Low-Cost Multi-point Interactive Whiteboards Using the Wiimote by Johnny Chung Lee

Johnny Chung Lee is a researcher HCI PhD in Carnegie Mellon University who works in projects linke wii remote, $14 stabilizer, giant paint balloon slingshot, projector calibration, brain-computer interaction, kinetic typography, electric cello,...

Johnny Chung Lee has published on internet this insteressant work:  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, 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. There are a number of tutorials online on how to do this, possibly even for you specific software/hardware configuration. The Wiimote works with many (but not all) Bluetooth drivers. You can report/read about compatibility issues at WiimoteProject.com
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.

Mac/Linux Versions: Due to personal time contraints, I probably won't be able to make a port myself. But fairly mature versions are available online. However, I haven't tried them myself. I've also created a Source Forge Project - Wiimote Whiteboard, but it does not seem to be getting much love.

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



Downloads:
Windows (32-bit)
Wiimote Whiteboard* (original 12/19/07) - includes source
Wiimote Whiteboard v0.2* (updated 3/27/08) - includes source
Wiimote Whiteboard v0.3* (updated 8/20/08) - includes source

* there appear to be some issues with 64-bit machines, and BlueSoleil. Alternative Bluetooth software may work. Check the forum for more info.

Mac (Java)
You can do a quick webserach or try the version created by uweschmidt which is a fairly mature Java-based version for Mac.

Multitouch:source code

Fun software (mostly free) to try with this:
Mapping software: Microsoft Virtual Earth, Google Earth
Physics simulation software: Phun
Virtual Tourism: Photosynth
Media Browsing: CoolIris
Painting progams: Alias Sketchbook Pro
Note taking:One Note
Handwritting recognition: Windows Tablet PC Edition - works great if you have it, not a stand alone program to install.

Source: Johnny Chung Lee  http://johnnylee.net/    Projects WII http://johnnylee.net/projects/wii/


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