The unit would consist of a matrix of individually activated magnets that when switched on would bond to iron filings sealed behind the clear plastic front of the unit.

Turning on magnets in a particular pattern would cause the filings to bond to that particular matrix such that pictures and words could be created when the person shook the unit. A pre-programmed sequence of activated magnet patterns would "draw" picture in the style of sand art and change as the story progressed. The link describes what the finished product would look like.

The person would read the page, look at the picture, then shake the unit. Motion sensors would sense the shaking, turn all the magnets off, erasing the present picture and activating the next matrix of magnets to create the next "page".

Stories told in sand art have an interesting style to them. It would be a cross between an etch a sketch and a Kindle since stories would be downloaded into the unit.

You could even have animation to some degree.

I think it would also be possible to have the front screen be touch sensitive such that you could draw in your own stories and art, and unlike the Etch-a-Sketch, you could save it to recall and view later.
-- doctorremulac3, Oct 23 2011

What the art would look like. http://www.youtube....watch?v=o0xnLvk8xW4
[doctorremulac3, Oct 23 2011]

Probably easier to implement with an iPad, but what's the fun in that?
-- RayfordSteele, Oct 23 2011


I'd be totally dune with this.
-- 2 fries shy of a happy meal, Oct 23 2011


After recieving, and having been invoiced, for 50 "Etch-a-Sketch Story Books", Michael J Fox. would later tell the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals that he only clicked "add to cart" once, and that that was just a mere frivolity, because he can't speed read in any event.
-- 4whom, Oct 24 2011



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