Creating and evaluating a particle system for music visualization

• We present a particle system to create real-time animations choreographed by music.
• A proof-of-concept implementation shows that is possible to observe visual patterns.
• The visual patterns match the theme of the musical composition.
• User studies also show a perceptual relation between music terms and visual patterns.
• Usage examples are visual appreciation, entertainment and composition support tool.

In this paper, we present a simplified 3D particle system and fast translation algorithm we have designed and implemented to generate real-time animated particle emitter fountains choreographed by a classical music. The approach we used to translate and map the controlling information into the musical fountain animation is also introduced, as well as the process to build the physical model of the music fountains. A proof of concept is implemented to demonstrate the main system's aspects, its feasibility, and that it has met the system's design goals. Moreover, it shows that is possible to observe visual patterns that match the theme of the musical composition, as an example of how the system can be used not only for visual appreciation and entertainment, but also as a possible support tool for music composition. We have also conducted a user study as an evaluation of the system. The results of this have provided us with positive and useful feedback on the effectiveness of our visual mappings as well as further directions to explore.