Makerspace Information & Notification Display (M.I.N.D)
Course Instructor
Don Lee
Abstract
This project presents the design and implementation of a centralized digital display system for the Makerspace to improve communication among employees, students, and faculty. Existing methods of sharing information are often fragmented and inconsistent, making it difficult for users to access real-time updates on space status, policies, resources, and announcements. To address this issue, a modular LED matrix display system was developed using a Raspberry Pi and a series of daisy-chained panels. The system integrates with Google Sheets as a dynamic data source, allowing content to be updated remotely and reflected on the display in near real-time. In response to stakeholder feedback, a Kivy-based touchscreen controller on a Raspberry Pi 3B improves accessibility for updating tool counts, machine shop status (open/closed), and hours, syncing with Google Sheets to trigger the display pipeline. The controller serves as an optional add-on, with full functionality retained through direct Google Sheets updates.
The software pipeline retrieves and processes data using Python-based tools, converting text into pixel-based images that are rendered across the LED matrix. The hardware system includes a structured power distribution network with integrated safety features and cooling mechanisms to support continuous operation. Initial testing has demonstrated successful panel communication, stable power delivery, and effective data rendering from external sources. This project highlights a scalable and adaptable solution for improving real-time communication in shared work environments, with potential applications in other collaborative spaces.
Makerspace Information & Notification Display (M.I.N.D)
This project presents the design and implementation of a centralized digital display system for the Makerspace to improve communication among employees, students, and faculty. Existing methods of sharing information are often fragmented and inconsistent, making it difficult for users to access real-time updates on space status, policies, resources, and announcements. To address this issue, a modular LED matrix display system was developed using a Raspberry Pi and a series of daisy-chained panels. The system integrates with Google Sheets as a dynamic data source, allowing content to be updated remotely and reflected on the display in near real-time. In response to stakeholder feedback, a Kivy-based touchscreen controller on a Raspberry Pi 3B improves accessibility for updating tool counts, machine shop status (open/closed), and hours, syncing with Google Sheets to trigger the display pipeline. The controller serves as an optional add-on, with full functionality retained through direct Google Sheets updates.
The software pipeline retrieves and processes data using Python-based tools, converting text into pixel-based images that are rendered across the LED matrix. The hardware system includes a structured power distribution network with integrated safety features and cooling mechanisms to support continuous operation. Initial testing has demonstrated successful panel communication, stable power delivery, and effective data rendering from external sources. This project highlights a scalable and adaptable solution for improving real-time communication in shared work environments, with potential applications in other collaborative spaces.
