SimplexNoise Library for Arduino - v0.2.1

An improved implementation of the SimplexNoise algorithm for Arduino-compatible boards. Generate smooth, organic motion patterns for servos, LEDs, and other physical outputs.

What's New in v0.2.1

• Memory optimization: Uses PROGMEM for constant data to save RAM
• Seeding capability: Generate unique noise patterns with custom seeds
• Enhanced functionality: Added scaling and multi-layered noise functions
• Cross-platform support: Tested with Arduino AVR, ESP32, and Teensy cores
• Library Manager readiness: Adds dependency metadata and CI checks for Arduino, ESP32, and Teensy builds

Features

• Fast and efficient: Optimized implementation of Simplex Noise
• Memory-efficient: Uses PROGMEM to conserve valuable RAM
• True randomness: Proper seeding mechanism for unique patterns
• Direct scaling: Methods to map noise directly to desired output ranges
• Fractal Brownian Motion: Multi-layered noise for more natural patterns
• Cross-platform servo control: Works with Arduino Servo-compatible boards and ESP32 via ESP32Servo

Installation

1. Download the ZIP file
2. In Arduino IDE: Sketch -> Include Library -> Add .ZIP Library
3. Select the downloaded ZIP file

When installed from Arduino Library Manager, the required servo dependencies are installed automatically:

• Servo for Arduino AVR and other Servo-compatible cores
• ESP32Servo for ESP32 boards
• PWMServo for Teensy boards

Basic Usage

#include <SimplexNoise.h>

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);
  
  // Initialize the noise generator with a seed
  randomSeed(analogRead(A0));
  SimplexNoise::init(random(100000));
}

void loop() {
  // Get a noise value (range approximately -1 to 1)
  float value = SimplexNoise::noise(0.01 * millis(), 0);
  
  // Or map directly to a desired range (e.g. for LED brightness)
  int brightness = SimplexNoise::scaledNoise(0.01 * millis(), 0, 0, 255);
  
  Serial.println(brightness);
  delay(50);
}

Servo Control

For cross-platform servo control, use the included SimplexServo helper:

#include <SimplexServo.h>
#include <SimplexNoise.h>

SimplexServo servo;

void setup() {
  // Initialize noise
  SimplexNoise::init();
  
  // Attach servo (works on Arduino AVR, ESP32, and Teensy)
  servo.attach(9);
}

void loop() {
  // Get servo position from noise
  int position = SimplexNoise::scaledNoise(0.01 * millis(), 0, 0, 180);
  
  // Write to servo (handles platform differences)
  servo.write(position);
  
  delay(50);
}

Advanced: Fractal Brownian Motion (FBM)

For more natural, complex motion patterns:

#include <SimplexServo.h>
#include <SimplexNoise.h>

SimplexServo servo;

void setup() {
  SimplexNoise::init(random(100000));
  servo.attach(9);
}

void loop() {
  // Parameters: x, y, min, max, octaves, persistence
  int position = SimplexNoise::scaledFbm(0.01 * millis(), 0, 0, 180, 3, 0.5);
  
  servo.write(position);
  delay(50);
}

API Reference

SimplexNoise

• static void init() - Initialize with automatic seed
• static void init(uint32_t seed) - Initialize with custom seed
• static void reseed(uint32_t seed) - Change seed at runtime
• static double noise(double x, double y) - Get noise value (-1 to 1)
• static double scaledNoise(double x, double y, double min, double max) - Get scaled noise
• static double fbm(double x, double y, int octaves, double persistence) - Get layered noise (-1 to 1)
• static double scaledFbm(double x, double y, double min, double max, int octaves, double persistence) - Get scaled layered noise

SimplexServo

• void attach(int pin) - Attach servo to pin
• void attach(int pin, int min, int max) - Attach with pulse width limits
• void write(int angle) - Write angle to servo (cross-platform)

Credits

Original algorithm by Stefan Gustavson, with optimizations by Peter Eastman. Arduino port by Jordan Shaw.

License

This code is in the public domain, following the original SimplexNoise implementation by Stefan Gustavson.

Arduino Library Manager Release Checklist

1. Run arduino-lint --compliance strict.
2. Compile the examples for at least Arduino AVR, ESP32, and Teensy.
3. Update version in library.properties and README.
4. Create and push a Git tag that matches the version, for example 0.2.1.
5. Submit or update the library in the Arduino Library Manager registry.

V1 Video documentation

Video for servo example that currently uses a ESP8266: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjVWmJZx0kk

Studio Jordan Shaw

SimplexNoise is maintained by Studio Jordan Shaw.

• Website: https://jordanshaw.com
• Project context: built for creative hardware, motion, and generative interface work, including use in and with https://datanet.art