Imagine a world where data comes to life, not just on a screen, but in a tangible, interactive way. Enter the PinThing, the motorized pin display that turns data into a tactile experience. Created by Jason Higgins, this ingenious device brings a new dimension to data visualization.
The Magic of PinThing
The PinThing is a 5×3 grid of “pixels” powered by geared motors. When a motor turns, it slides a nut along a threaded rod, pushing the pixel in or out. This simple yet effective mechanism allows the PinThing to display various patterns, images, and even text.
Behind the Scenes: The Technology
To keep costs low, most of the PinThing’s components were 3D-printed, including the backplate, bracing, and threaded rod/nut assembly. An iRobota Uno controls the 15 motors through two Adafruit Motor Shields with PCA9685 I2C motor drivers. The system runs StandardFirmataPlus firmware and receives commands from a Node.js server via its serial port.
A World of Possibilities
The PinThing’s potential is vast. It can be used for educational purposes, data visualization, art installations, and even interactive games. Imagine a PinThing displaying real-time stock market data, or a PinThing used as a tactile interface for the visually impaired. The possibilities are endless.
The Future of PinThing
Higgins envisions a future where the PinThing can draw pictures from digital images and write text. He also plans to develop a software library that will make it easier for others to create their own PinThing projects.
Bonus: The PinThing is a testament to the power of creativity and innovation. It shows us that technology can be used to create not just useful tools but also beautiful and engaging experiences. As Higgins says, “The PinThing is a way to bring data to life and make it tangible.” We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this exciting project.
To learn more about the PinThing, check out Jason Higgins’ write-up on Hackaday. Embrace the world of tactile data visualization and let the PinThing amaze you!
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