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Table of Contents
Project: The Eyol-Elta Enigma
1. The Vision: Fated Gleam
The Eyol-Elta Enigma is a kinetic light sculpture that rationalises the chaotic “Gleam” force into a structured, spherical reality.
It is a digital realisation of the Eyol (the multi-eyed avian watcher of the Different World) governed by -elta (the Yivalese concept of unbending rules or fated outcomes).
In this artifact, the light does not flicker by chance; it follows the fated rules of cellular propagation. As the gliders travel across the curved horizon, they embody the “Whale dues turned as fated” – a result that was meant to be, and then, and now.
Inspired by John Conway's Game of Life and Mango's d20 idea.
2. Visual Logic
2.1 2D Logic Mapping (20-Node Lattice)
The internal logic treats the sphere as a vertex-connected lattice. In this 20-point dodecahedron net, each node is linked to exactly 3 neighbours.
Seed (Asymmetric Scout):
( o )-( o )
/ \ / \ 'o' = Living Cell (Gleam)
( . )-( o )-( . ) '.' = Dead Cell (Void)
| | |
( . )-( . )-( . ) Fated Rules:
\ / \ / B2 / S2 (Born if 2,
( . )---( . ) Survives if 2)
The above seed produces a spiralling glider (the Fated Pulse.)
Tick 0 (Seed) Tick 1 (Shift) Tick 2 (Spiral) ( o )---( o ) ( . )---( o ) ( . )---( . ) / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ ( . )-( o )-( . ) ( . )---( o )---( o ) ( . )---( . )---( o ) | | | | | | | | | ( . )-( . )-( . ) ( . )---( . )---( . ) ( . )---( o )---( o )
2.2 3D Spherical Projection (The 20-Vertex Orb)
The LEDs are mapped to the 20 vertices of a dodecahedron. This allows patterns to orbit the centre core without ever hitting a physical boundary.
.-------. [ 3D TOPOLOGY ]
o / o \ o Each "Eye" is a
o / o o \ o vertex. Patterns
o | o o | o traverse the
o | o o | o lattice edges,
o \ o o / o orbiting the
o \ o / o horizon in fated
'-------' geometric cycles.
3. Technical Specifications
The goal is a self-contained, handheld artifact that can be 3D printed and powered by a modest microcontroller.
3.1 Hardware Architecture
- The Brain: PIC18F series (e.g., PIC18F25K22). Sufficient RAM to store the two-state buffer for the 20-LED lattice.
- The Lattice: A 20-LED Dodecahedron vertex arrangement (perfectly balanced).
- The Drivers: 3x 74HC595 Shift Registers (daisy-chained). Provides 24 outputs, covering the 20 LEDs with 4 pins spare.
- Power: 3x AAA batteries (4.5V) or a 3.7V LiPo tucked into the hollow centre.
3.2 Mechanical Construction
The orb is designed as a Hemispherical Snap–Fit assembly:
- Two Halves: Printed in a transparent, dark or bone-like filament to contrast the Gleam.
- Internal Chassis: A 3D-printed “core” that holds the battery sled and the PIC circuit board.
- The Channels: Internal wire-routing slots lead from the core to the LED sockets on the outer shell.
4. Bill of Materials (BOM)
| Component | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PIC18F25K22 (DIP or SOIC) | 1 | The “Seer” / Controller |
| 5mm Diffused LEDs | 20 | “Eyes” of the Eyol |
| 74HC595 Shift Register | 3 | Expands the PIC's reach |
| Resistors (220–330 Ohm) | 20 | Current limiting for LEDs |
| 3D Printing Filament | ~100g | PLA or PETG (Conductive for “Yarn” paths) |
| AAA Inline Battery Holder | 1 | Fits in the centre core |
5. Bonus: The "Yarn" Pathing (Conductive Filament)
To honour the Yarn force (the force of bonds and life lines), one may replace traditional copper with conductive filament traces:
- Conductive Traces: The inner shell features recessed paths printed in conductive PLA.
- Connection: LED legs are bent to press-fit against these “printed wires,” essentially “weaving” the circuit into the very skin of the Eyol-Elta.
- Fate Realised: This method ensures the circuit is as unbending as the rules that govern the lights.
