Multimodal Corpus-Based Concatenative Synthesis for an Immersive Audiovisual Artwork

Core Concepts

This research-creation project aims to extend the concept of audiovisual corpus-based concatenative synthesis to video, developing tools for real-time analysis, mapping, and performance of synchronized audio and visual elements.

Abstract

This research-creation project explores the integration of sound and image through the use of corpus-based concatenative synthesis techniques. The author first provides an overview of the scientific and artistic context, covering topics such as concatenative synthesis, multimodal perception, and the history of visual music and videomusic.
The core of the project involves the development of four video analysis modules (ViVo) in the Max/MSP/Jitter environment. These modules analyze various visual properties like warmness, sharpness, detail, and optical flow, which can then be mapped to control parameters for audio synthesis using the CataRT corpus-based concatenative synthesis tool.
The author also discusses the development of a VJing tool (ViJo) that allows for the real-time manipulation and performance of the audiovisual content. Key considerations include the choice of control parameters, the integration and diffusion of the system, and the adaptation of MIDI controllers.
Finally, the author describes the aesthetic approach and the process of creating an immersive audiovisual artwork using the developed tools. This includes the constitution of sound and visual corpora, the manipulation of the tools, and a self-analysis of the work from a mediological perspective, exploring the temporal evolution, the metaphorical link between the audience and the "musician", and the communication of the event.

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Key Insights Distilled From

Vivo : une approche multimodale de la synthese concatenative par corpus dans le cadre d'une oeuvre audiovisuelle immersive

by Mateo Fayet at arxiv.org 04-17-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2404.10578.pdf

Deeper Inquiries

How could the video analysis modules be extended to incorporate more advanced computer vision techniques, such as object detection and segmentation, to enable more nuanced audiovisual mappings?

To incorporate more advanced computer vision techniques like object detection and segmentation into the video analysis modules for enhanced audiovisual mappings, several steps can be taken:

Object Detection: By implementing object detection algorithms such as YOLO (You Only Look Once) or SSD (Single Shot MultiBox Detector), the video analysis modules can identify and track specific objects in the video frames. This information can then be used to trigger specific audio samples or effects based on the presence or movement of these objects.

Segmentation: Utilizing semantic segmentation techniques like Mask R-CNN or U-Net can allow for the precise delineation of different regions or objects within the video frames. This level of detail can enable more nuanced audiovisual mappings, where different audio elements are triggered based on the content within specific segments of the video.

Feature Extraction: Extracting high-level features from the video frames using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) can provide valuable information for creating dynamic audiovisual mappings. Features like color histograms, texture patterns, or motion vectors can be used to modulate audio parameters in real-time.

Integration with Audio Synthesis: By integrating the output from the computer vision algorithms with the audio synthesis modules, a more cohesive and synchronized audiovisual experience can be achieved. For example, the pitch or timbre of a sound could be modulated based on the color or shape of objects detected in the video.

How might this approach to audiovisual creation be applied in other artistic and creative domains, such as interactive installations or live cinema performances?

The approach of combining corpus-based concatenative synthesis with video analysis for audiovisual creation can be applied in various artistic and creative domains:

Interactive Installations: In interactive installations, this approach can be used to create immersive and engaging experiences for viewers. By incorporating sensors or cameras that capture user interactions, the audiovisual output can dynamically respond to the audience's movements or gestures, creating a personalized and interactive environment.

Live Cinema Performances: In live cinema performances, this technique can enhance the synchronization between the live visuals and music. By analyzing the real-time video feed and mapping it to a database of audio samples, artists can create a seamless audiovisual narrative that evolves in response to the unfolding visuals on screen.

Virtual Reality (VR) Experiences: This approach can also be adapted for VR experiences, where users can navigate and interact with virtual environments that generate audiovisual feedback based on their actions. By incorporating head-tracking and hand gestures, the audiovisual elements can dynamically change to reflect the user's perspective and movements within the virtual space.

By exploring these applications in different artistic domains, artists and creators can push the boundaries of audiovisual expression and offer audiences unique and engaging experiences.

What are the potential challenges and limitations of using corpus-based concatenative synthesis for real-time audiovisual performance, and how could these be addressed through further research and development?

Using corpus-based concatenative synthesis for real-time audiovisual performance presents several challenges and limitations:

Computational Complexity: Performing real-time analysis of video data and matching it with audio samples from a large corpus can be computationally intensive, leading to latency issues and performance bottlenecks. Optimizing algorithms and leveraging parallel processing techniques can help mitigate these challenges.

Corpus Management: Managing a large corpus of audiovisual data for concatenative synthesis requires efficient storage and retrieval mechanisms. Developing streamlined database architectures and indexing methods can improve the speed and accuracy of sample selection during performance.

Mapping Flexibility: Ensuring flexibility in mapping audiovisual elements in real-time can be challenging, especially when dealing with diverse and dynamic content. Implementing adaptive mapping strategies that adjust based on user input or environmental factors can enhance the responsiveness and creativity of the audiovisual performance.

Synchronization: Maintaining precise synchronization between the video analysis and audio synthesis components is crucial for a cohesive audiovisual experience. Fine-tuning synchronization algorithms and incorporating feedback mechanisms for alignment can help address timing discrepancies and ensure seamless integration of audio and visual elements.

By addressing these challenges through further research and development, advancements in real-time corpus-based concatenative synthesis for audiovisual performance can be achieved, leading to more immersive and interactive artistic expressions.