Interactive books could soon come with electronic components such as LEDs, electronic ink technology and audio clips powered by paper, according to Disney researchers.
The researchers sandwiched a piece of Teflon between two different conductors — silver-covered polyester and a sheet of paper printed with conductive ink —and rubbed the components together, creating a sort of printable paper generator. When the Teflon grates against the paper, it makes a charge that can power simple electronic displays. When the rubbing stops, so does the flow of electricity.
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People might eventually be able to produce a charge from just tapping or touching the paper generator, Ivan Poupyrev, director of Disney Research at Pittsburgh’s Interaction Group, said in a statement. “We can imagine any number of ways to use this to add sights, sounds and other interactivity to books and other printed materials inexpensively and without having to worry about power sources."
The statement did not mention when or whether Disney plans to commercialize these paper generators. Disney did not immediately return our request for comment.
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Image: Flickr, Sam Howzit