PDCON:Conference/Self-replication: how to do more using less: Difference between revisions

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Author: Krzysztof Czaja
Author: Krzysztof Czaja


One of the tiny annoying vices which still compromise the many virtues
''Multi-instantiation'' is the process of taking a single
of Pd, thus preventing its wider adoption by computer music community,
declaration of an object, or a patch, and creating several instances
is the lack of implicit multi-instantiation mechanism.  For example,
of it, ''replicating'' the structure, while possibly varying the
according to the common expectation, any implementation of a sound
initial stateAn important application, among many others, is
synthesis algorithm should qualify for seamless abstraction into a
supporting the implementation of polyphonic instruments.
polyphonic instrumentFor Pd, this is not possible, yet, and a
proposal of how to fill the gap is described in this paper.


An integral part of Pd is instantiation-time evaluation, although
There are two distinct design options: the process of replication may
currently, it is limited to a simple form of parametrization of object
be initiated and controlled either from the outside, or from the
argumentsOne can imagine other possibilities of user-guided
inside of the replicated patchThe latter possibility is explored in
computation performed during instantiation phase. This proposal
this paper in an attempt to advocate for ''self-replication'' as a
explores one such possibility.
conceptually simple, yet quite generic and powerful mechanism.

Revision as of 22:47, 19 July 2011

Author: Krzysztof Czaja

Multi-instantiation is the process of taking a single declaration of an object, or a patch, and creating several instances of it, replicating the structure, while possibly varying the initial state. An important application, among many others, is supporting the implementation of polyphonic instruments.

There are two distinct design options: the process of replication may be initiated and controlled either from the outside, or from the inside of the replicated patch. The latter possibility is explored in this paper in an attempt to advocate for self-replication as a conceptually simple, yet quite generic and powerful mechanism.