Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Wiimote Whiteboard Project?
The Wiimote Whiteboard Project (WWP) uses the Nintendo Wii Remote (Wiimote) and other low-cost materials to create an interactive whiteboard. Recent additions to the software also allow for the system to control Powerpoint presentations using Wiimote buttons (from anywhere in a classroom), or use multiple Wiimotes in unison for greatly improved results.How did the project get started?
The project originated with Johnny Chung Lee, a Ph.D. student (in Human Computer Interactions) at Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He presented his ideas in a Youtube video (December 2007), and freely gave his source code to others to continue to improve the project. Johnny Lee is no longer active with WWP. He now works for Microsoft Research Group, which includes "Project Natal" (controller free gaming for the XBox 360). Introductory video (originally aired on Youtube):
Johnny Chung Lee
Official Site and videos:
"Wii Projects" site
Original Youtube video
Johnny Lee on TED (with a standing ovation from technology leaders)
What programs does it work with?
The software allows the infrared pen on the calibrated screen to act just like a mouse. In fact, you can alternate back and forth between using your computer mouse and the IR pen with no noticeable difference in tracking. So, the WWP system work with every application that your computer mouse does!
It works with
any software designed for interactive whiteboards.
It works with every software application on a Windows PC!
Is the infrared light dangerous?
The infrared (IR) pens pose no danger, as they operate at energy levels below visible light. This is the same kind of light emitted by a television remote control. The human eye can not see this light! Only sensitive electronic equipment, such as digital cameras and the Wii remote, can detect the light.What next?
The WWP has already been implemented successfully in hundred of classrooms around the world, and the project continues to grow.
Try it for yourself! Bring 21st century technology into your classroom.
The most recent version of the Smoothboard software (version 1.5, June 2009) now allows writing and highlighting on any application, and includes tools for quickly capturing screen snapshots.
Who is involved?
This international project has developed thanks to the generosity and dedication of a number of individuals, such as:
Brian Peek (USA)- creator of the Wiimote Library for .NET
Official Site: Brian Peek.com
Ben Jones (Australia) and the Wiimote Project Team
Discussion Board:Wiimote Project
Ben Jones video on Youtube: Youtube link
Lukas Reinhart (Germany), Heavy Programming
The best Wii Remote connection method: WiimoteConnect 0.6
Goh Boon Jin (Singapore), Jason Smith (Australia) and the Smoothboard Team:
Smoothboard Manual (a great resource): Set-up Guide
Ron Francis (WWP101 Lead Author, Ottawa, Canada) is an active member of the official Wiimote Project group. He has been successfully using the technology in his classroom since September 2008.
