:: Research Group Embedded Interaction :: Media Informatics :: Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich
Virrig-Cursor
- Virrig Cursor - Project Description
- Virrig Cursor - Software and Hardware
- Virrig Cursor - Ongoing Work
Virrig Cursor - Project Description
The idea for that project has been to augment standard furniture with sensors such that it can be used to remote control applications or devices. Thus, rather common objects can be extended with useful functions providing this new functionality without the need to get used to completely unfamiliar devices.
One such device is the IKEA Virrig seating cushion. It is a large pillow where one person can sit more comfortable on the floor. Since the bottom side is shaped like a round cone, it can be tilted in any direction by moving leaning to one side or the other. Measuring slope, rotation and pressure, it can be used as a cursor or joystick, steered with the whole body.
We are using four mono batteries to guarantee a long life without having to reopen it. The next picture shows the guts of Virrig.
Several sensors are attached that measure
- Pressure: A load sensor at least indicates whether or not somebody sits, stands or in some other way uses the Virrig. Weight might additionally give some indication about the use and the user as well.
- Rotation: A digital compass gives information about the position of the Virrig and, probably more important, information about the relative rotational changes. It can therefore, e.g., be used like a steering wheel.
- Tilt: Several ball switches arranged in a circle inform about the Virrig being slanted in one direction. Even by using only 4 such sensors, inclination in eight different directions can be detected.
While power supply, the Smart-Its and most sensors are put deep into the Virrig, the load sensor must be put directly beneath the point where the user applies the pressure. This sensor can be seen in the following picture.
A position paper on the "Sensor-Virrig - A Balance Cushion as Controller" (published at the UbiComp 2004 workshop "Playing with Sensors") can be found at the Embedded Interaction publications page.
Although we have just started to develop applications for the Virrig, we have already found some excited users: The picture on the right shows
Virrig Cursor - Software and Hardware
To run the Virrig Cursor, you need the following software:
- SerialServer for Virrig (you must put pthreadVCE.dll to the same directory)
- Flash Game
To run the Virrig Cursor, you need the following hardware:
- one Smart-Its for RF->PC conversion
- one Smart-Its for the Virrig
- Smart-Its Virrig add-on board (see picture of the Virrig add-on board above)
We are currently working on a switch from Smart-Its technology to Particle technology to facilitate the use of Virrig Cursor in varying environments. The hardware requirements change as follows:
- one Particle for the Virrig
- one add-on board like the Particle Display add-on board (see the page on the display add-on board for particles)
- one USBBridge or XBridge
As software, you only need a UDP-to-HTTP converting web server. This component will be available soon.