Scanning for time: Science and art on a photocopier

TL;DR

This paper explores how combining photocopier scanning with moving objects can create images that reveal physical properties like vibration and rotation, offering a novel method for analyzing motion.

Contribution

It introduces a technique that uses standard office photocopiers to visualize and analyze dynamic physical phenomena through combined motion and scanning.

Findings

Creates images showing vibrational and rotational motion

Enables analysis of wave and rotational properties visually

Demonstrates a new application of photocopiers for physics visualization

Abstract

Combine the scanning properties of a common office photocopier with an object in motion to create stunning imagery. Produce a scan or hard copy that records the artifact of two motions, the moving object and the moving photocopier scan bar. Images illustrate and allow for analysis a variety of physical characteristics that happen over time: wavelength, frequency, amplitude and other wave and rotational properties. Investigate vibrational and rotational motion just by the press of a button!