Pixel Painting

Project Description

This project was developed as part of the "Sistemas de Entretenimento" subject from the video games course at Universidade Lusófona, using an LED display controlled via a Wi-Fi server through an Arduino. Users can create and control pixels directly on the display from any device connected to the Arduino’s Wi-Fi network. The main idea is to allow the creation of collaborative and interactive digital art, where multiple users can contribute in real-time.

User Experience

The experience provided by the interactive LED display allows users to access a web interface where they can choose colors and "draw" directly on the display through a Wi-Fi server hosted by the Arduino. The goal is to offer an accessible and fun way to create digital art with immediate visual feedback, promoting creativity and interaction among multiple users.

Technology Used 

 To create this interactive system, the following components and materials were used:

• RGBW LED Strips: Addressable LEDs that provide a broader range of colors, including a dedicated white LED for more vivid lighting effects.
• Arduino: The controller responsible for managing interactions between the Wi-Fi server and the LEDs.  
• Power Supply: To provide sufficient power to the RGBW LEDs.
• Cardboard Base: The LEDs were mounted onto a piece of cardboard.
• Painting Canvas: Placed over the LEDs to diffuse the light.
• Solder and connection wires: Used to connect the LEDs to the Arduino.
• Web Server: An interface accessible via any browser that allows remote control of the RGBW LED display.

System Operation

The RGBW LED display works by hosting a Wi-Fi network that users can connect to. Once connected, users access a web interface that allows them to interact with the display. Through this interface, they can choose colors and select which pixels on the canvas to light up, essentially "painting" in real-time. The Arduino processes these inputs and updates the LED display by sending the appropriate signals to the RGBW LEDs. The cardboard base ensures that the LEDs are evenly spaced, while the painting canvas diffuses the light. This system allows for a dynamic and collaborative art experience, where multiple users can participate simultaneously