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.
- Generate a randomized number grid with grouped 'bad numbers'.
- Animate and style the interface to match the aesthetics of the show.
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'.
- 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.
- 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.
- Reconstruct the computer housing from the show as a printable 3D model.
- Design the interior to support a RaspberryPi and LCD screen
- 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.
