usenix conference policies
From Flapping Birds to Space Telescopes: The Modern Science of Origami
The last decade of this past century has been witness to a revolution in the development and application of mathematical techniques to origami, the centuries-old Japanese art of paper-folding. The techniques used in mathematical origami design range from the abstruse to the highly approachable. In this talk I will describe how geometric concepts led to the solution of a broad class of origami folding problems—specifically, the problem of efficiently folding a shape with an arbitrary number and arrangement of flaps—and enabled origami designs of mind-blowing complexity and realism, some of which you'll see, too. As often happens in mathematics, theory developed for its own sake has led to some surprising practical applications. The algorithms and theorems of origami design have shed light on long-standing mathematical questions and have solved practical engineering problems. I will discuss how origami has enabled safer airbags, Brobdingnagian space telescopes, and more.
Open Access Media
USENIX is committed to Open Access to the research presented at our events. Papers and proceedings are freely available to everyone once the event begins. Any video, audio, and/or slides that are posted after the event are also free and open to everyone. Support USENIX and our commitment to Open Access.
author = {Robert J. Lang},
title = {From Flapping Birds to Space Telescopes: The Modern Science of Origami},
year = {2008},
address = {Boston, MA},
publisher = {USENIX Association},
month = jun
}
connect with us