The 1 pixel camera (OPC)

The One Pixel Camera (OPC) is a satirical electronic project that proves that a single photocell can shot unbelievable pictures.

Bill of Materials (BOM)

Materials used in this project:

• Cardboard (of an old printer).

• ESP32 board.

• SSD1306 OLED.

• 10 kOhm photocell + 10 kOhm resistor.

• Processing and Arduino (IDE).

ESP32 breadbord schematic

Here is showed the esp32 breadboard schematic. The SSD1306 OLED was used to monitor the status acquisition; it shows only the 'single pixel' detected ligth intensity.

How Shots are made

By positioning a black cardboard obstacle on the screen and activating a specific section at the appropriate moment, it is possible to determine whether the obstacle has been hit.

Results

Two samples of picture shot with the one pixel camera.

TODO

These "promising" results proved the point: One pixel camera is possible under certain conditions. Further steps should involve:

• Averaging subsequent swipes of individual cell in the matrix (improving shape detection).
• Increase the number of photodiodes will increase sensitivity.