Using an LED array and some reflective tape, you can use the infrared camera in the Wii remote to track objects, like your fingers, in 2D space. This lets you interact with your computer simply by waving your hands in the air similar to the interaction seen in the movie “Minority Report”. The Wiimote can track upto 4 points simultaneously. The multipoint grid software is a custom C# DirectX program.
Software
To run the grid program you see in the video:
1. First, follow this walkthrough on using the wiimote with C#. You may need to download a copy of Visual C# Express to compile/run this sample if you don’t have it yet.
2. Download a copy of the DirectX SDK. You may not need this to simply run the sample grid program, but you will need it if you want to make any changes to it.
3. Download the Wiimote Multipoint Grid sample program. Make sure your wiimote is connected via bluetooth, and then run the “.exe” shortcut in the main folder.
A visit to this project’s FAQ and Advanced Discussion post may be very englightening. You may also find the official discussion forums for my wiimote projects helpful: WiimoteProject.com
Since the Wiimote can track sources of infrared (IR) light, you can track pens that have an IR led in the tip. By pointing a wiimote at a projection screen or LCD display, you can create very low-cost interactive whiteboards or tablet displays. Since the Wiimote can track upto 4 points, up to 4 pens can be used. It also works great with rear-projected displays.
Software
The calibration and mouse cursor emulation software is available for you to download and try yourself. Note: My mouse emulation code isn’t perfect. If any of you are programmers and can get it working with Alias Sketchbook, drop me a line.
1. Connect your wiimote to your PC via Bluetooth. If you don’t know how to do this, you can follow this tutorial. I’ve been told it works with other Bluetooth drivers, but I have not tested them myself. You can report compatibility issues on the SourceForge:WiimoteWhiteboard - Help Forum
2. Download the Wiimote Whiteboard software to the right. Please read the “READ ME.txt” file first! Make sure your wiimote is connected via bluetooth, and then run the “.exe” in the main folder. NOTE: Good placement of the wiimote is key to good tracking. View the README for more info.
Multitouch: The multitouch demos are custom C# DirectX programs. You may download the sample program to the right, but this is provided for developers without support or documentation. The code is built on top of this Wiimote library. Unfortunately, multi-touch capable applications are currently extremely rare. Hopefully, that will change as more developers explore its potential.
Building pens: Here is a simple schematic of the light pen. The LEDs that I use are Vishay TSAL6400s running at 100mA, but lots of other LEDs will work too. You also might be able to jump start your experimentation by retro-fitting a mini keychain light with an IR LED. I’m currently looking into manufacturing and selling IR pens, but this may take several months.
Downloads:
Wiimote Whiteboard (original 12/19/07) - includes source
Wiimote Whiteboard v0.2 (updated 3/27/08) - includes source
“SNES emulator SNES9X has been successfully ported to the Wii, allowing the core of original SNES fans, rapidly approaching middle-age as they are, to relive their gaming youths.
Information on the homebrew app is sketchy at the moment, but we do know that it features classic controller support and comes bundled with a whole swathe of other emulators for the Wii including: Genesis / Sega CD Emu, Master System / Game Gear Emu, PC Engine Emu, Rin Gameboy Channel, Emu Loader and Wii Paint”
We are getting closer to getting homebrew apps/games on the Wii.
Team Twiizers new hack enables custom channel icons that load hacked apps just like that. Getting from point A to point B still isn’t a cakewalk yet, though; you still have to load the Zelda / Twilight hack and use it to reboot your Wii to get that app into the channel space.
(via engadget)
With all the TV’s and wiimotes getting hurt, Nintendo is offering free jackets for up to 4 remotes per Wii. Any new units shipped after October 15th will have them included.
I wonder if they are like helmets and have to be replaced after any major crash?
Write down your serial number and get your free Wii jackets here.
Cross posted here.
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