2022

Raspberry-Pi, WittyPi, 7-color e-paper display, Rechargeable Battery, UV-coated SLS 3D printing

AQI Funnies builds off the Internet of Things trend by combining live air quality data (in this case, from zip code 94114) with single-frame comics. Using an e-paper display and the Air Now air quality API, a ghost-like friend presents the viewer with a word bubble about the rating for the day. The character's mood, background, and messaging change to one of seven different scenes based on the particulate count at the current moment. From great to hazardous air, the guiding figure encourages or warns you, with a random adjective, about how your lungs and body might be exposed. The device updates every four hours using a rechargeable battery that will last about a month per charge.

This piece uses a seven-color e-paper display by Pimoroni, updated with a Raspberry Pi computer programmed with Python. UUgear's WittyPi module manages the on/off time and battery conservation. Procreate is the tool for the comic frames. The Rhino-designed enclosure is 3D printed using Shapeways.

Dimensions: 5”w x 4”h x 2.25”d