Biocomputer
And recently I came across a description of a computer model made of paper, developed in 1968 at Bell Labs. The computer is called CARDIAC (CARDboard Illustrative Aid to Computation), which roughly translates to Cardboard Visual material in Computing. That is, in fact, it is not really a computer, since a person acts as a conductor of signals, as well as an arithmetic-logical device in it. However, it does provide insight into some of the principles underlying modern computing. In addition, after a short search, I found a description and materials for making CARDIAC.
How does a computer work?
CARDIAC consists of two blocks - memory and processor. Several paper strips with which you need to select the instruction to be executed. In addition, a tape is inserted into the memory block, where the output occurs, and a tape with input data is inserted into the processor.
Memory
The computer has 100 memory locations with addresses from 00 to 99. Each of them can be used to store one instruction or one three-digit number. Any of the cells can be overwritten, so you can even write a self-modifying program if you wish. Values in cells are entered using a pencil, and modified using a pencil and an eraser. At the same time, the value 001 is always “stitched” in cell 0. It is very convenient to use for increments, since the computer does not have commands with direct argument values.This is what the original memory block looks like: 
Instruction counter
In the original, the instruction counter is ladybug, as in the picture above. It is inserted into special holes punched in each memory cell. Since I didn’t want to make 100 holes, I used another ladybug to indicate the command counter - I simply placed it on the desired cell.
Battery
The only register in a computer is the battery. It is used to perform arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, shift), as well as for conditional jumps. Unlike memory cells, an accumulator can store 4 decimal places.Command system
Each instruction is encoded using a three-digit decimal number. The first digit is always the operation code. The remaining two digits usually represent the address of the cell that the instruction operates on.CARDIAC can "execute" 10 different instructions (codes 0 to 9):
- 0 - INP - enter a value from the input tape
- 1 - CLA - loading the contents of a memory cell into the battery
- 2 - ADD - adding a memory cell to the battery
- 3 - TAC - jump to a given address if the accumulator value is negative
- 4 - SFT - shift operation left and right by a specified number of decimal places
- 5 - OUT - output of the memory cell to the output tape
- 6 - STO - writing the battery to a memory cell
- 7 - SUB - subtracting a memory cell from the battery
- 8 - JMP - unconditional jump to a given address
- 9 - HRS - stop and reset
Making a computer
I printed out the included materials on thick paper, cut out all the necessary holes, inserted the moving strips inside and glued both blocks.
How does it all work?
The functioning of a computer consists of sequential execution of instructions. Before starting execution, you need to look where the ladybug is located (that is, the instruction counter) and, by moving the strips, enter the value from this memory cell in the “Instruction Register” window.
Then you need to follow the arrows, starting with the inscription “Start” and follow all instructions. For example, in the picture below, you first need to advance the instruction counter forward, and then add the contents of cell 41 to the accumulator.
Of course, calculations (addition, subtraction and shift) will have to be done manually. To do this, next to the inscription “Accumulator” there are several windows that allow you to perform addition/subtraction in a column.
Example of computer operation
To begin with, I “entered” (that is, wrote with a pencil into memory cells from 17 to 23) the first of the programs given in the manual:This program adds two numbers read from the input tape and writes the result to the output tape.
The input instruction reads a value from the input tape, writes it to the specified location, and then moves the input tape forward one step so that the next value appears in the Input box. In this case, you will have to use a pencil (and possibly an eraser) to write the value into the memory cell.
After executing this program with input values 42 and 128, the memory state became as follows:
"Performance" of the computer
What's a computer review without benchmarks? I took the following program from the manual to multiply two numbers.| Address | Meaning | Decoding |
|---|---|---|
| 07 | 068 | Enter values in cell 68 |
| 08 | 404 | Zero the battery by shifting 4 to the right |
| 09 | 669 | |
| 10 | 070 | Enter values in cell 70 |
| 11 | 170 | Load cell 70 into battery |
| 12 | 700 | Subtract cell 0 (that is, the value 1) from the accumulator |
| 13 | 670 | Write the accumulator to cell 70 |
| 14 | 319 | If in battery negative meaning, then go to address 19 |
| 15 | 169 | Load cell 69 into battery |
| 16 | 268 | Add cell 68 to the accumulator |
| 17 | 669 | Write the accumulator to location 69 |
| 18 | 811 | Go to address 11 |
| 19 | 569 | Output cell 69 |
| 20 | 900 | Stay |
I ran this program for inputs 5 and 3. There were 34 instructions to execute, which took me just under 15 minutes. Therefore, the instruction frequency for this computer (included with me) was about 38 MHz (not to be confused with MHz).
Contents of memory and output tape
Other programs
The creators of CARDIAC took the issue seriously and developed (not counting those listed above) the following programs:- A program for “reversing” the digits of a number
- Bootstrap for loading programs from the input feed
- Mechanism for calling subroutines
- A program for playing Nim with one pile (that is, the game Bache)
Links
Video demonstrating the original:Hi all! At the age of 15, I became obsessed with the idea of creating a paper computer - a full-fledged mechanical computer created from paper, cardboard and toothpicks. What struck me was that paper has been around for over 2,000 years, but until now no one had bothered to create a paper computer.
All the mechanisms were developed by me, with the exception of the “AND” valve, the idea of which I borrowed from one of the mechanical Lego computers.
Signal transmission
Signals in the car are transmitted using the piston principle. When a block is offset by one unit of length, a positive value is transmitted, otherwise zero.
NOT
AND
OR
XOR
RS trigger
Decoder
Delay line
The delay line is controlled by the machine operator using the appropriate lever. When you need to continue the signal, the red light comes on, otherwise the green light comes on. The delay line can be used to continue the signal over long distances if the paper power is not enough.
Hi all! At the age of 15, I became obsessed with the idea of creating a paper computer - a full-fledged mechanical computer created from paper, cardboard and toothpicks. What struck me was that paper has been around for over 2,000 years, but until now no one had bothered to create a paper computer.
All the mechanisms were developed by me, with the exception of the “AND” valve, the idea of which I borrowed from one of the mechanical Lego computers.
Signal transmission
Signals in the car are transmitted using the piston principle. When a block is offset by one unit of length, a positive value is transmitted, otherwise zero.
NOT
AND
OR
XOR
RS trigger
Decoder
Delay line
The delay line is controlled by the machine operator using the appropriate lever. When you need to continue the signal, the red light comes on, otherwise the green light comes on. The delay line can be used to continue the signal over long distances if the paper power is not enough.
If you take a piece of paper, a pen, a printer, scissors and glue... At summer computer school, we sometimes invite children to assemble a “biocomputer,” that is, a computing device from what is literally lying under their feet. Since children do not know very well how computing devices work, they usually end up with something like a spoiler picture. But some still do abacus or abacus. Biocomputer 
And recently I came across a description of a computer model made of paper, developed in 1968 at Bell Labs. The computer is called CARDIAC (CARDboard Illustrative Aid to Computation), which roughly translates to Cardboard Visual Aid to Computation. That is, in fact, it is not really a computer, since a person acts as a conductor of signals, as well as an arithmetic-logical device in it. However, it does provide insight into some of the principles underlying modern computing. In addition, after a short search, I found a description and materials for making CARDIAC.
How does a computer work?
CARDIAC consists of two blocks - memory and processor. Several paper strips are inserted into the processor unit with the help of which you need to select the instruction to be executed. In addition, a tape is inserted into the memory block, where the output occurs, and a tape with input data is inserted into the processor.
Memory
The computer has 100 memory locations with addresses from 00 to 99. Each of them can be used to store one instruction or one three-digit number. Any of the cells can be overwritten, so you can even write a self-modifying program if you wish. Values in cells are entered using a pencil, and modified using a pencil and an eraser. At the same time, the value 001 is always “stitched” in cell 0. It is very convenient to use for increments, since the computer does not have commands with direct argument values. This is what the original memory block looks like:
Instruction counter
The original uses a ladybug as an instruction counter, as in the picture above. It is inserted into special holes punched in each memory cell. Since I didn’t want to make 100 holes, I used another ladybug to indicate the command counter - I simply placed it on the desired cell.
Battery
The only register in a computer is the battery. It is used to perform arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, shift), as well as for conditional jumps. Unlike memory cells, an accumulator can store 4 decimal places.Command system
Each instruction is encoded using a three-digit decimal number. The first digit is always the operation code. The remaining two digits usually represent the address of the cell that the instruction operates on. CARDIAC can "execute" 10 different instructions (codes 0 to 9):- 0 - INP - enter a value from the input tape
- 1 - CLA - loading the contents of a memory cell into the battery
- 2 - ADD - adding a memory cell to the battery
- 3 - TAC - jump to a given address if the accumulator value is negative
- 4 - SFT - shift operation left and right by a specified number of decimal places
- 5 - OUT - output of the memory cell to the output tape
- 6 - STO - writing the battery to a memory cell
- 7 - SUB - subtracting a memory cell from the battery
- 8 - JMP - unconditional jump to a given address
- 9 - HRS - stop and reset
Making a computer
I printed out the included materials on thick paper, cut out all the necessary holes, inserted the moving strips inside and glued both blocks.
How does it all work?
The functioning of a computer consists of sequential execution of instructions. Before starting execution, you need to look where the ladybug is located (that is, the instruction counter) and, by moving the strips, enter the value from this memory cell in the “Instruction Register” window.
Then you need to follow the arrows, starting with the inscription “Start” and follow all instructions. For example, in the picture below, you first need to advance the instruction counter forward, and then add the contents of cell 41 to the accumulator. Of course, calculations (addition, subtraction and shift) will have to be done manually. To do this, next to the inscription “Accumulator” there are several windows that allow you to perform addition/subtraction in a column.
Example of computer operation
To begin, I “typed” (that is, wrote with a pencil into memory cells 17 through 23) the first of the programs given in the manual: This program adds two numbers read from the input tape and writes the result to the output tape. The input instruction reads a value from the input tape, writes it to the specified location, and then moves the input tape forward one step so that the next value appears in the Input box. In this case, you will have to use a pencil (and possibly an eraser) to write the value into the memory cell. After executing this program with input values 42 and 128, the memory state became as follows:
"Performance" of the computer
What's a computer review without benchmarks? I took the following program from the manual to multiply two numbers.| 07 | 068 | Enter values in cell 68 |
| 08 | 404 | Zero the battery by shifting 4 to the right |
| 09 | 669 | |
| 10 | 070 | Enter values in cell 70 |
| 11 | 170 | Load cell 70 into battery |
| 12 | 700 | Subtract cell 0 (that is, the value 1) from the accumulator |
| 13 | 670 | Write the accumulator to cell 70 |
| 14 | 319 | If the accumulator has a negative value, then go to address 19 |
| 15 | 169 | Load cell 69 into battery |
| 16 | 268 | Add cell 68 to the accumulator |
| 17 | 669 | Write the accumulator to location 69 |
| 18 | 811 | Go to address 11 |
| 19 | 569 | Output cell 69 |
| 20 | 900 | Stay |
Other programs
The creators of CARDIAC took the issue seriously and developed (not counting those listed above) the following programs:- A program for “reversing” the digits of a number
- Bootstrap for loading programs from the input feed
- Mechanism for calling subroutines
- A program for playing Nim with one pile (that is, the game Bache)
Links
Video demonstrating the original:Tags:
habrahabr.ru
Paper computer
Signal transmission
Signals in the car are transmitted using the piston principle. When a block is offset by one unit of length, a positive value is transmitted, otherwise zero. 
NOT 
AND 
OR 
XOR 
RS trigger 
Decoder 
Delay line The delay line is controlled by the machine operator using the appropriate lever. When you need to continue the signal, the red light comes on, otherwise the green light comes on. The delay line can be used to continue the signal over long distances if the paper power is not enough. 
Pulse generator 
Demonstration machine with basic logic gates 
I would really like to hear the opinions and advice of experts regarding this project and the chances of creating a full-fledged paper computer. I will be happy to answer any of your questions.
Thank you for your attention!
Tags:
- paper
- cardboard
- paper model
- logic gates
- computer
geektimes.ru
Making a personal computer for a child with your own hands
Well, what child doesn’t dream of his own laptop, like his mom and dad? All children want to have access to a personal computer, but we parents don't like to let them near it because it's not very useful. Children have no use for real computers; they only damage their eyesight. But why not make the kids their own little laptops? Make them together and the children will be happy! This craft will be very interesting for them.
To make a laptop that will even fold and unfold, just like a real one, you will need:
- large piece of thick cardboard
- scissors
- black paint with a chalkboard effect (you can use this paint with crayons, but if you couldn’t find such paint, you can also use gouache)
- tassel
- crayons
- ruler
- pencil
First, measure out a piece of cardboard from which the laptop base will be made. Cut out this part. Then mark the center so you can bend the laptop. Cut a little with a stationery knife to make it easier to fold. You can do it another way: completely cut this piece of cardboard into two parts, and then join it with adhesive tape so that these parts also bend freely.
Now cut out three more small parts from cardboard: for the keyboard, screen and mouse. Even smaller parts will be needed for individual keys. Cover these parts with black red and let dry. Later we glue all this to the main part of the laptop.
Now we begin to decorate the laptop. For example, you can make a name plate with the child's name.
The computer is ready. Now your child will be able to carry it with him everywhere, and also write something new with crayons every day (provided that you used chalkboard-effect paint).
Based on materials from the site: http://www.handmadecharlotte.com/
ihappymama.ru
How to make a computer out of paper
AssistanceTV 136,698 views.How to make a screw cutter with your own hands from paper. How to make a revolver pistol using paper | 6 paper bullets - Duration: 15:16. Printouts: Computer (iMac) made of paper - YouLoveIt.ru. How to make a toy laptop from paper video - All Murom.
Paper and cardboard are universal materials for the most various crafts. It is not at all necessary to master the origami technique perfectly. Even a child can do some original and funny things. Don't you know how to make a notebook out of paper yet?
Deciding on the size and purpose of the craft
Why make a model paper model computer? There can be many options - this simple toy for a child, an accessory for his doll, a postcard for an adult lover of high technology or funny gift. Only the size changes, but the main step-by-step instruction How to make a notebook out of paper is the same for all crafts.
It is not difficult to guess that the doll and the child himself need computers of different sizes. If you are making a card as a gift, choose an arbitrary perimeter of the blank. An interesting idea is to make a model of a laptop and give it as a gift in a box from a real PC. Just keep in mind that such a gift should only be given to a person with a good sense of humor. If you have doubts about the recipient's reaction, abandon the idea.
How to make a laptop out of paper with your own hands?
You will need two sheets of paper or cardboard of equal size. We connect the base and lid using tape or thread. We have the preparation. Now is the time to start decorating it. The keyboard can be drawn or glued from individual paper “buttons”. We make the display in the same way. We draw it on the inside of the lid or glue it. A paper laptop can display a search engine page, desktop, or the gift recipient's favorite website. You can make the screen replaceable. To do this, glue narrow strips to frame it. The top piece of paper or cardboard needs to be secured only at the edges, leaving a hole through which new images can be inserted.
Ideas for decorating a paper notebook
You can use an empty candy box with a lift-off lid as the base for this craft. Another one interesting idea- make a voluminous notebook out of paper with your own hands. To do this, you will need rectangles for the side edges made of the same material as the base. Bend each rectangle twice and glue it to the base. You should also leave a free strip of paper where the lid bends to ensure an even closure of the product. This design allows you to create three-dimensional buttons. Use paper cubes, which are easy to fold yourself. You can also take spare parts from an old real keyboard. Don't forget to decorate the outside of the lid with the manufacturer's "label".
