value-noise-js

About The Project

A light and simple way to generate 1D, 2D, and 3D value noise in javascript.

Inspired by Improved Noise reference implementation by Ken Perlin.

Example of 2D Noise image(128x128)

Why create a noise library in Javascript?

This was a small part of larger project where I was creating a flow field simulator for generative art. To test my knowedge and skills, I decided not to use any libraries or frameworks, such as P5.js.

What makes this library better than others?

Well, I can't say it's better, but it was built for my specific needs. This included a way to create multiple instances of (Psuedo)RNGs that were seedable, and could generate noise values in multiple dimensions.

Getting Started

To get started, install the NPM package into your project.

npm install value-noise-js

Import the ValueNoise class where needed.

import { ValueNoise } from 'value-noise-js;

Then create a new instance in your file.

const noise = new ValueNoise();

Usage

Noise can be evaluated with any real number equal to 0 or greater. This includes all positive rational , fractional, or irrational numbers.

Note

Values between any two whole numbers will return an interpolated value between the corresponding evaluated values at the nearest whole numbers.

1D noise

    const noise = new ValueNoise();

    let x = 1;

    // Evaluate at x
    let value = noise.evalX(x);

2D noise

    const noise = new ValueNoise();

    let x = 1;
    let y = 2;

    // Evaluate at x and y
    let value = noise.evalXY(x,y);

3D noise

    const noise = new ValueNoise();

    let x = 1;
    let y = 2;
    let z = 3;

    // Evaluate at x, y, and z
    let value = noise.evalXYZ(x,y,z);

Passing a seed value

The ValueNoise constructor accepts an optional seed param as a string value.

Note

The seed value is hashed and used as a root to generate the pRNG values.

Important

By default, a random seed value is generated if left blank.

    const seed = 'seed';
    const noise = new ValueNoise(seed)

    let x = 1;
    let y = 2;
    let z = 3;

    // Evaluate at x, y, and z
    let value = noise.evalXYZ(x,y,z);

Tip

You can access the seed value with the property $seed on the ValueNoise instance.

    const seed = 'myseed';
    const noise = new ValueNoise(seed)

    console.log(noise.$seed) // 'myseed'

Passing a chunk-size value

The ValueNoise constructor accepts an optional length number as the second param value. Leave the seed param as undefined if not needed.

Note

length dictates the size of the permutation table generated(length ^ 2). Values are eventually looped to save on memory allocation.

Tip

The size of the perutaion table should be large enough to hide the repitition, but small enough to iterate and evaluate quicky. The larger the length, the more memory and computational time will be needed. Results may vary based on hardware.

Caution

length value should be a power of 2 when possible due to bitwise & operations. Otherwise, the nearest power of 2 value will be used. For example, a length value of 56 will be rounded up to 64, and 21 will be rounded down to 16.

Important

Minimum value of 8, maximum of 512, and default of 32 if set to undefined or 0. Decimal values are rounded down to the nearest whole number. Min and max values are automatically set, so no errors will be raised for values outside this range.

    //Chunk-size of 64 generates 64 ^ 2 purmutations and values
    const noise = new ValueNoise(undefined, 64)

    let x = 1;
    let y = 2;
    let z = 3;

    // Evaluate at x, y, and z
    let value = noise.evalXYZ(x,y,z);

Easing function

The ValueNoise constructor accepts an optional type as the third param value. Leave the seed and length param as undefined if not needed.

Important

type can be either 'perlin' or 'cosine'. This smooths the interpolation values using the corresponding easing function.

Default value is 'cosine'.

    // Use Perlin fade easing function
    const noise = new ValueNoise(undefined, undefined, 'Perlin')

    let x = 1;
    let y = 2;
    let z = 3;

    // Evaluate at x, y, and z
    let value = noise.evalXYZ(x,y,z);

Re-rolling the values

Use the refresh method to re-roll the values generated with a new random seed, or pass a seed value as a param.

Note

This allows you to reuse the same instance and save on memory allocation.

Important

Passing a new seed does not change the length or type params that were given when first initiaized.

    const noise = new ValueNoise()

    let x = 1;
    let y = 2;
    let z = 3;

    // Evaluate at x, y, and z
    let value1 = noise.evalXYZ(x,y,z);

    // Re-roll random seed and generate new permutaion table and values
    noise.refresh()

    //Returns new value evaluated at x, y, and z
    let value2 = noise.evalXYZ(x,y,z);

Roadmap

• Adding Fractional Brownian Motion