Paper Pixel Display Array

Description

A device that can display all combinations of 4 (2x2) pixels 5cm2 (aprox. 1") with a ribbon that has 16x2 positions/pixels.

Eventually it will be a display that shows a paper pixel matrix of 8x8 pixels. with 16 (4x4) of these separate units. Every unit will be driven by a Arduino micro or nano and connected via i2c to a Uno or Mega.

Why?
First because i can and second i want to have a display that is both mechanical and holds its "value" when no power is supplied.

Components

1 × Arduino micro

1 × 28byj-48 stepper

1 × Gt2 belt and pulleys

1 × Acrylic sheet

8 × F623zz bearings

Project Logs

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First Test
SephenDeVos • 04/15/2017 at 11:51 • 1 comment

This is the first test with one unit, I 3D-printed the rollers and they are a bit slippery, so i need ti find a solution for that, any ideas?
All the wires run through a pocket cut in the acrylic sheet so they do not interfere with the pixel loop of the next unit
Track
SephenDeVos • 04/15/2017 at 11:44 • 0 comments

To make the pixel loop go round and drive it from the inside there is a gt2 belt running along all four rollers.
The Strip
SephenDeVos • 04/10/2017 at 06:25 • 3 comments

The strip used as a closed loop has 32pixels in two rows which when taped together can display all combinations of 2x2 black and white pixels. If someone can make it more efficient let me know.
First version
SephenDeVos • 04/10/2017 at 06:22 • 0 comments

Before the closed loop version the previous version of the display had two strips wound around a single tube (bit like a cassette tape) with a gear in the middle to drive it. I thought the tension wouldn't be much of a problem considered its a fairly short strip, but at the ends of the strip it was to tight.

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Discussions

Paul wrote 01/26/2021 at 19:28

Damn, that's so obvious, yet so cool. Can we somewhat cheaply make a larger scale display with this?

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kmatch98 wrote 03/11/2020 at 15:43

If you are having trouble with your roller friction, a couple of o-rings inserted onto the rollers would help the grip. You could include a chamfered groove into the roller so the o-rings will not slide along the shaft but still stick out enough to grip.

Awesome project, inspiring!

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Kirschner Christoph wrote 04/15/2017 at 20:28

Nice !!! I like it !!

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SephenDeVos wrote 04/16/2017 at 08:02

Thanks!

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MTO wrote 04/09/2017 at 16:39

ya know, with careful planning, you can turn that 32by2 ribbon into a 16by2 ribbon.

It would be possible to do something similar with Larger grids, but the bigger they get, the harder it is to wing it. I worked it out for 2by2, but 3by2 has 64 combinations and I need a spreadsheet to keep it organized.

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SephenDeVos wrote 04/09/2017 at 18:04

I made a typo, I meant 16x2 or 32/2 pixels.

Yeah I know, I wrote a script that can calculate all possible grid sizes with the least amount of pixels. but ribbon-length-wise the 2x2 is the most efficient option. A 3x3 quickly goes to about 750/2 pixels (3x2=±70x2). Or you have to make it 5x1 which will be about 49 pixels but then it would be about 1" tall and you can't get a stepper to fit in it.

Are you sure? yes | no

ajlitt wrote 04/09/2017 at 19:19

You could use a more compact DC motor with an optical sensor and index marks printed on the inside edge instead of a stepper.

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Paper Pixel Display Array

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Description

Components

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First Test

Track

The Strip

First version

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