Introduction

The goal of this project was to create a working miniature desktop display inspired by the 'Macrodata Refinement' computers featured in Apple TV's Severance. This build consists of two key aspects: the software and the hardware design, both outlined below.

Feel free to email comments, suggestions, or inquiries directly to andrewchilx@gmail.com.

<p align="center"> <img src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/aaed01c5-b200-4d43-9d2c-5a4399ba4960" width="98%"> </p> <p align="center"> <img src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/dc987a56-2a41-4780-ac42-345e78c8344e" width="49%"> <img src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/f46a447d-42ce-47af-b2ae-17409240cb9f" width="49%"> </p> <p align="center"> <img src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/15eabc19-85e8-4757-908c-e7565946b3b8" width="49%"> <img src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/54204491-7dae-41e7-aed4-271cc2c316bf" width="49%"> </p>

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I. The Software

Objectives

• Generate a randomized number grid with grouped 'bad numbers'.
• Animate and style the interface to match the aesthetics of the show.

a. The Number Grid

GENERATE

• A N×N grid is created.
• Each cell is filled with a random integer between 0-9.

MAP

• A Perlin noise map assigns smooth gradient values to the grid.
• This ensures numbers are naturally grouped rather than randomly scattered.

THRESHOLD

• Each cell's value is compared to a set threshold.
• Values above the threshold are marked as 'bad'/'scary' numbers.

GROUP

• 'Bad' numbers are grouped based on proximity to one another.
• At random intervals, a group visible in the viewport will be activated:
  • If hovered over, they become 'super active', extending their active time and appearing agitated.
  • If clicked, the group is 'refined', animating into a pre-determined bin and resetting as no longer 'bad'.

b. The Interface

<p align="center"> <img src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/14310434-81b7-4f62-8833-948708edee78" width="30%">&nbsp; <img src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/6e2145ac-08f5-44f9-bdad-ebf272cbc0ce" width="30%">&nbsp; <img src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/5d105682-2eb9-4c84-9806-cfafa7e4dd91" width="30%"> </p>

• A moving Perlin noise map offsets each number (vertically or horizontally).
• Activated bad groups expand / contract / jitter.
• Numbers scale-up based on cursor position.
• Refined groups animate into bins, with a percent bar keeping track of your progress.

Additional Features:

• The application is cross-compatible, allowing compilation for both Linux and Raspberry Pi (ARM).
• A 'debug mode' reveals various settings (which can be saved / loaded from disk as JSON).
• An 'idle mode' can be enabled to display the Lumon logo screensaver.
• The user can navigate the full grid using arrow and zoom keys.

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II. Hardware Design

Objectives

• Reconstruct the computer housing from the show as a printable 3D model.
• Design the interior to support a RaspberryPi and LCD screen

Final Design

<p align="center"> <img src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/874d9d46-c7f7-44cd-a9ec-21d55afb4973" width="30%">&nbsp; <img src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/67b06a72-48b5-4889-83c1-97fb0fe5fab0" width="30%">&nbsp; <img src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/2189913c-6f3b-453f-a94a-37ee4acf72d1" width="30%"> </p> <p align="center"> <img src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/2b0c8d53-02ca-4402-87ce-a6af0ef87a9b" width="60%">&nbsp; <img src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/3c73aa3b-753d-4f1e-9f5e-b81ce0db6a6c" width="30%"> </p>

• The computer’s outer shell was modeled in Blender from the ground up, closely following reference images from the show to capture the original look.
• The design was then optimized for 3D printing.
  • The structure was made modular, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly.
  • Each part includes a flat printing surface, enabling clean prints without the need for supports.
  • Tolerances were incorporated to ensure a snug fit for all components.
• Finally, the interior was equipped with an adjustable Raspberry Pi mount.
  • The mounting bracket can move laterally, and the RPi forward, allowing for fine-tuned alignment of the LCD screen with the front panel.

Final Product

<p align="center"> <img src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/b8fa5a15-ae32-4bd2-a9c3-7a4a64b0ad40" width="90%"> </p>

Build Photos

<p align="center"> <img src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/661fbc69-a9db-4aee-9691-d9dad5d3d9fc" width="30%">&nbsp; <img src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/be88fc36-a475-4b3f-a740-7af5ddd39ef7" width="30%">&nbsp; <img src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/8f4e8245-6b6e-4912-96fd-88ff38a1b87e" width="30%"> </p> <p align="center"> <img src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/c5e0b223-2800-4896-ac11-5bf557b85046" width="30%">&nbsp; <img src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/190788f9-335e-4f94-a391-0c0d07545d1f" width="30%">&nbsp; <img src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/9e747680-1f53-4fea-b93f-71308c976430" width="30%"> </p>