Abstract
Locus Diffuse is a networked multi-user instrument populated by a simulated slime mold and four human players. Mimicking the biological behavior of slime mold and establishing a virtual living network between player nodes, the system sonifies interaction along these connections. Participants use a browser based interface to play the multi-user instrument, and access an accompanying stream for audio and visual output of the system. Player responses from various play sessions are reported, and discussed relative to the concept of sonic ecosystems. These responses demonstrate distinct frames of focus employed by participants in regard to human/machine and inter-human collaboration, including perceived interaction of sound sources and agent behavior, perceived interaction through personal connection to agents, and differing perceptions of an aural vs visual understanding of the system.
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Hoy, R., Van Nort, D. (2023). Networked and Collaborative Musical Play Amongst Humans and Virtual Biological Agents in Locus Diffuse. In: Aramaki, M., Hirata, K., Kitahara, T., Kronland-Martinet, R., Ystad, S. (eds) Music in the AI Era. CMMR 2021. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 13770 . Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-35382-6_9
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