Human Adding Machine

A procedure to be performed by 6 people (plus, optionally 1 encoder and 1 clock).

Implements a 4-bit adder, capable of adding a series of numbers (from 0 - 15). The final result may be as large as 31 (as long as no intermediate sum totals more than 15 due to the 4-bit limitation of the input / latch).

Rules for performing an "Human Adding Machine"

(for 6 people)

INPUT

To be performed by the Operator (or possible one of the computers if no operator is present).

The input number is written on a card.

If the number is 8 or larger: subtract 8 from the number and write the new number (crossing out the old) and ask "Input 1" to raise their right hand.

If the (new) number is 4 or larger: subtract 4 from the number and write the new number (crossing out the old) and ask "Input 1" to raise their left hand.

If the (new) number is 2 or larger: subtract 2 from the number and write the new number (crossing out the old) and ask "Input 2" to raise their right hand.

If the remaining number is 1: ask INPUT 2 to raise their left hand.

NB: The input can also be performed by having the operator stand behind the inputs and to tap the respective shoulder of the input to indicate that that hand should be raised.

II. COMPUTATION

You will observe one side (hand and foot) of the "encoder" seated in front of you and the left (near) hand of the person seated to your right (when present).

Raise your right hand (output bit) if you observe an odd number (1 or 3) of signals (raised hand or extended foot). Raise your left hand (carry bit) if you observe 2 or 3 signals. A quick way to summarize the rules: right if odd, left if many.

Computer 1 ("Most significant bit") You observe the left side (the right hand and foot) of Encoder 1 (seated in front of you) and the left hand of Computer 2 (seated to your right).

Computer 2 You observe the right side (the left hand and foot) of Encoder 1 (seated in front of you) and the left hand of Computer 3 (seated to your right).

Computer 3 You observe the left side (the right hand and foot) of Encoder 2 (seated in front of you) and the left hand of Computer 4 (seated to your right).

Computer 4 ("Least significant bit") You observe the right side (the left hand and foot) of Encoder 2 (seated in front of you). You only observe a maximum of 2 signals.

At this point, the current result of the addition may be observed based on the hands of the computers (IV: DECODING). If an additional number should be added, proceed to the LATCH.

III: LATCH

Rules for the Latch, performed by the Inputs:

Raise or lower your feet to mirror the right hands of the two "computers" seated in front of you (left foot for left computer, right foot for right computer, extend your foot if the hand is raised, lower your foot if not).

At this point all hands may be lowered, and a new number added via I: INPUT.

IV: DECODING

Add the scores according to the following: Computer 1's left hand: 16 points Computer 1's right hand: 8 points Computer 2's right hand: 4 points Computer 3's right hand: 2 points Computer 4's right hand: 1 point