June 11

Today was an intensive Isadora day where we focused on Wave and Envelope Generators. We used these to actors to effect variables of other sprites such as color, size, location, etc.

There are really only two types of sensory inputs we can use to interact with media through Isadora – Triggers (On/Off) or Continuous Controllers (Variables).

In Isadora, the primary trigger is an actor called the Keyboard Watcher. Through this actor, you assign a specific key from your computer keyboard to trigger an action. When you hit that key, the action is started - just like the "go" button on a light board.

Continuous Controllers allow for variable inputs that allow for the modifications mentioned above (color, size, location, etc.) In Isadora, we can use the Mouse Watcher, Envelope Generators, Wave Generators, and various external sensors and controllers, such as a Wii controller, to manipulate other actors.

The Wave Generator creates four different waveforms as diagrammed below.



As the waveform intersects with the time line it "automatically" changes the integers that control one of the variables assigned to an actor it is linked to.

The Envelope Generator creates similar effect but it can be triggered to start at a specific point in the event.

Our project for today was to create a self-generating event using just text and simple shapes being manipulated by Wave and Envelope Generators. Below is a video clip of my project.