The Embedded Book project began as a school project at Stanford. Despite not knowing much about electronics and bookmaking, I think the project came out quite well.
Details:
A 555 timing circuit controls the blinking lights. A single trace actually runs through all of the cards on the page. It was very difficult getting paper and flimsy material to make reliable contacts. The book structure is made from manila folders. I designed the graphics in Photoshop using clip art books.
Shortly after graduation, I discovered the Arduino, Sparkfun Electronics, and a whole world of DIY projects online. Studying electronics in my spare time, opened a new universe of potential for the book. See video to right.
Bookmaking:
To learn bookmaking basics I took an eight week Saturday course in bookbinding at City College San Francisco.
To share what I had learned, to get inspiration from other book artists, and to possibly find collaborators, I hosted a table at the Bay Area Book Arts Jam at Foothill College. By the end of the day, my voice was hoarse from talking to so many people. The video above was my application video for the Jam.
The picture to the right is me at the Book Jam.
New Inspiration:
The day after the Book Jam, I got the inspiration to laminate flat wire into laminating pouches. I think this new technique will have great potential in future Embedded Book versions.
A touch sensor can sense your finger through the plastic lamination.
