Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Low-Cost Multi-point Interactive Whiteboards Using the Wiimote

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, multiple pens can be used.

When updates are made to the software, I'll post them here on this blog.

Link to the Wiimote Projects page

[update] Link to the SourceForge repository to help with development.

54 comments:

  1. Hi Johnny,

    Just came across your Wiimote projects and I think what you have done is awesome!

    One question though:
    You said that the Wiimote can track up to 4 points, but in your finger interaction video it seems like the Wii was tracking more than 4 points. Can you explain that?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ah my bad...it does seem like the Wiimote can track only 4 points.

    But if you connect another Wiimote to the PC could you have upto 8 contact points?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Dude, thank you so much for this! I was seriously about to go out and buy a $2500 tablet mac (The Modbook) but I saw your website. PLEASE continue to work on the mac version, I cannot wait!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. thanks this is really cool that you can help bring tech like microsoft surface and http://www.perceptivepixel.com/ to people who cant afford ultra highend tech stuff. Keep it up.

    ReplyDelete
  5. That is what I need for editing in Final Cut Pro, Motion, and all of my Pro apps.

    Please release the mac version soon. I haven't been this stoked about technology in a long time.

    ReplyDelete
  6. WOW! this is really sweet! I can't wait to have this on on a mac! And if not, I'd buy a PC (yeah! it's that cool of an App!) Awesome job, Johnny. Keep up the great creativity you have and ... please don't procrastineer too long :-)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Phantastic stuff!
    Thanks so much for sharing this really cool application!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi Johnny,
    I have found your project today and had to check it out after I came home. I have connected my Wiimote to my computer and started your app. Everything went well but because I having not such a pen I have used my IR remote of my receiver. But the problem there is that it "blinks" to fast and you cannot "portion" the signal. But I have to get such a pen soon and then play around with this.

    So thanks a lot for such a great invention!

    Greets,
    Adam

    ReplyDelete
  9. Johnny,

    Windows Mobile devices typically have an IR port on the side. Is it possible that a WM device could function in the same fashion providing coordinates to handle the same functionality?

    Or is that a different type of IR port?

    Thanks and take care.

    ReplyDelete
  10. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi Johnny,

    thanks for this wonderful idea. Please release the Mac version of the software soon, as soon as it is available, I will instantly buy a Wiimote :)

    Btw, have you already thought about using multiple Wiimotes for creating a spatial experience?

    ReplyDelete
  12. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi,
    I'm not so good on the IR-pen part.
    Anyone who can help me?

    ReplyDelete
  14. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  15. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  16. The IR pen is really very very basic electronics

    a.) Take this: http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062565&cp=&sr=1&origkw=infrared+led&kw=infrared+led&parentPage=search

    b.) Attach a standard isolated wire to each of the pins of the LED (if you want to do it really properly you could use some sort of connector or solder it on the LED, however just wrapping it around the pins will be completely sufficient).

    c.) Take this: http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062546&cp=&sr=1&origkw=momentary+switch&kw=momentary+switch&parentPage=search

    d.) Cut one of the wires attached to the LED in half and attach each part to one of the pins of the switch.

    e.) Take this: http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102736&cp=&sr=1&origkw=aaa+battery+connector&kw=aaa+battery+connector&parentPage=search

    f.) Attach the wire that comes from the switch and the one that comes directly from the LED to the battery holder.

    g.) Buy some AAA batteries, put them in holder et voilà: You're done!

    This doesn't cover the pen casing, but I think you can figure out how to do that one by yourself.

    ReplyDelete
  17. does not seem to work with windows vista, laptop does see the wiimote but the whiteboard program keeps saying error communicateing is wiimote attached and the program closes out. i tried other wiimote programs and they work so it seems the whiteboard program not vista compatible.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I have it up and running well on windows vista home premium. i did originally have that same error communicating, i think the wiimote wasnt staying connected properly. the problem went away however when i switched from the windows bluetooth drivers to the proprietary drivers that came with my bluetooth dongle. im using the Azio dongle which came with the Toshiba drivers.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Anyone have any idea how this would react to an infrared laser? Would the straight line going from the laser to the surface interfere too much, or would it be possible to control this with a laser from a distance?

    ReplyDelete
  20. I love your interactive wiiboard! I want to do this! I live in Maine and am part of the MLTI program. Every student in our middle school has their own iBook. We recently purchased 2 wiis for the students to use as well. So I have 8 wii remotes that I would absolutely love to set up with our projectors to make interactive white boards. (I'll test out your mac code for you.) Our school can not afford 8 white boards. We currently have one mimio board. You will make a lot of kids and teachers pretty happy… Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I just wanna say thank you, so thank you :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. I'm not a hardware person at all, but I was wondering if it's possible to create an IR pen which lights up when you touch the pen on a surface. Currently you have to press the button to light it up but it would be better if it lit up when it touched the surface.

    Is it possible to create something like that? I think it is essential that the IR emitter be at the tip of the pen right?

    ReplyDelete
  23. You would have to use some sort of pressure sensor to achieve this behaviour. I think somwehere on this blog I've read that someone has already done something in that direction.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Thanks so much for this! I too, like QH, work in Maine under the MLTI program. We do have a few boards floating around our school, but they are usually always booked. Having this program for Mac will be great...looking forward to it.

    Thanks again!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Question. Does the Wiimote "see" the IR LED or does it "see" the reflection off the screen of the IR?

    ReplyDelete
  26. This is insanely awesome! I couldn't get it to work under Parallels, though, so I'm really looking forwards to a Mac version! If one comes out, I'll definitely donate!

    ReplyDelete
  27. I don't have a Wiimote yet so I can't test it out, but does this system have support for right click?

    ReplyDelete
  28. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hi Johnny !
    Do you think it's possible to use a webcam without the IR filter ?
    And can we use 2 webcams for an higher precision ?

    ReplyDelete
  30. This is truly amazing software. I can't wait until a mac version comes up. Great Job!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Do you have plans to be able to use multiple wii remotes, and multiple displays?

    ReplyDelete
  32. I like your blog . They are really great. Ermunterung ++ .please pay a return visit to my blog .thank you.
    http://blog.goo.ne.jp/iblog99/
    http://iblog99.easyjournal.com/
    http://iblog99.blogger.de/

    ReplyDelete
  33. I saw your website. PLEASE continue to work on the mac version,
    Assignment | Coursework | Essay

    ReplyDelete
  34. Thanks for sharing.i really appreciate it.
    Dissertation | Thesis

    ReplyDelete
  35. Hello,
    Thanks a lot for this information, and looking forward to reading more in the future, as I have bookmarked your site, this post is really very informative. Thanks.

    Business Plan Presentation

    ReplyDelete
  36. hi~johnny chung lee, i am a chinese student and interester in your Wii project. but i dont know how to use c#, can u give me the code? my email is lms6669@yahoo.com.cn

    ReplyDelete
  37. Hi Johnny,

    I cant't really help you, sinse I'm a designer, but have you tried to use a digital tablet's pen other than just a regular pen with a button?

    That way you don't need to press the button, just touch the tip of the pen.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Hey, I have been watching Smoothboard for a while, and I feel that paying for something like that is not right. You made this for free, and the applications borne from this must be too (personal opinion).

    I've come up with a free alternative to smoothboard and it will be available on my blog really soon. Here's the video for the same:

    Click here to see it!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Hi,
    This is an awesome post on Wiimote projects. I must say you have done a good work. Thanks for sharing.

    Essay Help

    ReplyDelete
  40. Thanks for giving us such a informative stuff..i'll be definitely coming back to your site.keep the Great work up..



    business logo design | logo designer | logo design company | custom logo design

    ReplyDelete
  41. Nowadays the Bentley GT is popular with a wide range of people including many celebrities. When Montbrillant Datora were first made replicas and copies were very hard to come by as Breitling Avenger were difficult to imitate. Today it is quite to opposite and with advanced technology available to anyone with a little cash, spotting these Chrono Superocean has become a skill in itself.


    Christian Louboutin shoes are going to be the kind of shoes that you can team with a tee, a wonderful handbag, your favorite pair of Christian Louboutin Pumps or leggings and you are ready for the spin around town. Christian Louboutin Boots can be also worn with the most formal of business suits, a black dress, an evening gown and with matching accessories they will go on to add that right touch. Christian Louboutin Sandals from the latest season allow you to place that stylish step in the right direction and continue to remain a key addition to your wardrobe.


    All Coach Outlet have a lifetime warranty and if Coach Luggage falls apart or is damaged you only have to ship it back to them. If Coach Madison cannot be repaired they will send you either a new bag or give you a really nice discount on the next purchase you make. Women love the look and feel of a Coach Poppy or bag.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Good with useful post! It is in truth what i want to read. comment was therefore sufficient but i desire to add up some criticism too. What about trying something dissimilar like health. My website is so originally refreshing! phentermine 37.5.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Ladies,[url=http://www.dmchristianlouboutin.com/]Christian Louboutin[/url] wanna own a pair of sexy shoes as the celebrities?[url=http://www.dmchristianlouboutin.com/christian-louboutin-flats-c-11.html]Christian Louboutin Flats[/url] Guys, [url=http://www.dmchristianlouboutin.com]Christian Louboutin Pumps[/url]are you still drain your brains for what presents to choose for your girls?[url=http://www.dmchristianlouboutin.com/christian-louboutin-sandals-c-13.html/]Christian Louboutin Sandals[/url] Here comes the best Christian Louboutin high heels with the most competitive prices.[url=http://www.dmchristianlouboutin.com/christian-louboutin-boots-c-14.html]Christian Louboutin Boots[/url] [url=http://www.BuyMoncler.net/] Moncler[/url]are your best choice.[URL=http://www.buyherveleger.net]herve leger [/URL] A good amount of fashionable styles are here for you to choose from,[url=http://www.dmchristianlouboutin.com/christian-louboutin-specials-c-18.html]christian louboutin discount[/url] come and find the ones that belong to you. [url=http://www.buyhermesbirkin.com/]Hermes Birkin[/url]You will find it is absolutely worth purchasing!

    ReplyDelete