I've used Arduino for a while now, for anyone who doesn't know it's an "open-source electronics prototyping platform based on flexible, easy-to-use hardware and software. It's intended for artists, designers, hobbyists, and anyone interested in creating interactive objects or environments."

Anyway, that stuff is obvious, but I wanted to create an interesting a better-than-a-piece-of-paper electronic door number. I coupled an Arduino Diecimilia with an LCD117 Kit from Modern Devices to drive a backlit LCD display. The programming I went for is very simple (the studio number is 404), given the time and motivation you could effectively create all forms of animation in a frame-by-frame text character style, but honestly it would look like a 4 year old had been let loose with the crayons.

Though the video shows the Arduino being powered by a USB lead, that is only there to provide DC power to the electronics - the software is running from the ATMega chip on the Arduino board, and it will be powered by a 5v DC adaptor when installed... No computer required beyond the initial programming.

Highly interesting Geeky, I think you'll agree.

First test render of a basic hand rig for a medical product we are producing an instructional video for. Not completely natural yet, but a pleasing result all the same.