VisionSynth Configuration

We spent a good amount of time balancing VisionSynth before releasing it to the public. It's mostly about finding artistic ranges that show off some impressive patterns of movement within the limited range of your viewscreen aesthetics. In addition, all the slow settings look good and on up through the fast settings. Everything VisionSynth displays promises to be visually and intellectually stimulating. If you dare, here are a few things you might need to know about setting up the configuration for yourself.

There are numerous sliders each controlling one very specific aspect of VisionSynth visualization model. All of these sliders control the rate at which that parameter changes between its highest and lowest range.

By default, all sliders are set to their center. Pressing the Reset All Sliders button will move all the sliders to their centered position or balanced configuration. All settings right of the center increase the balanced rate, settings left of the center decrease their rate.

Spiral Configuration Settings

The primary part of the model is rendered using a spiral model composed of four metrics:

Radius 1 - This slider controls how frequently the spiral transitions between its smallest and largest diameter. A frequently changing radius can sometimes yield nice vase shapes. A slowly changing radius will often yeild magestic UFO shapes.

Radius 2 - This slider controls how frequently the spiral arm transitions between its smallest and largest length at the end.

Delta 1 - This slider controls the starting rotation change rate (relative to zero rotation) that the spiral will initially face when rendering begins. Faster settings can often appear as insanely fast and chaotic.

Delta 2 - This slider controls the relative rotation change rate (between one triangle and the next) that is applied after the starting rotation and previous triangle rotations have been applied. Faster settings can often yield exciting results. Slower settings provide many graceful sequences.

Height - This slider controls the height change rate between the spiral being its tallest, to turning it completely inside out. Faster settings can be bouncey and exciting, like watching a water fountain. Slower settings make for good tunnels and UFOs.

View Configuration Settings

X-axis - This slider controls the rate of change for how quickly the view of the spiral rotates around the spiral's X-axis.

Y-axis - This slider controls the rate of change for how quickly the view of the spiral rotates around the spiral's Y-axis.

Z-axis - This slider controls the rate of change for how quickly the view of the spiral rotates around the spiral's Z-axis.

Shape Configuration Settings

Type - This popup menu selects between the original triangle shape and the classic square shape.

X-axis - This slider controls the rate of change for how quickly the each triangle rotates on its X-axis.

Y-axis - This slider controls the rate of change for how quickly the each triangle rotates on its Y-axis.

Z-axis - This slider controls the rate of change for how quickly the each triangle rotates on its Z-axis.

Modulation Configuration Settings

Modulators keep things interesting by interacting with the rate of change for their associated parameter using a LFO or Low Frequency Oscillator. Each LFO tracks a value between 1.0 and -1.0 at usually much slower rates than those of the parameter it modifies. Using them can often yield very random looking results and exciting transitions in both positive and negative directions. The LFOs are primarily responsible for keeping things interesting while exploring a wide range of interesting movement patterns.

Each LFO modulates the parameter immediately to its left. Faster settings can be very exciting and sometimes chaotic. Slower settings yeild longer periods of stability.

It's important to know that all movement rendered by VisionSynth is calculated mathematically from the values of sine wave all operating at various frequencies and influencing specific parameters of the spiral model. The only thing that's random is the phase of these sine waves when VisionSynth is started. This ensures that you'll never see a repeat performance.

Color Configuration Settings

In the VisionSynth spiral model, Color 1 is used to fill triangles, and Color 2 is used to frame them. Because each color is represented by a different rate for red, green, and blue components, the widest range of color variations are possible at fast or slow rates. Faster rates yeild more festive spirals, slower rates yeild more of a rainbow effect.

Trail Configuration Settings

There are two interesting properties dealing the number and length of trails randered by the VisionSynth model.

Length - This slider controls how quickly the length of each thread of triangles transitions between its smallest and largest lenths.

Count - The number of trails cycles betwen 1, 2, and 4 threads at a time. This slider changes how frequently this transition happens. Higher settings are exciting and can yeild unpredictable pattern changes. Slower settings provide more time for complex images to evolve.