Here we see the first voice-operated and interactive LEGO fog display. Using light and ultrasound to manipulate particles suspended magnetically within the frame, the Aspect System is able to create an animated hologram. The images that may be displayed depend on software designed for Aspect and – as seen here – may be used to have your favorite book read to you by the author.

Technology already does exist in the real world to manipulate vapor and lighting to create a form of holography. At some point in the future – and, of course, we cannot predict exactly when – we will be able to purchase home hologram technology. Imagine upgrading your media watching to this sort of illusion!

Now please join me in speculating that one day we will be able to build a holographic display machine using LEGO pieces. In 1949, no one working at LEGO could have predicted Mindstorms or Hidden Side sets. With that in mind it may not be farfetched to put the Aspect System on our wish lists.

The Aspect System display of Edgar Allan Poe is built using 9826 pieces. The portrait of the man himself uses just over two thirds of that total. The remaining 3170 parts build the frame along with the tiny raven perched on top as an ornament. The build measures 23.1 by 36 inches and, if this were hung as a picture, it would stand out about 3 inches from the wall.

I knew what I wanted to design before I selected the image of Mr. Poe. At first I wanted to try one of Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema’s works. Next I thought I would do the famous image from Hokusai, namely The Great Wave off Kanagawa. My third choice was the pointillist masterpiece of Georges Seurat. But it would have been too large if I planned to properly represent (and pay due homage) to the piece.

I settled on Edgar Allan Poe because, while thinking outside the box, I had the epiphany that he is either central to or within just a few degrees of separation from almost everything else I love and spend time with. Now I’ve even linked him to LEGO.

A Genuinely Magic Window

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