diy Physics Blog

Category Archives: Administrative

In Memoriam: Robert (Bob) Iannini (1938-2023)

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Robert (Bob) Iannini, inventor, author, and founder of Information Unlimited

Image Credit: Information Unlimited

I recently learned the saddening news of the passing of Robert (Bob) Iannini on April 3, 2023, just shy of his 85th birthday. Bob, an extraordinary inventor, celebrated book author, and the mastermind behind “Information Unlimited,” succumbed to pneumonia, leaving a void in the world of amateur science and electronics.

From my high school days, Bob’s innovative paper plans and kits were my constant companions. They were more than just gadgets and devices; they were a gateway into the magical world of out-of-the-ordinary electronics, a world where possibilities seemed endless. Those kits, along with his captivating books, were my stepping stones into understanding the nuances of the ever-fascinating realm of high voltage, ultrasonics, and lasers. They nurtured my curiosity and fueled my passion.

Bob’s genius was evident in every project he conceived and every kit he designed. But beyond his brilliance, he had an innate ability to inspire young minds like mine. He made these very complex topics approachable, fun, and endlessly intriguing. With each of his creations, he imparted a sense of wonder that drove many of us to push boundaries and think beyond the conventional.

“Information Unlimited” was more than just a business; it was Bob’s legacy. It was a beacon for those with an insatiable thirst for knowledge, serving as a treasure trove of information, ideas, and inspiration for enthusiasts of all ages. In light of Bob’s passing, his wife Ann informed me that “Information Unlimited” had to be temporarily closed. However, with resilience and hope, Ann aspires to reopen its doors in just a few months, ensuring that Bob’s legacy continues to shine brightly and inspire many more.

As I reflect upon his remarkable journey, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Bob Iannini’s indelible impact on amateur scientists, hobbyists, and curious minds across the world will forever resonate.

To Bob, thank you for igniting the flames of curiosity in countless souls. You may have departed from this world, but your legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Published data are NOT protected by copyright!

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I was cleaning my desk today, and came across a folder containing correspondence about a legal threat that I received a few years ago from someone accusing me of copyright infringement.

The accusation was that I had used his published data in one of the figures in one of my books without his permission, and had thus violated his copyright.

For my figure, I had drawn a stylized graph which matched the data presented in his graph, but I didn’t copy his figure. He acknowledged the fact that I had “changed the colors and style,” but insisted that the fact that he had placed a copyright notice meant that the data were his, and that anyone publishing a graph that matched these data would be infringing on his copyright.

Although presenting and contrasting previously published data are the basis for academic discussion, which is why it didn’t even cross my mind that I would be doing something unethical or illegal by presenting my version of the graph, I wanted to make sure. Indeed, I was right – in the US, as in most parts of the world, ideas, procedures, and data that can be independently retrieved or replicated (i.e. which are not specific to the subjective viewpoint of their creators) are not subject to copyright.

I also checked with the European Copyright Code, which states that the following are not to be regarded as “expressions within the field of literature, art, or science” that can be protected by copyright:

  • Facts, discoveries, news, and data;
  • Ideas and theories;
  • Procedures, methods of operation, and mathematical concepts.

Furthermore, hearings regarding the US Database and Collections of Information Misappropriation Act of 2003 show that data are not protected under copyright. It is clearly stated that while certain databases may qualify for copyright protection if they exhibit some modicum of creativity in the selection, arrangement, or coordination of the data, in no case are the data themselves copyrightable.

Bobby Glushko, now the Head of the University of Toronto Scholarly Communications and Copyright Office wrote a very nice article about this very question while the Copyright Program Manager at the University of Michigan. The article is available online at:

https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/handle/2027.42/83329/copyrightability_of_tables_charts_and_graphs.pdf

Based on the explanations in the article, even if I had taken each single point of data in his chart, and just because it took him effort to acquire these data, it doesn’t mean that the data are subject to copyright protection. This is because:

“Facts, data, and the representations of those facts and data are excellent examples of things that require much “sweat of the brow” to create, but yet still do not receive copyright protection.”

Please note that I’m not a lawyer, so don’t take any of the above as legal advise. However, I hope this will be a good starting point for anyone who is threatened by a bully with a false claim of misappropriation of intellectual property based on use of published data.

 

 

Lecture on “Do It Yourself Quantum Physics” and Book Signing at Barnes & Noble this Tuesday

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We have been invited by Barnes & Noble in Marlton Circle to their Educator’s Night to lecture on “Do It Yourself Quantum Physics”:

Educator Event Teachers are invited to meet authors David Prutchi and Shanni Prutchi for a “Do-It-Yourself Quantum Physics” night! Book Talks, thank-you bags, fun and door prizes also. CEUs available for attendance from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Call 856.596.6881 to register.
Tuesday April 17, 2012 6:30 PM Marlton 200 West Route 70, Marlton, NJ 08053, 856-596-7058
We will be lecturing at 7:30pm.  Our lecture at 7:30pm and meet & greet are open to the public.  We would love to see you there!

We Received The First Copies of Our d.i.y. Quantum Physics Book!

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Cover of "Exploring Quantum Physics Through Hands-On Projects" by David Prutchi and Shanni R PrutchiToday we received the first two copies of the book!  Amazon’s website says that it will be shipping on January 29, 2012.

From the back cover:

“Build an intuitive understanding of the principles behind quantum mechanics through practical construction and replication of original experiments.

With easy-to-acquire, low-cost materials and basic knowledge of algebra and trigonometry, Exploring Quantum Physics through Hands-on Projects takes readers step by step through the process of re-creating scientific experiments that played an essential role in the creation and development of quantum mechanics.

Presented in near chronological order—from discoveries of the early twentieth century to new material on entanglement—this book includes question- and experiment-filled chapters on:

  • Light as a Wave
  • Light as Particles
  • Atoms and Radioactivity
  • The Principle of Quantum Physics
  • Wave/Particle Duality
  • The Uncertainty Principle
  • Schrödinger (and his Zombie Cat)
  • Entanglement

From simple measurements of Planck’s constant to testing violations of Bell’s inequalities using entangled photons, Exploring Quantum Physics through Hands-on Projects not only immerses readers in the process of quantum mechanics, it gives them insight into the history of the field—how the theories and discoveries apply to our world not only today . . . but also tomorrow.

By immersing readers in groundbreaking experiments that can be performed at home, school, or in the lab, this first-ever, hands-on book successfully demystifies the world of quantum physics for all who seek to explore it—from science enthusiasts and undergrad physics students to practicing physicists and engineers.”

Modern/Quantum Physics Instructors: Adopt the Textbook

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Teachers, instructors, and professors at accredited higher-learning institutions may request an evaluation copy of the book from J. Wiley & Sons.

 Shanni building and testing photoelectric effect setup

Why should you adopt this book as your Quantum Physics lab course textbook?

Our book explains Quantum Physics through hands-on experiments that the reader can perform at school. Throughout the book we guide the reader in the construction and use of setups to reproduce the key experiments that have brought us to our current understanding of the quantum world. Importantly, all of the experimental equipment can be built by the reader out of relatively inexpensive materials that are readily available at the hardware store or from on-line vendors of electronic surplus. Continue reading→