Sander Rosenberg and....
The Computer Bug (sculpture....)
(formerly "Millennium Bug")
Microstation CAD-designed and rendered image--prototype bug. Size and
mileage may vary.
The Proposal:
Physical Form:
The Computer Bug Sculpture is constructed of aluminum,
copper, plastic, and electronic and mechanical devices, and
takes form of a stylized millipede. The overall form is that of
interconnected segments (six, for now), each containing two pairs of legs,
which is one of the defining characteristics of the millipede (e.g. centipedes
have one pair per segment). The understructure of each segment supports
its curving carapace, is made of aluminum and incorporates the legs,
which are made from reinforced, cold-forged aluminum. The carapace is formed
of perforated aluminum, backed by a translucent plastic. Each of
these segments is modular in design and are interconnected upon installation,
with patinated copper transitions. The segments are three feet in
diameter, and open up to a larger, computer monitor-shaped head at
the front.
Some of the Completed segments
The form is greatly enhanced through the use of multi-colored lighting
installed within each segment, which is centrally computer-controlled and
interact with each other typically in a cascading manner to add a colorful,
dynamic quality and visual interest. In addition, a number of electronic
and kinetic features will be added for both for visual appeal as well as
to extend the concept. The head consists of a mock-up of a computer
monitor (Sun workstation to be exact, nerds!) which will display additional
lighting effects or possibly data. The "eyes" consist of B/W TV tubes displaying
random images/visual noise. The "mouth" contains an amplified megaphone
to play random sounds, noises, fragments of speech, etc.
The lighting displays will essentially consist of four-lamp modules--one
for each of the primary colors plus one very bright stroboscopic flash
unit--which can be varied in brightness separately to produce a wide color
palette, or can flash very intensely. Under central computer control,
the various segments can work together to produce an interesting display,
ranging from gradual fades from one color to another along the length
of the Bug, to sequential flashing of each segment in different colors.
Laser pointers will be triggered as well, reflecting off a spinning mirrored
sphere. Some interactivity is possible via infra-red detectors, which will
initiate a visual or audible response.
Same segments, illuminated
More
images....
About Sander
<
Some Links:
Bob
Houghton's E Design Page Bob has kindly put a reference to
my Bug at bottom of the table -- near bottom of page. He has some
terrific links to sites around the web based upon the human senses.
Ken Webster's Page
Ken has been kind enough to volunteer his expert PIC programming services
and has made Countdown Clocks, one of which will be installed in
the "face" of the bug for next New Year's!
California Metals These
guys are a terrific source for used electronics, not to mention scrap metals!
(Omigod! Has Sander already inserted an advertisement?
Has he SOLD OUT? Nahhh.... I just really like these folks
and they've been really helpful to me, letting me scamble all over
their stuff, poking at things. Once, I even found some organ pipes!)
New Year's 2000, "Gaslamp District", San Diego
Page last Modified:February 20, 2000