Logic Inversions & Exclusive OR (XOR) Transformations

Logic Inversions & Exclusive OR (XOR) Transformations is an original videographic showcase of the extraordinary function of the Exclusive OR (XOR) on regular tiled and patterned imagery. The XOR primarily relates to the way digital signals may be combined using logic functions - and there are several like AND, OR, XOR and other derivatives of these. If the XOR is applied to images, particularly hard-edge and monochrome linear and patterned fields, many unique effects can be achieved. The EMS Spectron Video Synthesizer from the mid 1970s used its outputs A and B to create XOR effects; and it was this machine that provided much of the inspiration to explore the creative potential of logically combining video sources. Linear counters (producing horizontal and vertical stripes) and checkerboard patterns were transformed by the logical XOR transformation and linear movements that can be imparted by horizontal and vertical motions. Several orders of XOR logic and track-matte functions (that can create XOR-like effects) create complex combinations from simple patterned effects. Horizontal and vertical lines were used as image sources, checkerboard patterns, rotated checkerboards, as well as some basic geometric primatives like circles, ovoids and wipe patterns. Logical XOR combinations produce many complex visualisations that can create startling optical animations. Infinitely repeating 2D tiled graphics, as well as many varieties of moire effects may be explored. Sometimes, just the simple rotation of one of the XOR components can alter the entire character of the animation. Various short XOR animations were created, then merged by complex wipe functions. Simple geometric elements were overlayed over this base XOR background. At other times, simple animations acted as XOR on the XOR base track. This composite track was then subjected to further XOR treatments, including extra animated elements and geometric masks that inverted the interior image, thereby creating a XOR effect within a specifically defined region. Various track-mattes were used to introduce elements that could not be created by wipe patterns or by image masks - these included the star effect, and the flying squares, that revealed colourised inverted images. Some XOR effects were created by monochrome lines, then the emboss effect applied. When the emboss is treated with a modified solarised function, the result can resemble XOR geometries - with the added benefit of "flash" effects where the emboss meets the frame boundary. The music was created by Eurorack modular synthesizer modules, then further treated by filtering and flanger effects. Signal generation was used to synchronise the animated graphics with tones created by modulated and inverted sinewaves. The work as a whole functions like an automation - the patterns meld and morph into optical effects that shimmer and vibrate as the XOR animation changes into pulsating arrays of light and form. The potentiality of the XOR effect is enormous. With careful execution, the XOR can reveal several patterns of beauty within seemingly simple geometric structures.

[@JeffreyPlaide]

The logical XOR, creating startling animated graphics from simple elements, highly complex creations can result.

[@robindoermann2261]

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