Poles

The Poles process generates smooth Gaussian curve distributions centered around adjustable positions. Perfect for creating natural-feeling transitions, smooth value distributions, and organic control curves in interactive systems.

Parameters

Pos (Position)

Type: Knob (float)
Range: -1.0 to 1.0
Default: 0.0

Sets the center position of the Gaussian curve along the output array. The curve peak will be positioned at this location:

-1.0 = Peak at the left end of the array
0.0 = Peak at the center of the array
1.0 = Peak at the right end of the array

Length

Type: Spinbox (integer)
Range: 1 to 1000
Default: 20

Determines the number of output values in the generated array. Higher values provide smoother curves but use more memory and processing.

Sigma

Type: Knob (float, logarithmic)
Range: 0.001 to 1.0
Default: 0.01

Controls the width (standard deviation) of the Gaussian curve:

Smaller values = Narrow, sharp peaks
Larger values = Wide, gentle curves
Logarithmic mapping = Better control over small values

Range

Type: Knob (float)
Range: 0.0 to 1.0
Default: 1.0

Multiplier for the output values, controlling the maximum height of the curve:

0.0 = Flat output (all zeros)
0.5 = Half-height curve
1.0 = Full-height curve

Output

Out

Type: Array of floats
Content: Gaussian curve values

Provides an array of floating-point values representing the Gaussian curve distribution.

Mathematical Foundation

The Poles process implements the Gaussian probability density function:

f(x) = (1 / (σ√(2π))) × e^(-½((x-μ)/σ)²)

Where:

μ (mu) = mean (position parameter)
σ (sigma) = standard deviation (width parameter)
x = position along the curve

Usage Examples

Smooth Value Distribution

[Poles] → [Array to Multiple Outputs] → [LED Strip Control]
   ↑
[Position Automation]

Create smooth lighting transitions across LED strips with the peak following an animation.

Audio Envelope Generation

[Poles] → [Array Processor] → [Audio Amplitude Control]
   ↑
[Note Trigger] → [Position Control]

Generate smooth audio envelopes with controllable attack and decay characteristics.

Spatial Audio Panning

[Poles] → [Speaker Array Mapping] → [Multi-channel Audio]
   ↑
[Motion Tracker] → [Position Input]

Create smooth spatial audio transitions where sound intensity follows a Gaussian distribution across speakers.

Visual Effects

[Poles] → [Shader Parameters] → [Gaussian Blur Effect]
   ↑
[Mouse Position] → [Real-time Control]

Control visual effects with smooth, natural-feeling parameter distributions.

Curve Shape Examples

Narrow Peak (Small Sigma)

Sigma = 0.01, Length = 20:
[0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0.1, 0.8, 1.0, 0.8, 0.1, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0, ...]
         Sharp peak at center

Wide Curve (Large Sigma)

Sigma = 0.3, Length = 20:
[0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 0.9, 0.8, 0.6, 0.4, 0.2, ...]
         Gentle, wide distribution

Position Offset

Pos = -0.5, Sigma = 0.1:
[1.0, 0.8, 0.3, 0.1, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0, ...]
Peak shifted to left side

Advanced Applications

Multi-pole Systems

Combine multiple Poles processes for complex distributions:

[Poles 1] → [Array Combiner] ← [Poles 2]
     ↓              ↓
[Position A]   [Position B]
     ↓              ↓
[Dual-peak Distribution]

Dynamic Curve Morphing

[Poles] → [Output Array]
  ↑
[LFO] → [Sigma Modulation]
[Position Automation]

Create morphing curves by simultaneously animating position and width.

Scientific Data Visualization

[Poles] → [Data Visualization] → [Research Display]
  ↑
[Measured Values] → [Statistical Modeling]

Model experimental data distributions or create probability visualizations.

Interactive Installations

[Motion Sensor] → [Poles] → [Light Installation]
                     ↑
            [Distance Mapping] → [Sigma Control]

Create installations where viewer proximity controls both position and spread of effects.

LFO: Generate periodic control signals

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