcontroller Atmega328, 4 LEDs, a small speaker, a photosensible LDR sensor, 2 minijack inputs and 2 minijack outputs and some other electronic stuff like resistors and capacitors.

The electronic circuit design was developed in the Interactivity Lab HANGAR.ORG and designed by M. A. Heras.
Micro-modules – Framework and “Arduino” hardware
download scheme-circuit
Software
The software was also developed in the Arduino programming environment with the invaluable assistance and inspiration of Jano from the collective Befaco.org.
download CODE
The generation of audio is based on granular synthesis, from code developed by Peter Knight for this kind of microcontrollers.
"Auduino , the Lo-Fi granular synthesiser " by Peter Knight, Tinker.it http://code.google.com/p/tinkerit/wiki/Auduino
Installation :: Distributed Network
Distributed network of 40 micro-modules interconnected in a horizontal network on the floor of a room. Variable dimensions, approx 2.5 x 2.5 meters. Variable network structure.

Structure and topology of the network adaptable to space in different configurations, with cables that allow distances and variables clusters.
2011 PHONOS-IUA GRANT
RdeS {} is a project developed with the support of:
Awarded by the University "Pompeu Fabra" and "Fundación Phonos" to promote experimental music production based on new media technologies.
And with the collaboration of: Interaction Lab - HANGAR.ORG multimedia production art center Barcelona.
watch a video
EXHIBITIONS / SHOWS
2012 /
3 Dec - Sucked Orange Galerie. Berlin
22-25 Nov - PIKSEL[X] Galeria 3,14 Bergen Norway
15 Sept DorkbotBCN @ Hangar.org Barcelona
13/14/15 Junio SONAR. Barcelona
06-29 Noviembre Kiblix Festival. Mariobor Slovenia
2013 /
2014 /
28/06 AURORA Galeria d'art. Barcelona