Head tracking with the Wiimote

Computers & Mobile Fun & Games


Really well-done basic introduction to how a Wiimote and Wii sensor bar can be used to create a head tracking system for VR worlds and games. Pretty impressive.

Head Tracking for Desktop VR Displays using the WiiRemote – Link

16 thoughts on “Head tracking with the Wiimote

  1. jasno says:

    Gah… thought of this a month ago but was too busy with the holidays… phooey :)

    I think you could do something similar in a PDA using the accelerometer reading. Would be a great way to make a small display more usable, since you can change its contents based upon the device’s position and angle.

  2. Hello Moto says:

    All I have to say is: “WOW”.

    I never relized how bad current 3-d effects are, nor how great they can be with realitly cheap and simply technology. I mean really, what would a system for a PC cost? $50-100? Thats not much for a system can could make games so much more immersive and fun to use.

    Finally, while the effect is only perfect for the one person being tracked, other people can still see the effect and I don’t think it would make games any less fun to watch.

  3. oliver says:

    wow, this is nice!

  4. Paul says:

    Jonny, I hope the smart developer will incorporate your idea and get this mainstream. Wasnt thinking of getting a Wii or its stuff but now if developers look at incorporating this I will defintly invest. Hope to see the quake moders out there pick this up. VR head sets are never going to take off but this is entirly diffrent.

    Good luck.

  5. Dan Erickson says:

    Very cool, I’ve been messing with VR for a long time, the trouble has always been expensive gear, or gear that was just not fun for the users (alot of people don’t like to mess there hair).

    I feel what you just outlined is a realistic VR experience that is low cost.

    I hope developers don’t limit their view to the just the Nintendo Wii. To implement on any hardware platform, the head tracking is simply an inexpensive Webcam at the monitor and software to track the LED Glasses. I’ve seen usb webcams for less then $10, and LED Glasses at the dollar stories.

    The gaming Industry is always looking for that new edge. This will be the next big evolution of first person gaming. What you outlined should not be overly difficult to implement on any platform. I hope the industry adopts this, and soon…

    Dan.Erickson@mts.net

  6. john gomm says:

    Can’t wait for this to become standard tech!
    Q Could you use an IR light source by the camera and use the red-eye effect to track the eyes? Then you wouldn’t need batteries or a special wearable.

  7. Edmund says:

    Predator has no hope now I have IR vision

    Dragonlasers – No 1 lasers, laser pointer and green laser online store

  8. Kevin says:

    I will never forgive myself. I thought of this concept 6 years ago in middle school. Even tho i have old drawings and sketched descriptions, its too late. I feel so horrible after seeing this. I should have made a prototype years ago. God is sick.

Comments are closed.

Discuss this article with the rest of the community on our Discord server!
Tagged

Gareth Branwyn is a freelance writer and the former Editorial Director of Maker Media. He is the author or editor of over a dozen books on technology, DIY, and geek culture. He is currently a contributor to Boing Boing, Wink Books, and Wink Fun. His free weekly-ish maker tips newsletter can be found at garstipsandtools.com.

View more articles by Gareth Branwyn

ADVERTISEMENT

Maker Faire Bay Area 2023 - Mare Island, CA

Escape to an island of imagination + innovation as Maker Faire Bay Area returns for its 15th iteration!

Buy Tickets today! SAVE 15% and lock-in your preferred date(s).

FEEDBACK