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Posts Tagged ‘LEGO’

Researchers use iPhone 5 camera and LEGO to create affordable high-resolution microscope

02 Jul

There are millions of old and outdated iPhones collecting dust. Researchers in Germany have found a way to turn some of those old iPhones, specifically an iPhone 5 camera module, into affordable microscopes for young students. Using LEGO, an iPhone 5 camera, LED lighting and a modern smartphone, students can build their own microscope.

Researchers Bart E. Vos, Emil Betz Blesa and Timo Betz from Georg August University Göttingen and Munster University in Germany set out to build a high-resolution microscope that wasn’t prohibitively expensive. Toy microscopes aren’t very effective, and specialized microscopes cost a lot of money, limiting their accessibility.

The researchers said, ‘Our aim is to introduce a microscope to individual students in a classroom setting, both as a scientific tool to access the micro-world and to facilitate the understanding of fundamental principles of the optical components of a microscope in a playful and motivating, yet precise approach. By basing the design on LEGO, we aim to make the microscope modular, cheap, and inspiring.’

‘Design of the LEGO microscope. (a, b) A photograph and a schematic representation of the microscope, (c) the LED that illuminates the sample from below, (d) the threaded system that adjusts the focus of the microscope by moving the objective, (e) 2 objectives containing a replacement smartphone lens with a 3.85-mm focal distance (left) and a glass lens with a 26.5-mm focal distance (right), (f) the second lens consisting of 2 acrylic lenses in its holder just below the eyepiece, (g) a smartphone used as a camera by adapting the eyepiece.’ Credit: Bart E. Vos, Emil Betz Blesa and Timo Betz

The researchers used an iPhone 5 camera module, smartphone and LEGO housing to craft a high-resolution microscope. Many people already have LEGO pieces around, and iPhone 5 lenses are quite cheap to come by. The researchers found one for under $ 5. The project’s full price, without including the cost of a modern smartphone, is €102 (about $ 120 USD). There’s a bit more to it, but it’s straightforward and inexpensive. Documentation for building your own microscope is available for free.

‘Schematic overview of the light path in the microscope. The object (here depicted as an arrow) forms an inverted intermediate image in the focus of the second lens. The second lens then sends collimated light to the observer.’ Credit: Bart E. Vos, Emil Betz Blesa and Timo Betz

The hope is that the LEGO microscope will make science more accessible to children worldwide. Every child deserves the opportunity to learn about our world, including the parts of it we can’t see with the naked eye. ‘An understanding of science is crucial for decision-making and brings many benefits in everyday life, such as problem-solving and creativity,’ said Professor Timo Betz, University of Göttingen. ‘Yet we find that many people, even politicians, feel excluded or do not have the opportunities to engage in scientific or critical thinking. We wanted to find a way to nurture natural curiosity, help people grasp fundamental principles and see the potential of science.’

‘Examples of experiments conducted with the LEGO microscope. (a) Image of a sodium chloride crystal. (b) Time lapse of an osmotic shock in red onion cells. After approximately 30 s, a 1 M NaCl solution is flowed in. Subsequently, water leaves the cells, causing the cell membranes to detach from the cell walls. After approximately 5 min, distilled water is flowed in, washing away the 1 M NaCl solution, and the cells return to their original volume. (c) Time lapse of the movement of an Artemia shrimp in water. (d) Time lapse of the movement of 2 water fleas in water. The scale bars in panels a, b, and d are 100 lm.’ Credit: Bart E. Vos, Emil Betz Blesa and Timo Betz

In addition to providing the plans for free, Vos, Blesa and Betz also published a paper about the microscope project.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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The latest LEGO Collectable Minifigure series includes a UAV operator complete with drone, controller and battle wound

27 Feb

At the Toy Fair in New York City, LEGO unveiled its latest collection of minifigures, consisting of 16 themed characters, each of which has costumes and props to boot.

The collection, which is the 20th of its kind since LEGO started the series back in 2010, features a number of fun and playful characters, but one in particular stands out—a drone pilot. One of the collectable minifigs is an enthusiastic drone pilot that comes complete with a LEGO drone, a LEGO controller and even a bandage on their face to suggest they’ve been nicked by the propellors of the drone.

The drone operator minifig, along with the other 15 characters, is set to start shipping April 19, 2020 for $ 4.99.


Image credits: Photos by The Brothers Brick, used with permission

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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LEGO Ideas design recreates the iconic Nikon F3 out of plastic bricks

29 Dec

Photographer and LEGO designer Ethan ‘LegoDog0126’ Brossard has recreated the iconic Nikon F3 film camera as a LEGO kit featuring 549 pieces. The design has been submitted to the LEGO Ideas website where it was selected as a Staff Pick on November 25. At this point in time, the submission has nearly 1,400 supporters and 190 days remaining for others to support it.

Brossard detailed his project in a recent post on Emulsive, where he explained that his LEGO recreation of the Nikon F3 is only a bit larger than the actual camera. The render features an impressive degree of detail for something made from small plastic bricks and other components, including almost all of the levers found on the F3, the main dials and a plastic representation of the SLR’s mirror.

Though the renders include a blocky roll of film, Brossard notes that it can’t actually fit in the camera due to the thickness of the LEGO bricks. As well, the recreation features an approximation of the Nikon AI-S prime lens. The shiny chrome featured in the renders isn’t actually a color produced by LEGO, meaning anyone who attempts to build the model will need to use gray or some other color.

Brossard has shared a Google Drive folder containing the Studio and Ldraw model files for anyone to download. As well, the model can be found on Rebrickable. The submission will need to achieve 10,000 supporters on LEGO Ideas in order for its to undergo a LEGO Review, at which point the company will evaluate the design for its potential as an official LEGO kit.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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You can now make your Sony a7 III and a7R III cameras look like they’re covered in LEGO blocks

29 Dec

Taiwanese company LIFE+GUARD has announced a new skin for Sony a7 III and a7R III cameras that makes it look as though the camera body is made of LEGO blocks.

LIFE+GUARD is known for making interesting skins for Sony gear, as seen with this wild rainbow leopard print skin, but the LEGO block skin might take the cake for the most unique.

The LEGO skin certainly isn’t for everyone, but aside from possibility of deterring would-be thrives from stealing an expensive camera, the skin may very well prove useful for children and family photographers, as cleverly noted by SonyAlphaRumors.

For those interested in the skin, LIFE+GUARD is taking orders via email for $ 50 a skin. An online shop is said to be coming in early 2019.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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These LEGO Leica M cameras are tiny, blocky versions of iconic rangefinders

18 Dec

Over the years, Leica has partnered with LEGO multiple times to create brick-made versions of its popular rangefinder cameras. Now, a new set is available, a pair of LEGO Leica M camera sets.

The LEGO Leica M cameras come in a black and brown variety. Like their respective real-life counterparts, the cameras feature all of the important details you’d expect from a Leica rangefinder: a clear viewfinder, various dials, a shutter, a rear display and even camera strap mounts.

All that’s missing is the iconic red dot. But a red permanent marker would get the job done. Alternatively, these could be the LEGO equivalent of Leica’s P-series cameras, which forgo the iconic red dot for a more subtle approach.

The cameras are currently listed on the Leica Store Miami website. Both sets retail for $ 45 USD. The Black/Gray version is available for pre-order while the Brown/Gray version is available for purchase.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Applied LEGO: Design Graduate Sends Miniature Figures of Himself as Resumes

23 Oct

[ By WebUrbanist in Art & Sculpture & Craft. ]

Design and architecture firms are used to getting creative resumes in the mail that unfold into portfolios or assemble into paper models, but this LEGO figurine may be the most creative variant yet.

A designer and artist, Andy Morris decided to make a miniature of himself as a way to stand out to potential employers and highlight his creativity.

His three-dimensional curriculum vitae packaged like a toy figure but also includes graphic elements that convey aspects of his own creative work.

The packaging gives more details on his design capabilities and offers links to his website and portfolio, accompanied by descriptions of his experience and personal design philosophies. Hurry: supplies are limited!

He hopes not only that the figure will help him find a job, but that it will match him with a workplace that mimics his own quirky creative ambitions.

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Huge Color-Coded ‘LEGO House’ Designed by BIG Now Open in Denmark

11 Oct

[ By WebUrbanist in Architecture & Offices & Commercial. ]

Designed by architects from BIG, the new LEGO House is itself huge: a 130,000-square-foot ‘experience center’ welcoming people of all ages to play with and appreciate this ubiquitous toy.

“It has been a dream for me for many years to create a place that will give our visitors the ultimate LEGO experience,” said former president and CEO of LEGO, Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen. A mesmerizing set of drone videos below show the building under construction and upon completion.

“With LEGO House, we celebrate creativity and the strength of learning through play. When they play, children learn the basic skills that they need, such as creativity, collaboration and problem-solving abilities.”

Located on the company’s main campus in Billund, Denmark, the building looks like it was made of 21 supersized blocks. Inside, differently colored zones denote different functions — red areas are for creative skills, blue for cognitive skills, green for social skills and yellow for emotional skills.

The venue includes paid attractions as well as experiences that are free and open to the public. Approximately 250,000 guests are expected annually, with around 2,500 visitors on peak days. Fans of their visit can take home something tangible from the experience as well:

The LEGO House opened its doors to the public in late September, coinciding with the release of a 744-piece kit of the building itself.

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Modular Remix: Parking Garage Picked Apart, Reassembled Like LEGO

31 May

[ By WebUrbanist in Architecture & Offices & Commercial. ]

As autonomous vehicles begin to roll out on city streets, adaptive reuse projects like this one could help old parking structures readily find new and productive urban purposes. This award-winning design by Dutch firm Studio Komma and The Men of Foam for The Hague features a mixed-use program built on the bones of an existing parking garage, with a twist: parts can be moved around like modular LEGO blocks.

And the LEGO piece is no idle comparison — the team used actual bricks to mock up their designs, focusing on how individual modules could play larger roles in the overall scheme. They also considered how these same re-situated units might later be shifted around to serve other functions.

Ground floors commercial and social spaces are fit into the framework of the extant garage, using the old second-story parking level for overhead shelter. Above the existing second level, new levels reuse ramps and other elements to grow the program vertically — these mostly-indoor third and fourth floors shelter an outdoor public zone left open in the middle.

Colors and details in the proposed scheme highlight elements of the adaptive reuse while aiming “to create an iconic building that is an accelerator for the transformation of an industrial area into a new energetic urban district.” Pieces of the old structure are preserved and made modular, fitting into the new program where useful but retaining aspects of their original shape and character to illustrate change over time.

In developing the ZIP2516 scheme, which subsequently won the Lot 2 Urban Lab Challenge, the architects were “challenged to think about temporary structures that have a permanent high quality.” Its modularity is intended to extend into the future as well — additional elements (like glass cladding and structural supports) are made to be moved as the needs of the site and city continue to evolve.

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Play On, LEGO Brick Layer: 14 Complex & Creative Toy-Brick-Inspired Projects

23 Mar

[ By SA Rogers in Art & Sculpture & Craft. ]

lego main

Play on, LEGO brick layer, ’cause the projects adults are coming up with using these little plastic toy bricks are totally incredible. Some amazing recent creations either made from or inspired by LEGO bricks include a functional camera that prints photos, a plastic helmet based on LEGO figures’ bowl-cut hair, stop-motion animation, a life-sized Batmobile and a robot that folds and flies paper airplanes.

Twin-Lens LEGO Camera Prints Photos

lego camera

lego camera 3

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Making use of two retrofitted camera components and a LEGO brick housing, this fun model by a Hong Kong photographer blogging as Instax Magic doesn’t just take real photos, it also prints them. Taking lenses from a vintage Japanese Yashica camera and an ejection mechanism modified from a Fuji Instax mini camera, the creation playfully incorporates LEGO elements like figurines, fences and turbines. After seeing a neighbor throw a box of toy bricks in the trash, the photographer says “I started to think about the possibility of modifying a camera with LEGO. My impression is that there is always some creative way to use LEGO.”

LEGO Claw Shopping Bag

lego claw shopping bag

lego claw shopping bag 2

Walk down the street looking like you’ve got a yellow LEGO claw for a hand with this fun promotional shopping bag by New York-based advertising and designers Junho Lee and Hyun Chun Choi. The illusion only works when you’re wearing long sleeves, and you clutch a fabric ribbon hidden inside to hold the bag.

Intentional Helmet Hair, Courtesy of LEGO

lego bike helmet

lego bike helmet 2

Helmet hair is actually desirable if you wanna bike around town looking like a LEGO figure that sprouted to real-life dimensions. Design firm MOEF created a functional bicycle helmet mimicking the proportions and characteristics of the original plastic toy thanks to 3D scanning. Right now, it’s just a prototype, but it could go into production with the aim of encouraging kids to wear helmets.

LEGO Stop-Motion Marriage Proposal

lego stop motion marriage proposal

It took Atlanta-based filmmaker Walt Thompson 22 hours, 2,600 photos and hundreds of LEGOs to create a stop-motion animation marriage proposal to his girlfriend of four years, Nealey Dozier, even going so far as to dress the LEGO couple in outfits that matched what the real-life couple wore when they met.

Enlarged LEGO Vehicles in Real-Life Environments

life size lego cars

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life size lego cars 3

What would LEGO Lamborghinis, trucks, camper vans and helicopter models look like if they were kept exactly as they are, but enlarged to fit into the real world? Pretty ridiculous, as it turns out in this series of digital images by Italian photographer Domenico Franco, which sets them among Italian scenery. But at the same time, the models are so familiar, they don’t seem particularly out of place. “The aim is to transform ordinary contexts into extraordinary ones, thus compelling the toys to get out of the idyllic and politically correct landscapes belonging to their perfect and idealistic cities, with the result of instilling them in those vices, virtues and desires typical of human beings.” says Franco.

Next Page – Click Below to Read More:
Not Just For Kids 14 Complex Creative Lego Inspired Projects

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LEGO at Large: Modern Block Vehicles Hit the Historic Streets of Rome

11 Nov

[ By WebUrbanist in Art & Photography & Video. ]

block-car

A sports car parked in a residential alley, train emerging from a tunnel and helicopter landing next to the Colosseum are all believable sights in Italy’s capital … except in this case they are constructed from LEGO.

lego-train-tracks-tunnel

lego-landing-helicopter

Italian photographer Domenico Franco imagines these block-built vehicles at human scale in his series LEGO Outside LEGOLAND, masterfully faked scenes of photo-realistic quality.

lego-race-car-unloading

lego-large-in-rome

In his series, normal conveyances are swapped with LEGO creations that stand out as simplified block forms against the rich historical fabric of Rome.

lego-parked-speeder

lego-construction-vehicle

While some are clearly toys writ large, others are more convincing: a passing glance at a tractor trailer doing road work might not immediately belie its fictional origins.

lego-car-tight

Landmark buildings and aged cobblestone roads come alive thanks to the contrast created by intervening toys. Ordinary gray-blue weather and aged architecture seems even more real than in a normal photograph.

lego-ambulance-parked

“The aim is to transform ordinary contexts in extraordinary ones,” says the artist, “thus compelling the toys to get out of the idyllic and politically correct landscapes belonging to their perfect and idealistic cities, with the result of instilling in them those vices, virtues and desires typical of human beings.”

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