From reading, viewing online course material, speaking with Pavan, his engineering students, Julian, others and my own experience, here are a few disjointed observations about dynamical systems, chaos, patterns, etc.
- In the engineering framework, we look at time-series data as, well, time-series data. We run an experiment, make observations, collect data, use mathematical tools to evaluate it, communicate the results, and draw conclusions. This is generally a sequential process over time.
- In the AME framework, we are working real-time. We are processing video, audio, movement, etc. signals as they occur (or closely to it) and creating output that is interesting. I've come to view the human as a multi-dimensional sensory system.
- Both the engineering and the AME frameworks iterate information to create meaning but the timeline is vastly different between the two approaches.
- Dynamical systems use time-series data. There needs to be enough data for evaluation.
- It is absolutely possible to create patterns, quasi-chaotic data streams, and chaotic data streams real-time using (a) closed form analytical models, (b) evolving signals with feedback (i.e., interaction), or (c) a combination of both.
- Creating predictive tools to permit AME researchers to design transitions in/out/around chaos (i.e., bifurcations) would be highly interesting in situations where the signals are multidimensional, complex and not necessarily intentional.
- This is where the Lyapunov exponents may be of value. How to evaluate them over sufficiently large data streams without bogging down the action? What is good enough? What does this look like?
- My guess is that the outcome will contend with tradeoffs between time and accuracy.
- I'm beginning to see patterns as the lower energy condition of complex systems. I believe that entrainment and synchronicity are easier than chaos. The most interesting region may be quasi-chaotic systems that dip in and out of patterns on one hand, and chaos on the other. I think humans like to dip in and out, traveling between pattern and quasi-chaotic modes. Consciousness lives in quasi-chaos.
My goal this week is to continue to look at this and come up with a simple sand box for experimenting with these methods and ideas. Running a bit open-loop so I appreciate your thoughts, reactions and feedback.