GMU:Computing with Thread/Part1

Computing with Thread: Part I

Thread Geometry

We explored what kind of geometric constructions we can do with thread, chalk and the help of several people...

We found out...

• how to draw a line
• how to draw a circle ( d = const.)
• how to draw an ellipse ( a + b = const.)
• how to draw multifocal ellipses (a + b + c = const.)
• how to draw egg-shaped curves (3 * a + b = const.)
• how to measure the circumference of a circle
• how to calcualte pi using only thread (See also here)

3D thread geometry

We explored how our thread-based drawing tools could be used to identify points on the surface of shapes in 3 dimensions.

• We discovered the 3d ellipsoid (a + b = const.)
• We found that multifocal 3d ellipsoids have a doughnut-topology.
• We found two different ways to create ellipsoid shapes:
  • the polygon method, where the thread forms a polygon going through the focal points and the drawing point
  • the star method where the thread is alternately visiting each focal point and the drawing point

Observations

• Geometric knowledge from school only got us so far ...
• There is a whole universe of "new" shapes and forms

Questions raised

• Questions regarding surface of different shapes popped up
• We discussed different methods of measuring the surfaces using thread

Homework

• What could an Experimentier-Baukasten / a kit / a sandbox for computing with thread look like?
  Do some research on other kinds of kits!
• Do some thread-based geometry at home. Pick a parameter such as the thread-length and vary it systematically
• Document your thread-art in the wiki

Geometry

Some links to classics of compass + straightedge geometry
as well as the thread-based geometry we explored in our class.

Ellipses

• Ellipse on Wikipedia
• Multifocal oval curves on Wikipedia
• On the description of oval curves by James Clerk Maxwell
• Semidefinite Representation of the k-Ellipse

Compass and Straightedge

• Compass and straightedge construction on Wikipedia
• Byrne's version of Euclid's elements using coloured shapes (very bauhaus)
• 3D Sculptures by Helen Friel

Kitspiration

Here are some links to all kinds of kits.
May they serve as inspiration for creating your own textile computing kits.

Educational Kits

• Anker-Steinbaukasten
• Elektro-Baukasten
• LEGO, KNEX, LEGO-Mindstorms ...

Sewing Boxes

• Sewing Box with Implements
• Sewing Box Cabinet by Kiki van Eijk

Tool Boxes

• Survival Kit
• Dentist Toolkit
• Pictures of surgical sets and tool boxes

Portable Textile tools

• The Charkha (spinning)
• Hexagonal Weaving loom (hexagonal weaving)
• Tablet Weaving (weaving/braiding)
• How to make a Kumihimo Disk out of a CD (braiding)

Knots and Splices

Links

How are threads made?

• Seilforschung: Wie sieht das optimale Seil aus?

Self-Assembly

• Teslaphoresis (self-assembly of threads)
• Spontaneous Patterns in vibrated Ball Chains: Knots and Spirals

Knotting

• Encylopedia of Knots and Fancy Rope Work ISBN 978-0870330216

Unknotting with Force and Magic

• Gordian Knot (mythology)
• Harry Houdini
• Abbot's encylopedia of rope tricks for Magicians ISBN 978-0486232065
• Self-Working Rope Magic: 70 Foolproof Tricks ISBN 978-0486265414
• Seil-Salabim

Splicing

...

Knot Theory

...