A Note on the Visualization of Heart Sounds

Fig. 2. Alexius Appl, Lighting piece for the theater Stavovske Divadlo in Kolovratsky Palace, Prague, brass plate, 220 x 110 x 220 em, 1989. Two opposing half-cones, assembled from 42 individuallame11as, create the reflective surfaces. These reflective surfaces are encircled by a glowing 2,000-W are, resulting in a kinetic effect. I also utilize the technique of welding metals (e.g. stainless steel) in a protective atmosphere (argon) (see Fig. 2). I try to demonstrate the relationship between material and construction, to express the tension or cooperation of nature and technology and to expose the structure of matter (e.g. crystalline matrix, molecular pattern). The relationship of all matter that surrounds us is the basic inspirational stimulus for my artistic creations as well as my creations in design, which I pursue as an instructor in a special industrial design studio at the Institute oflndustrial Design in Prague. This studio works on solutions to problems in our consumer industry. Previously, our designs originated from the school of Professor Kovar in Zlin. Kovar was the head of the department of machine and instrument design and emphasized the idea of 'shaping objects'. However, design should go beyond the mere shaping of objects. We have discovered that we must find our own philosophy of design, one that is based on our national culture and emphasizes the relationship between an object and its given environment and function. The establishment of a general approach in design uncovers new ways of solving problems. The basic premise asserts that no solution can be a final one; it must remain open to new impulses. The idea 'when it does not work one way, try the completely opposite way' dominates in any creation. The simplification ofa problem to a primary principle may reveal another possibility for understanding the problem in a relative sense. Complex artistic thinking plays an important role during the creation of consumer objects . The approach that 'it is the same task to build a clothespin as to build a space ship' enables us to solve a problem objectively, without fear of the complexity of the problem. The development of shapes of objects in relation to changes in technology in the last 20 years has shown that even things that appear to stay the same do change. However, the basic principles of physics do not change (a lever, a two-arm lever, pliers, scissors, etc.). Changes in technology and materials bring new functions and forms. In my design work, I solve design problems of heavy machinery in cooperation with the Railroad Research Institute in Prague. The teamwork involved provides advantages in the endless process of compromise in both the artistic and the technological aspects of design. The influence of an engineer's rational approach to problem solving is beneficial for my own free creativity. During the fabrication of heavy machinery (weighing approximately 200 tn) that must function and work efficiently, artistic work seems to be an insignificant factor. However, its humane function is irreplaceable . It is interesting how technical experts thirst emotionally for the beauty of a technological artwork, even though they do not want to admit it to themselves. In conclusion, I note that I am increasingly inclined to produce works based on my technical knowledge. I am intensely interested in metal lightsculpture utilizing the reflection of metal lamellas (facets). In this area I try to achieve a 'stationary mobile' effect . I have already used these effects in the lighting of a baroque palace (Kolovratsky Palace, part of Tyl's Theater in Prague). I shall publish the results of this development after testing more works . • A NOTE ON THE VISUALIZATION OF HEART SOUNDS Clifford A. Pickover (computer scientist), Visualization Systems Group, IBM ThomasJ. Watson Research Center, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598, U.SA Received 28 April 1989. Acceptedfor publication by RogerF. Malina. 'Biometric art' is a term I coined in 1987 to denote computer art that is derived from measurements of unique characteristics associated-with a living organism. Biometric input devices are commercially available and can describe the shape of one's hand, the lines ofthe palm, the fingerprints , the voice, the forces generated when signing a name and the arrangement of blood vessels on the...