Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W uses AI to make infinite flower paintings on an e-ink display
Originally published on tomshardware.com by Ash Hill on 10 December 2024
The PaperPi AI project by Dylan is a striking example of how AI and Raspberry Pi can be used to create functional art. At its core, this project employs a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W to generate and display AI-created flower paintings on a Pimoroni Inky Impression e-ink screen. This 7.3-inch color display supports seven colors, ensuring the generated artwork is vivid and visually engaging while retaining the low-power benefits of e-ink technology. Even if power is lost, the image remains on the screen, making it ideal for a decorative display.
The Raspberry Pi generates new paintings locally using OnnxStream, a version of Stable Diffusion optimized to run on low-power devices like the Pi Zero. This eliminates the need for an internet connection, ensuring the system operates independently. Once generated, each new image takes about 30 seconds to load onto the display, while the AI process to create the artwork takes approximately 30 minutes. While this might seem slow, it aligns perfectly with the project’s purpose as a low-maintenance, ever-changing decorative piece.
The PaperPi AI isn’t limited to flower paintings; the system can be programmed to generate artwork in various styles and subjects, offering significant customization. Housed in a picture frame that accommodates both the e-ink display and the Raspberry Pi, the project blends seamlessly into any environment while showcasing the possibilities of on-device AI.
The system runs on Raspberry Pi OS Bullseye Lite, keeping the setup lightweight and efficient. For those interested in replicating or expanding on the PaperPi AI, Dylan has shared the source code and further project details on GitHub, providing an excellent starting point for makers looking to explore AI-driven e-ink displays. More information and community insights can be found in the project’s Reddit thread.
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