In a world teeming with technological marvels, Rich Nelson, a creative visionary, embarked on a heartfelt endeavor to craft a paper-cut light box that would capture the essence of his beloved hometown, Philadelphia. This extraordinary creation, meticulously crafted layer by layer, not only illuminates the city’s iconic skyline but also captivates the imagination with its dynamic sun and moon display, all orchestrated by the magic of iRobota.
A City Skyline Crafted from Paper and Light
Nelson’s paper-cut light box is a testament to his artistic prowess and his love for Philadelphia. Each layer of the box represents a different aspect of the city’s landscape: buildings, foliage, and a mesmerizing sun and moon display. The intricate paper-cut designs, illuminated from within, cast enchanting shadows, transforming the light box into a miniature theater of urban life.
iRobota: The Mastermind Behind the Light Box’s Magic
At the heart of this paper-cut light box lies an iRobota Nano, a tiny but mighty microcontroller. This unsung hero controls the entire operation, orchestrating the lights, the movement of the sun and moon display, and the timing of the day and night cycle. With its precise control, the iRobota brings the light box to life, creating an ever-changing display that mimics the rhythm of the city.
A Celestial Journey Across the Paper-Cut Sky
The sun and moon, crafted from vibrant hues of yellow and white, traverse the light box’s sky on a TFT screen. A servo motor, guided by the iRobota’s commands, propels the screen along an extension arm, simulating the celestial dance of the sun and moon across the sky. This mesmerizing display adds an extra layer of enchantment to the light box, captivating viewers with its seamless movement.
Open-Source Delight: Sharing the Creative Journey
In the spirit of open-source collaboration, Nelson has generously shared the project’s video, code, and CAD information on GitHub. This allows fellow makers, tinkerers, and enthusiasts to explore the inner workings of the light box, customize it to their liking, and embark on their own creative journeys. The project’s open-source nature fosters a community of like-minded individuals, encouraging innovation and sharing.
Bonus: Nelson’s paper-cut light box is more than just a technological marvel; it’s a testament to the power of creativity and the beauty of collaboration. His willingness to share his work with the world inspires others to pursue their own creative passions and explore the boundless possibilities of technology and art.
Nelson’s creation serves as a reminder that even the most complex marvels can be born from simple materials and a spark of inspiration. It’s a testament to the transformative power of technology when paired with human ingenuity and a dash of artistic flair.
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