A system for supporting performer interactions with a self-organizing
chemical reaction based on monitoring and interpretation of a
controllable self-organizing chemical reaction contained within a
reaction vessel. The self-organizing chemical reaction initially includes
two or more constituent chemical reactants which may be controllably
replenished. Controller elements, responsive to reaction control signals,
influence the reaction. Reaction control signals are generated by a
processor in response to incoming performance signals. Selectable
control-conversion algorithms may be used for this purpose, permitting an
incoming performance signal to responsively influence the self-organizing
chemical reaction. One or more electrodes or chemical sensors, a video
camera, or other monitoring devices may be used to monitor the chemical
reaction and produce outgoing control signals for controlling
synthesizers, signal processing, lighting, or video synthesis. Outgoing
control signals are created by interpreting monitoring signals according
to selectable algorithms. Video camera signals may be displayed or
projected in a visual performance environment