This Raspberry Pi Pico visually demonstrates Dijkstra’s shortest distance algorithm using LEDs
Originally published on tomshardware.com by Ash Hill on 22 November 2024
Russell Eveleigh has created a captivating Raspberry Pi Pico-powered project that visualizes Dijkstra’s algorithm, helping demystify its practical application. Dijkstra’s algorithm calculates the shortest path between two points, and in this project, it maps an abstract representation of the Cotswolds in southern England. The LED display uses WS2812B “NeoPixels” to show sections of the map, which change colors during the algorithm’s evaluation process, providing an intuitive and dynamic demonstration.
The Raspberry Pi Pico drives the project, chosen for its simplicity and efficiency. The algorithm cycles through all possible routes between two locations, lighting up paths in red, blue, and other colors to indicate evaluation progress and the final shortest path. The setup uses Wago 221 connectors for quick, solderless wiring, adding to the project’s accessibility for DIY makers.
Eveleigh programmed the software in MicroPython and plans to share more details and source code in the future. A demo video showcasing the system in action is available on his YouTube channel, and further updates can be found on the project thread he shared on Reddit. This project highlights the beauty of combining mathematics and microcontrollers to create engaging educational tools.
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