The Book Cover That Judges You

Never judge a book by it's cover. Unless it's judging you right back, in which case, call that opinionated tome whatever the hell you want.

That's exactly what the appropriately titled The Cover That Judges You does. A high-tech project created for the annual meeting of the Art Directors Club Netherlands, this book will only open for the reader if you approach it without any signs of judgement. 

Freaky as that sounds, The Cover That Judges You doesn't know what you're thinking. Upon lining up your face with the mirrored human figure on the cover, a camera scans your facial expression, looking for any signs of "judgement". By running your image through its in-built facial recognition software, the book (though it's more computer than hardback) can detect if you're displaying any outward emotion - from excitement to scepticism. Should you have a frown or smile, it won't open

If, however, you successfully maintain a neutral expression, the book cover will open via a small Arduino-powered mechanical arm, safe in the knowledge you're not going to read its secrets with any preformed opinions. 

A superb concept, we've got ideas of where else the technology could be applied: a fridge that only opens if you're properly hungry? A wallet that will only open if you're going to spend money sensibly? 

You can find out more about the project by visiting its website here.

[Via: CNet]