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Rart (Random Art) is the name we have given to programs generating dynamically animated, constantly changing images appearing on a computer screen. A Rart program under execution is like a universe created for its visual possibilities. The Rart image-generating program we call a Rart universe. One can think of the screen as a two-dimensional window to this visually interesting universe. We call the user of the Rart program the Rart observer. The observer doesn't merely observe; s/he can interact with and influence the Rart universe.
Here's a summary of the requirements for a Rart Universe:
For a more comprehensive description of the Rart concept, see The Philosophy and Principles of Rart.
For persons interested in Java, you can read about the Rart Development Kit, RDK
Rart programs and the Rart Environment are currently under development. The examples provided here should operate using Netscape Navigator 3.0, Microsoft Explorer 4.0 and AOL 5.0 or higher. They were first written using Java JDK 1.0.2 which explains some awkwardness in the observer interface. However, you will by holding the mouse button down for a while, get a window to change parameters. The examples provided execute as applets and do not offer an opportunity for the observer to take a snapshot of the universe for printing or for use, e.g., in desktop publishing. RDK 2.0 includes an application where these and other facilities are provided.
The universes have been named after the main objects displayed on the screen - lines, eggs, snow flakes, etc. Following we shall consider three examples of a Rart universes, each with their own simple laws of behavior.
The computer screen is a rectangle. Imagine a point that moves in fixed length steps until it hits the side
of the rectangle when it then bounces in a randomly chosen direction at new fixed length steps. Imagine another
point moving according to the same rules, and then connect the two points by lines. If you keep a constant number
of lines on the screen (accomplished by removing a line each time another is added), you will see patterns of lines
on the screen. As the interacting user-observer you can vary the number of lines and the maximum step of the points,
thereby changing the overall density.
In the Lines Universe the bouncing and overlap of the lines create unexpected and sometimes dramatic shapes that
may appeal to you. Top
In the Eggs Universe, randomly placed ovals grow and diminish. When they overlap, they cancel each other out
in such a way that you get patches of alternating light and dark. As observer you can vary the average size of
the eggs as well as their average number, thus changing the dynamics of the pictures.
The Eggs universe is interesting because forms that are themselves ordinarily simple move and interact in such
a way as to create new and unexpected forms on the screen. Top
In the Flakes Universe, objects grow according to an approximation of the rules of hexagonal snow crystal growth.
They appear randomly on the screen according to a rule that minimizes overlap. The intricate patterns result from
branching symmetrically in single, double or triple branches, and the branches again branching always at 60-degree
angles. As observer you can change the parameters for average size and number of flakes as well as a parameter
relating to average complexity.
The Flakes Universe is inspired by real nature that makes every snow crystal unique, even though snow crystals
conform to very simple rules for growth. Top
Updated January 31, 2003,
The concept of Rart™ was developed and trademarked by Jan Aminoff atCambridge, VA, USA |
