ITRI's “Flow of Qi” offers viewers an unique feel for Chinese culture
ARS Electronica Festival is widely called the world's pre-eminent digital arts festival. This year, the festival will feature an Asian flair. From September 5-11, the “ National Palace Museum Taiwan in Action” exhibit will be held at the AFO Architekturforum Oberosterreich. ITRI will integrate state-of-the-art technology, combining Ultra Wide Band (UWB) technology with the calligraphic treasures of the National Palace Museum in the digital art piece “Flow of Qi .” This special work will enable participants to use their breath to affect Chinese calligraphy. Without a doubt it will be a focus of international attention.
ITRI's “Flow of Qi” aims to display the Chinese concept of qi, which plays such an important role in Chinese culture, on a different level. Qi embodies the view of the universe among Chinese and is a foremost concept in Chinese medicine. It also is a factor in appraising a person's character as well as artistic achievement. ITRI has employed advanced UWB technology in this work. The viewer's breathing rate is measured in real-time, every 0.1 second. This serves as the basis of the visual element, which in conjunction with the sound of digital music influences the form of four major calligraphic treasures from the Sung Dynasty that are held in the collection of the National Palace Museum . The viewer can see the impact of his or her qi on the calligraphy and engage in a unique dialogue with Sung Dynasty masters.
“Flow of Qi” marks the first time the rate and pulse of human breathing have been used to interact with art. This also signifies new applications for UWB technology, which previously was limited to defense and medicine. Most international researchers studying data on human emotions base their work on heart rates. “Flow of Qi,” however, for the first time introduces breathing as a factor in research and discussion of emotions.
ITRI Creativity Lab General Director Dr. Wen-Jean, Hsueh said, “ITRI's main mission historically has been to create economic value and spark industrial development on Taiwan , hoping to generate innovation. ITRI integrates advanced technology and art in ‘Flow of Qi.' This marks the first step for ITRI in assisting the digital arts industry and unveils a brand new cooperative model.”
Wu Shu Min, who was responsible for the conceptual foundation for “Flow of Qi,” said, “The original intention of the team at ITRI's Creativity Lab was to employ advanced technology in an effort to exhibit qi in a different light. They sought to look at qi from a totally new standpoint.”
UWB technology was successfully developed by ITRI's Center for Measurement Standards and Russia 's Moscow Aviation Institute. The key feature of UWB is that it does not require contact with the sensor. The sensor technology can detect physiological information , including breathing and heart rate, using microwave impulses to detect movements within a distance of about one meter. The patient does not need to wear or have any sensing devices attached to the body, thereby alleviating any inconvenience or discomfort. This technology is especially useful in the diagnosis of illnesses in infants, the elderly or people taking advantage of distance home care. The system also can continually log information, which sets it apart from traditional bio-monitoring devices. UWB employs wireless measurements, meaning that no contact is required with sensor devices. It is easy to use and maintenance is simple. UWB is likely to be a key player in high-end medical products in the future and will play a key role in distance home care.
ITRI is Taiwan 's largest high-tech research institute. Established in 1973, ITRI employs about 6,000 people, of which 900 and 3,000 researchers and managers hold PhDs and master's degrees, respectively. ITRI is involved in innovative R&D and services in the fields of information and communications, electronics and optoelectronics, materials and nanometer technology, biotechnology and medicine, advanced manufacturing and systems, and energy and the environment. ITRI has 9,376 patents on technology and has been the leader in the number of invention-oriented patents on Taiwan for two years running. ITRI has an outstanding track record as an incubator, responsible for spinning off 143 new companies with total investment valued at NT$47 billion.
*For more information about ITRI, please go to www.itri.org.tw
Press Liaison:
ITRI Office of Marketing Communications Alvin Liang Kuo
Tel:+886-3-5916371 , +886-932-237707, E-mail: alvinlk@itri.org.tw
Note 1: Introduction to “Flow of Qi”
ITRI's “Flow of Qi” makes use of the latest technology to put qi, which is a central concept in Chinese culture, in a different light. Qi embodies the view of the universe and is a core of Chinese medicine. ITRI uses UWB technology to sense the breathing of a viewer at intervals of 0.1 second. Changes in breathing patterns are reflected in four classic works of calligraphy from the National Palace Museum .
“Form of Qi” re-creates the spirit of Sung Dynasty calligraphers. Participants can adjust their breathing to sense the rhythm associated with each stroke. They have the unique opportunity to have secret interaction with the masters, shedding light on the timeless treasures of these artists.
Two participants work together, forms a yin/yang type of interaction. One person controls the fluidity of the strokes through the pace of his or her breathing, while the other affects the density of the characters depending on how deep one breathes. The participant may get a feel for the Chinese philosophy of the unity of man and the universe, the connection to other people, and between people and things in a delicate, inseparable, never-ending dance.
Note 2 Ultra Wide Band Non-contact Sensor
The ultra wide band non-contact sensor was developed by ITRI using Ultra Wide Band (UWB) radar technology. The device can sense even the smallest of changes in the chest cavity without requiring contact. It also can measure respiratory function and heart rate at the same time, offering uses in the area of medical care. UWB technology employs microwave impulses to detect movement. The electromagnetic waves emitted from the device are less than one percent of cellular phones, making it extremely safe. Meanwhile, the device does not require contact, making it convenient to use and alleviating any fears of discomfort. The device has applications in the areas of physiological monitoring, security, collision avoidance, and precision positioning systems.