In the processing of the symbol-pattern a copy is made in which the position of the symbol list can be shifted backwards or forwards in relation to the original symbol- pattern. The number of shift positions backwards or forwards is controlled by the value - w - otherwise its shift factor is subject to a random operation producing a + or - value less or within one value of the length of the copy.
In addition, any repeating symbols are deleted from the copy. This produces a clearer, more subtly ornamented texture.
The transpose value - x - is optional; it is diatonic in tonalities other than chromatic.
The optional compression value - y - is intended for symbol-patterns where the symbol range may be too extensive for particular ornamentation. It also serves as a way of reducing the number of different symbols available in the copy to mix into the resultant pattern. See symbol-compress for further info on this process.