Smart Bookmark (Tiny E-Ink Display + Lightweight Camera + Wifi) Prototype

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*Overview* We’re looking for a contractor to develop a compact, smart bookmark prototype for our reading app, Readwise ( https://readwise.io/). This smart bookmark will enable readers of paper books to (a) track the starts and ends of their reading sessions and (b) capture highlights using the lightweight camera. Photos and their associated metadata will be synced via wifi seamlessly to our server where they will be processed into the user's account. *Key Features & Functionality* • E-Ink display ( https://www.adafruit.com/product/4262): A small, low resolution e-ink display to give the user feedback that the smart bookmark is working. • ESP32 chip with camera module ( https://www.amazon.com/Seeed-Studio-XIAO-ESP32-Sense/dp/B0C69FFVHH/): A camera module to capture images at the start/end of each session or when a highlight is triggered, and to read QR codes to connect to wifi and associate the user's account (QR code generated by our app). • Two tactile buttons ( https://www.adafruit.com/product/1119): One button to start/stop a reading session and another button to capture highlights or bookmark specific pages. • WiFi connectivity: WiFi with QR-based provisioning ( https://github.com/alvarowolfx/ESP32QRCodeReader), through our companion mobile app, to automatically upload photos and associated metadata to our server for processing. • Cloud AI integration: Data uploaded will be processed on our server to extract the relevant data (not part of the scope of this project; we will develop these features). For the prototype, the data can be sent to Firebase/Supabase to start. (Payload example: "timestamp": 2025-03-20T13:20:10.633+0000, “button1”: 1, “button2": 0. “photo”: b0f9dfj2fn23ifj23) • Handsome design: Ultimately, this bookmark must feel lightweight and aesthetic (not essential for the prototype). • Low power: Low power consumption ideal for extended use. Optimized battery life (rechargeable or replaceable battery) for an ultra-compact form factor. *Project Context* • About Readwise: Readwise is an app that helps users retain and organize the most valuable insights from their reading. It integrates with popular reading platforms, including Kindle, Apple Books, Pocket, Instapaper, and others, to consolidate highlights from all reading sources. • Existing physical books highlight syncing: Currently, our users can import highlights from their physical books by taking a picture of a page using their phones and uploading it to extract text via OCR (see here: https://docs.readwise.io/readwise/docs/importing-highlights/ocr#how-can-i-import-highlights-from-physical-or-paper-books). For the prototype, we’ll explore a similar in-app UX. • Why a smart bookmark? Using your phone while reading paper books is not always ideal and a lot of work. We want to simplify the process. By using this smart bookmark device to capture highlights and track reading sessions, we aim to make the process more intuitive, seamless, and enjoyable. *Deliverables & Timeline* • First Prototype: We hope to have a working prototype, with basic integration with our existing mobile app for provisioning and data upload, in our hands by the end of March so we can use it during our next hackathon at our company offsite (April 6th to 11th). It can use breakout boards and shields, maybe a protoboard is necessary, but no PCBs. • Next Steps: If the prototype is promising, we’d like to continue working into designing the product. This includes the complete hardware design (schematics, PCB layout) and firmware, and documentation (bill of materials and component specs, and firmware documentation and code repository access). *Contractor Qualifications* • Proven experience with low-power embedded systems and e-ink displays. • Demonstrated proficiency in camera module integration for small devices. • Strong understanding of wireless connectivity (WiFi, QR, NFC code provisioning). • Expertise in battery optimization and compact device design. • Ability to develop firmware that manages data capture and sync with a mobile app. • Familiarity with cloud-based APIs (for data upload and AI processing) is a plus.

Keyword: Mobile App Development

Price: $65.0

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