Checkerboard

A checkerboard pattern is a flat, geometric pattern. This pattern is generally composed of squares whose colors alternating both horizontally and vertically.

Species

The simplest checkerboard pattern consists of regularly repeating black and white or light and dark squares. Repetitive patterns of diamonds, triangles or other figures (such as certain patterns of MC Escher) can be viewed as a generalized checkerboard pattern regularly.

History

Checkerboard pattern can already be found on pre-classical Greek vases of the Geometric style and in ancient Greek and Roman mosaics. The initial popularity of this decorative motif has nothing to do with the at that time still unknown game; very likely this motif derives from older braiding and weaving patterns.

With the invention and rapid spread of chess, however, the popularity of checkerboard increased rapidly.

In the Middle Ages, diamonds or checkerboard patterns are used as the background design (eg the Three Kings in Cologne Cathedral Shrine ) or at church facades (eg St- Julien in Chauriat ). In medieval churches in the Southern Baltic and along the Or find puzzling chess pieces. The Romanesque architecture so popular blocks Friese as can - be understood checkerboard pattern - three-dimensional.

Symbolism

Unique findings on the possible symbolism of checkerboard does not exist. But include checkerboard pattern as well as blocks Friese in a broader sense to the network and grid forms - be associated with disastrous defensive ( apotropaic ) forces - depending on the region. Above all, the primary application of checkerboard patterns on exterior walls, building corners, eaves, etc. could serve as an indication for such an interpretation.

Use

Because of their light optical identifiability found checkerboard pattern in medieval mercenary uniforms, Scottish tartans, etc., and in heraldry frequent use (see Geschacht ).

A practical application field is the area of computer vision, since checkerboard pattern suitable for the calibration of cameras and with checkerboards painted objects allow a relatively simple determination of the orientation of the object relative to the camera. In this scope, the American term Checkerboard is used frequently.

Examples

The red and white checkerboard pattern is also seen as a national symbol of the Croats and shapes the national emblem, the Sahovnica. Also in the club crest and dress of the Portuguese football club Boavista Porto there is a black and white checkerboard pattern.

The Free State of Bavaria has also a chessboard-like pattern in the flag (diamond flag). Finally, the checkerboard pattern is the symbol of the resulting Jamaica Ska dance music. In auto racing, such as Formula 1, the corresponding flag signals the end of the race.

Some chimneys are labeled with multiple red and white checkerboard patterns as visually salient aviation obstacles.