Computer logics onto fabric

Fabric logic is an experimental work that explores the development to put computer (logic) circuits onto fabric, where the fabric itself acted like a computer. The work develops the idea of a no wires or recognizable electronics by concealing the technology thru simple decorative surface of geometric shapes and colours that are painted on with conductive materials.

Ben and I were, inspired by the work of Josef Albers, a German artist and mathematician. His distinctive geometric design and use of patterns and intense colours explored our own interest in the perception of patterns.

We could see the natural adoption of these types of patterns in electronic circuits.  Ben being a computer scientist used the software Electric VLSI Design System to create the logic circuit and to set up the systems layout constraints of Fabric Logic. Although at this stage it would be impossible to create a working prototype we intended to reflect upon what does technology look like and evoke the perception of what a computer is by screen-printing what the potential logic would look like.

 

The work emerges from a broader exploration to integrate soft and flexible printed circuits onto fabric, which to date has been mostly power and sensor circuits with an emphasis on no wires technology. We would like to investigate alternative interfaces to sensor and power circuits and initiate art-science collaborations.

First prototype of the fabric with an example of the screen printed logic

 

Future potentials
In collaboration with a material scientist we would like to produce a paint on semi-conductor, which will allow us to build a transistor and a clear insulating paint which could be layered on top of printed wires to allow others to be placed above without electrical interference. During the time spent at e-t+t residency our preoccupation was to explore the potential input and output of the fabric using conductive and thermo chromic paints.

Experiments with the colour changing inks which would be printed over the conductive layer.

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