Bergen Centre for Electronic Arts

This work session will give a hands-on to mathematical functions, with a minimum of formulas and as much hands-on testing and prototyping as possible.

Topics covered:

• Basic ideas of functions
  • Functions as mapping utilities
  • Functions and their inverse
  • The derivative
  • The second-order derivative

• Classes of functions:
  • Power functions and the sqrt() function
  • Rational functions and asymptotes
  • Trigonometric functions
    • Convertions between radians and degrees
    • Amplitude, phase, frequency and wave length
    • Superimposing trigonometric functions: Interference
  • The exponential and logarithmic functions
    • Real-world examples of expponential and logarithmic functions:
      • Convertions between MIDI pitch and Hertz
      • Delta time steps and perception of time
      • Convertions between decibels and linear gain
  • Some hyperbolic functions: tanh() and cosh()

• Dealing with functions in Max/MSP
  • The expr and vexpr externals
  • The jit.expr object for video images

• Mapping and scaling in Max
  • The scale object
  • The jcom.map object and mapping in Jamoma
  • The concepts of one-to-one, one-to-many and many-to-many mappings

• Functions used for algorithmic processes
  • The jcom.ramp object and ramping in Jamoma.

About loadbang

loadbang is a series or regular meetings for artists and students working on real-time based prosessing of media using software such as Max:“http://www.cycling74.com”, SuperCollider and Pd. We will meet twice a month to discuss a number of advanced topics. The participants will be encouraged to propose topics for upcomming meetings as well as to present and discuss their own projects, so that we can focus not only on technical issues but also the artitsic use of the software.

loadbang is a collaboration between BEK and Bergen National Academy of the Arts, with support from the Norwegian Art Council and The Municipality of Bergen. Meetings take place at BEK, C. Sundtsgt. 55, top floor.