Searching for surprise

Inspired by the notion of surprise for unconventional discovery in computational creativity, we introduce a general search algorithm we name surprise search. Surprise search is grounded in the divergent search paradigm and is fabricated within the principles of metaheuristic (evolutionary) search. The algorithm mimics the self-surprise cognitive process of creativity and equips computational creators with the ability to search for outcomes that deviate from the algorithm’s expected behavior. The predictive model of expected outcomes is based on historical trails of where the search has been and some local information about the search space. We showcase the basic steps of the algorithm via a problem solving (maze navigation) and a generative art task. What distinguishes surprise search from other forms of divergent search, such as the search for novelty, is its ability to diverge not from earlier and seen outcomes but rather from predicted and unseen points in the creative domain considered.This work has been supported in part by the FP7 Marie Curie CIG project AutoGameDesign (project no: 630665).peer-reviewe

Sonancia : sonification of procedurally generated game levels

How can creative elements brought from level design effectively be coupled with audio in order to create tense and engaging player experiences? In this paper the above question is posed through the sonification of procedurally generated digital game levels. The paper details some initial approaches and methodologies for achieving this core aim.The research is supported, in part, by the FP7 ICT project C2Learn (project no: 318480) and the FP7 Marie Curie CIG project AutoGameDesign (project no: 630665).peer-reviewe

Automatic puzzle level generation : a general approach using a description language

In this paper, we present a general technique to generate and evaluate puzzle levels made by Puzzle Script. Puzzle Script is a videogame description language created by Stephen Lavelle for scripting puzzle games. We propose a system to help in generating levels for Puzzle Script without any restriction on the current game rules. Two different approaches are used with a trade off between speed (Constructive approach) and playability (Genetic approach). These two approaches use a level evaluator that calculates the scores of the generated levels based on their playability and challenge. The generated levels are assessed by human players statistically, and the results show that the constructive approach is capable of generating playable levels up to 90%, while genetic approach can reach up to 100%. The results also show a high correlation between the system scores and the human scores.peer-reviewe

Co-creating game content using an adaptive model of user taste

Mixed-initiative procedural content generation can augment and assist human creativity by allowing the algorithm to take care of the mechanisable parts of content creation, such as consistency and playability checking. But it can also enhance human creativity by suggesting new directions and structures, which the designer can choose to adopt or not.peer-reviewe

COMPUTER-ASSISTED MEASUREMENTS IN THE SERVO-DRIVES DIAGNOSTICS BASED ON THE FEEDBACK SIGNALS EVALUATION

Abstract: The paper concerns diagnostics of servo-drives. The proposed computer-assisted way of the feedback signals measurements can be applied as a simple and low cost solution useful for inspection and on-line monitoring of the servo-drives motional accuracy and also data collecting for later analysis. Despite the fact that the feedback devices installed in the servo-drives can be different the square wave signals are commonly used in position and commutation loops as their output signals. This kind of signals can be applied for quite simple in realisation digital measurements of both velocity and position increments. Lack of limitations in the distance and trajectory of the inspected movement as well as possibility to perform and repeat the tests on an operating machine without any interrupting its working process seem to be their valuable features. However, it is necessary to have at disposal quite simple but properly prepared equipment and right software instruments when a manufacturing machine with the servo-drives has to be inspected with different static and dynamic tests by this way. Key words: measurements, diagnostics of servo-drives, commissioning. 1 Demand The Servo-drives Diagnostics Automated drives are more and more important subsystem of the integrated automation used in the modern manufacturing systems. Numerous manufacturers of the drives are forced to improve their products in order to satisfy high requirements of the very competitive market. The requirements are placed on the motional accuracy, dynamics, communication possibilities and other electromechanical performances. On the other hand the list of requirements includes also non problematic and time saving planning, sizing, commissioning and diagnostics of the drives. Especially commissioning and effective diagnostics are a serious problem because a number of the adjustable parameters of a drive 39 p