MetaParam Demo:

Programme Notes:

MetaParam Demo expands the Param Demo to provide a basic meta-parametrical system which can change the limits of the original primitive parameter.

This is done by providing two extra parametrical system -one of which changes the minimum limit in the original system and the other which changes the maximum limit. In the graphic representation provided, the maximum limit is on top, the minimum limit is on the bottom and the  original primitive parameter is in the middle. The parameter value is represented as a wave (as in Param Demo) underneath the graphic representation of the MetaParameter.

 Note:  The use of a "meta-parameter" does open up the problem of "infinite regress" -i.e. if each variable in the system is allowed to change under the control of a "meta-meta" system -then how can the system ever have a finite limit?

This leads us into more complex concepts such as:

•  "free" and "bound" variables
•  "open" and "closed" system
•  "feedback"

 

The menu options:

"Speed"
       (Set Process speed)

"delay"           -allows the image production to to speeded up or slowed down from 1 to 200 milliseconds
 "On/Off"        -gives the choice:

"run"         -allows the process to run
"pause"     -allows the process to pause

"Steps"
     (Set increments)

"inc"             (range 0 -> 100)     -Sets the parameter increment

"Meta Steps"

(Set Meta increments)

"inc meta.max"       (range 0 -> 100)     -Sets the "maximum" meta-parameter  increment
"inc meta.min"       (range 0 -> 100)     -Sets the "minimum" meta-parameter  increment

"Space"
     (Set action on exceeding Range)

"spacesw"       -gives the choice:

"wrap"                 -Value "wraps around" to opposite limit
"bounce"             -Value "bounces" back from exceeded limit
"snapwrap"         -Value "snaps" to opposite limit
"snapbounce"     -Value "snaps" to exceeded limit

"meta-maxsw"       -gives the choice:

"wrap"                 -Meta-value "wraps around" to opposite limit
"bounce"             -Meta-value "bounces" back from exceeded limit
"snapwrap"         -Meta-value "snaps" to opposite limit
"snapbounce"     -Meta-value "snaps" to exceeded limit

"meta-minsw"       -gives the choice:

"wrap"                 -Meta-value "wraps around" to opposite limit
"bounce"             -Meta-value "bounces" back from exceeded limit
"snapwrap"         -Meta-value "snaps" to opposite limit
"snapbounce"     -Meta-value "snaps" to exceeded limit                             

"Initialisation"
     (Reset Start condition)

"init"                -Initialises parameter value to following:

"Min"              -Minimum limit of Parameter
"Max"              -Maximum limit of Parameter
"Middle"         -Middle of parameter range
"Random"      -Random value within parameter range

"meta init"     -Initialises parameter limits to the following:

"Min/Max"        -Minimum and maximumum limit of Meta-parameter
"Rand/Rand"    -Randomised values for initial minimum and maximum

"Flow"
     (clear image or reset process)

"Process/Image"

"Clear"       -Removes Existing Image without resetting process
"RESET"    -Removes Existing Image and resets process