Goblin Speaks Fortune Teller Framework
Inspired by the penny arcade machines of the 1930s and novelty fortune teller machines like Zoltar, this project aims to deliver a framework of open source components and software which anyone can leverage to build their own working fortune teller machine.
These machines are designed to be "bartop" or "goblin" sized, rather than full life sized cabinets. (But really build it whatever size you like, I'm not your mom.) The scope of project is to provide all of the core aspects of the machine, such as animatronics, card dispensers software etc. Actual physical construction of the cabinet and any other accessories or decorations will be up to the builder.
The Goblin Speaks machine is built around the Raspberry Pi single board computer.
Project State
We are still developing the first iteration of the machine. Here is a video of the in progress prototype:
Getting a Serial Number
Builders who complete a Goblin Speaks machine can apply for a serial number for the completed machine. More details on this process will be available once the first iteration of the machine is completed.
For a machine to be considered completed it must meet the following criteria:
- Use of Goblin Speaks Framework
- Support one mode of activation
- Play a show for the player/audience
- Dispense an object
Use of Goblin Speaks Framework
The machine must use at least some piece of the Goblin Speaks framework such as components, software, model files etc. How much or how little the framework is used is up to you. These machines can come in all shapes and sizes so there is no need to be picky on what is or is not considered a Goblin Speaks machine. If the machine operates, meets these criteria, and you consider it a Goblin Speaks machine, than it is a Goblin Speaks machine.
Mode of Activation
The machine must support some kind of mode of activation. This could be a coin mechanism, motion sensor, a button or whatever else you decide for your machine.
Playing a Show
The machine must perform some kind of show for the player once activated. This could mean activating an animatronic, playing audio, activating lights etc.
Dispense Object
The machine must dispense some kind of phsyical object to the player once the show is over. For example a fortune card, small toy or token.
Components
You can learn more about the available components which can be used to build a Goblin Speaks machine here.
Software
The framework software is designed to run on Raspberry Pi. Learn more here.
See the code on the github repository: https://github.com/gobbolab/goblin-speaks
Contributing
If you design your own component, have a new feature for the software, or anything else you think should be part of the project, just open a PR with all the details. Code and 3D model files should be shared with a permissible license that allows others to use and iterate the designs.