The team at JK Brickworks, a website that posts instructions for unique Lego creations, has developed a machine that can scan and "print" mosaics made from 1x1 Lego tiles.
Not only does the machine put together mosaics out of Legos, but it is also completely built from Legos.
"It first uses the EV3 colour sensor to scan the source image and save the data on the Mindstorms unit," says the company on its website. "It can then print multiple copies from the saved image data. The 1×1 plates used for 'printing' the mosaic are supplied using a gravity feed system and the printing head is simply a 1×1 round plate that can pick up and place the 1×1 plates."
The first step in scanning and "printing" a project is to create a source image, which is basically a grid with the individual colors to be used. The machine scans the image and saves that data, so it can be used again in the future if the user wants. The image also must contain a key in the first row, which will tell the machine where each color is located in the tile holder.
After the image is scanned, the 1x1 tiles are fed to a "claw" through a gravity-based dispenser, which is located on the side of the machine. The holder of the tiles can include up to nine different colors.
Of course, users will notice that the device can only construct 2-dimensional images. However, Jason Allemann, the creator of the machine, says that he may soon venture into a three-dimensional printer. The machine may also eventually be able to use tiles that are not just 1x1 tiles.
Originally, Allemann says that he wanted to have the machine be able to scan any image, regardless of whether or not it was on a grid with colors separated.
"I had originally hoped to be able to scan any type of image and have the program pixelate it based on the colours of the plates in the supply," Alleman continued. "Unfortunately the EV3 colour sensor is nowhere near precise enough to be able to do this. I resigned myself to require pre-pixelated images to be scanned."
There's no word yet on whether the machine will be available for consumers to buy, although it certainly would be interesting to try it out.
To check out the machine for yourself, take a look at the video below.
Via: Engadget
