Next-Generation LED Display Control

Project Title

Next-Generation LED Display Control: Simplified Python Solutions on Raspberry Pi  

Faculty Mentor(s)

Project Description

Project Description: 

Our research project focuses on generating graphs, images, and animation on LED matrices with the use of Python programming language and Raspberry Pi to enable easy connectivity between the computer and LED matrices. We extended the picture module used in introduction to computer science by enabling it to display images on a 128 by 128 LED matrix and developing a number of demonstration programs so that people interested in producing arts using programming can get a starting point.   
 

Why is your research important?

It is easier and more fascinating to do some arts with programming, and this research will help students in early computer science demonstrate their design and logical thinking skills in generating compelling animations on these LED matrices using a simplified Python library we rewrote. It is also used in public places for indicators, which is important to everyone.
 

What does the process of doing your research look like?

My day in life is busy and exciting because I got to tackle some programming problems and hardware. I spent much time in the lab debugging code to get a cool animation. During this time, I was with my mentor prof, faculty in the computer science department) and also my lab partner, Kelig Ngabo.
 

What knowledge has your research contributed to your field?

Controlling LED matrices with basics of programming like Python Library called picture used in the introduction to computer science here. We changed its settings to support LED matrices, and we successfully generated graphs, animations, and patterns and displayed images on it. This will allow students to demonstrate their skills from the class on introduction to computer science. LED matrices are easier because I can showcase or place my designs anywhere and look at them anytime instead of having them in the computer not running.

 

How did you get involved in research? What drove you to seek out research experiences in college?

I have never done a research project before, and this time, I wanted to do something that was more hands-on. I have applied my knowledge of the programming I learned in my last semester class and gained a lot of experience in hardware setup and electronics. It is a very impactful experience as I advance my computer science journey.
 

What is your favorite aspect of the research process?

My favorite part of the research process would be communicating the results with the mentor because I developed my skills in articulating my ideas. Also, having assignments to do before we meet again with my mentor has been so helpful because it helped me learn a lot and measure my progress in the project.
 

How has working with your mentor impacted the development of your research project? How has it impacted you as a researcher?

Working with my mentor has been helpful because she guided me in whatever I did. She was my source of help. She helped me learn a lot about the command line( systems programming) and also explore more on writing scripts that automate activity( writing a program that runs other programs). I have been able to develop my skills in research and also analytical thinking.
 

How has the research you’ve conducted contributed to your professional or academic development?  

I have never done something related to hardware or electronics before. This research has changed my perspective on what I want to do while majoring in computer science. Now, I will have knowledge of setting up LED matrices or using Raspberry Pi in my electronics or robotics projects. I also learned that there are always different ways to do something. We tried to simplify the process by integrating our code into the existing library to control our LED matrices, which worked well.  
 

What advice would you give to a younger student wanting to get involved in research in your field?

The first thing to do is to choose someone who does what you are interested in, or something that will motivate you to work at any time. Engage in the research when starting it because that’s where you learn. It doesn’t matter how much time you meet with the mentor, but how much time you spend on the research, trying things out on your own, and then come with a question for your mentor.