incubator

Reconsidering the computer and the network

　

Outline:

    "incubator" is a mixed media performance and/or installation. It is a work involving images and sounds as created by 50 computers linked in a network formation.

    incubator was produced with the following objectives in kind:

    1) To create a space through the use of 50 computers; i.e., the images of 50 monitors and the sounds of 100 speakers.

    2) To express the structure of a network through images and sounds, and connect to a network that allows data exchange between the 50 computers.

Details:

    incubator is a spatial device constructed with a large number of images and sounds using 50 computers. In ordinary film or television devices of today, images and sounds can only be transmitted using a single screen and two (or several) speakers. In contrast, the images and sounds of incubator are transmitted using the screens and speakers of 50 computers. This situation is similar to that of an everyday space in which an infinite number of light sources, reflectors, and sound sources exist.

    Visitors to the exhibition can view the entire space and hear all of the sounds there, but because the computers are distributed throughout the large area, the way each person views or hears the exhibition depends on their physical position. By approaching a particular computer, a visitor can concentrate on specific images and sounds. As a result, by walking through the exhibition space, it is possible for visitors to appreciate the works from a variety of perspectives whether as one whole or in sections. In this respect, incubator differs greatly from passive forms of entertainment such as the television or stereo.

    All of the computers in incubator are connected via a network. The computers act according to surrounding sounds that are picked up by the built-in microphones, and events that are triggered by a set of rules. As images and sounds are produced, data regarding a computer's actions is sent to the other computers via a network. The images and sounds of the receiving computer are altered based on the data received, and it in turn transmits data to another computer. In other words, while the computers exchange data reciprocally, each also acts independently. Together they form a kind of colony. It is possible to think of this as an autonomous distributed network.

    In addition, the 50 computers are linked to a host computer and the same network. Human performance controls the host computer, allowing each of the 50 computers to be controlled individually or as a group. It is also possible to examine the actions of each computer from the host computer. This is known as a centrally controlled network. In other words, incubator's actions are based on the typical forms of the autonomously distributed and central controlled networks.

    In this way, incubator facilitates an experience of imagery and sound through the relationship between the visitors and the computers, the computers themselves, the performances and the computers as expressed through the 50 computers arranged in the space and the network that links them to each other.

    incubator was held at XEBEC Hall(Kobe,Japan) on 10th to 14th of March 1999

System:

    The 50 computers are set up in the exhibition space as illustrated in the diagram. Using special stands made for the computers, each is set up with the screen facing upward. The mouses and keyboards are not hooked up. The built-in microphones are used as input sources and the built-in monitors and speakers are used as output sources.

    The power and Ethernet cables from each computer run vertically to the ceiling batten. Above the batten, power outlets providing electric power and hubs that form the Ethernet network are set up. By creating multiple links with an 8- or 16-port hub, it can be used as a single virtual hub.

    The computers are set up with approximately two meters between them, and because the cables rise up toward the ceiling rather than run along the floor, visitors can move freely between the computers, look around them, or gaze at any one computer.

    The host computer set up in the exhibition area is slightly separated from the 50 computers, but is also linked to the network. The host computer is used to distribute files to the other computers and adjust their actions, while also acting as the control panel in a performance.

    Moreover, the number of computers can be decreased or increased from anywhere between 20 and 50.


<System Diagram>

Artists:

Space Requirement:

    18m X 12m

Technical Requirements:

    50 iMac Computers, 50 Ports Ethernet Hub(s) and Cables
    Addtional 1 Host computer(ex.PowerBook) and 1 more Port of Ethernet Hub and Cable

Credits:

PDF Documents: