InkQuest ESP32 — An interactive e paper adventure…

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Description

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About this project

InkQuest offers a unique text adventure experience in a handheld device. Utilizing an ESP32 with an e-paper display and rotary encoder, it immerses users in an evolving story. Enjoy a classic choose-your-own-adventure format, combined with modern tech to engage new generations of readers.

InkQuest is an innovative interactive text adventure device that combines the power of an ESP32 microcontroller with a vibrant e-paper display and a tactile rotary encoder. This project leverages Gemini to create a dynamic storytelling experience, offering users an infinite array of narratives and choices that enhance traditional choose-your-own-adventure stories.

Features

2.9" E-Paper Display: Provides a reader-friendly interface, reducing eye strain while presenting engaging content.
Tactile Rotary Encoder: A clicky navigation tool that enables seamless interaction with the story choices, accompanied by an RGB LED for atmospheric feedback.
Compact Design: With a thickness of just 1.6 cm, this handheld device is both sleek and portable.
Extended Battery Life: Equipped with a 1,200mAh battery, offering approximately 20 hours of use, depending on the usage patterns.

How It Works

InkQuest’s gameplay is centered around user interaction through the rotary encoder. The game flow is as follows:

Users can turn or press the rotary knob to explore different story paths and make selections.
The ESP32 processes the recent history of choices to generate a new JSON payload.
This data is sent to the Gemini API, which returns a new segment of the story along with four potential choices.
The ESP32 decodes the JSON response, updates the story history, and refreshes the display with the latest content while changing the NeoPixel LED color to reflect the story’s mood.
The device conserves energy by entering a deep sleep mode after two minutes of inactivity, easily waking from sleep with a simple knob press.

Project Structure

The repository contains the following directories:

cad/: CAD files for assembly and 3D printing.
firmware/: Source code for Arduino IDE to program the device.
hardware/: PCB Gerber files and schematics designed in EasyEDA.
images/: A collection of images showcasing the project.

Bill of Materials

The following components are required to build the InkQuest device:

Component	Variation	Quantity	Link
XIAO ESP32-C3	-	1	AliExpress
WeAct 2.9 inch E-Paper Display	2.9 inch	1	AliExpress
603450 Li-Po Battery	-	1	AliExpress
JST-PH Connector	2P	1	AliExpress
Rotary Encoder EC11	20mm D shaft	1	AliExpress
WS2812B NeoPixel LED 5050	-	1	AliExpress
PH3.5 Low Profile Pin Connector	2x4 Male, 2x4 Female	2	AliExpress
0805 Resistor	1M	2	AliExpress
0805 Resistor	330	1	AliExpress
0805 Resistor	10K	3	AliExpress
0805 Ceramic Capacitor	470nF	1	AliExpress
0805 Ceramic Capacitor	100uF	1	AliExpress

InkQuest redefines interactive storytelling, enabling users to engage directly with the narrative in a modern format, combining the charm of classic adventure tales with cutting-edge technology.