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[boonjin]

Great work on this software, looks awesome.

Dice

I can't wait to test it out!  Great work!

Lovely work BoonJin!

I have finally completed the documentations for the Wiimote Smooth Board 0.2
Sorry to keep everyone waiting.

You can jump straight to here: http://www.boonjin.com/wp/2008/07/13/wiimote-smooth-board-02-beta
or go to the first post of this thread: http://www.wiimoteproject.com/wiimote-whiteboard/wiimote-smooth-board-0-1-beta/

[boonjin]

Boonjin
Firstly: BRILLIANT!!!

Love the partial screen tracking area, really cool for primary teachers who want to limit to a specific application. The option for cursor motion is also awesome, again something I know primary teachers use in several applications that require mouse over to bring up tags and speech bubbles.

Will have to wait until next term to run in class and really preasure test.

The only addition I can see is change Miscellaneous to "Cursor Control" then have the following options:
a) Left Click
b) Right Click
c) Double Click
d) Cursor Motion only
e) No cursor Control
The 'Right Click' Toggle area button & 'Cursor Control' from the main window can be moved here and the option to create a toggle area for any of these 5 options offered (or perhaps a Click toolbar that floats over everything and has all five options). This will just give more freedom for users to personalise.

The "Toggle Area to Switch Mode" may want better labeling too. So it is clearer what it does.

I look forward to seeing with presentor option & minimise to tray too. This will be the last of the 'productivity' gains I can think off. When I first threw my the right click idea out in the forum about two months ago, and you ran with it, I had no idea that the software would evolve to this standard.

Leaving only for connectivity issues to be resolved. Have you looked at Thex's or Uwe's connection tools to see if anything you can port?

Benpaddlejones :-)

I have actually implemented the cursor motion only mode because of a request from a kindergarten teacher.

I think the toggle area toolbar will be cool. Maybe those toggle area will be sticked together side by side.
So do you think it would be best that the toggled click will be only for one click or continuous until the user change to another type of click?

I have not looked into anyone's code yet as I am concentrating on the wiimote smooth board but I have already downloaded them. I am still unsure of how to use thex's wiimote connect application.

Btw, do you think setting a Wiimote button to switch between the presenter mode and whiteboard mode will be ok?

Thanks!

Boon Jin

[benpaddlejones]

Boonjin
Been thinking again!
Here is a list of my idea's:
1. Yes a toolbar with toggle option side by side would be best. Maybe choices:
    a) Left Click (locked)
    b) Left Click (Next click only)
    b) Right Click (locked)
    c) Right Click (Next click only)
    d) Double Click (Next click only)
    d) Cursor Motion Only
    e) No Cursor Control
2. I think the "Smoothing" option should also be in the "Cursor Control" tab.
3. Have only one settings file
    - I think you currently have a general settings file and another for outside screen toggles
    - This settings file is loaded from the main window, rather than 'outside screen toggles' tab.
    - Thus a user can have a number of pre-set settings for different operating environments, all loaded from the main window so the user does advanced settings once, saves the settings file and then they can recall quickly and easily from main window, without going into advanced settings everytime.
    - I can then open my custom 'Powerpoint Presenter' settings that automatically put into presenter mode and have all my programmed buttones. Then I can then open my 'Student Kindlelab' settings that have the outside toggles set for students and the partial screen tracking I set for Kindle lab. Then I can open my 'Onenote' settings that have my onenote specific tools, etc
    - Maybe worth the 'Settings File' be named on the 'Main Window' so user knows which file is currently loaded.
4. If the Presenter Mode & Whiteboard switch is on the Wiimote you reduce the number of programmable keys, I think it would be better on the 'Main window'. It could be an option for those that want it.
5. The key programming options should then be a tab in the advanced settings window.

Benpaddlejones   

[boonjin]

Boonjin
Been thinking again!
Here is a list of my idea's:
1. Yes a toolbar with toggle option side by side would be best. Maybe choices:
    a) Left Click (locked)
    b) Left Click (Next click only)
    b) Right Click (locked)
    c) Right Click (Next click only)
    d) Double Click (Next click only)
    d) Cursor Motion Only
    e) No Cursor Control

2. I think the "Smoothing" option should also be in the "Cursor Control" tab.

Yesterday I made a toolbar with Cursor Motion only, left click, right click, double click and locked double click.
The locked right click did not work well so I have removed it. However, in the Advanced Settings-Cursor Control tab the locked right click is still usable.

Like you requested, I have placed it in the Cursor Control tab too.

3. Have only one settings file
    - I think you currently have a general settings file and another for outside screen toggles
    - This settings file is loaded from the main window, rather than 'outside screen toggles' tab.
    - Thus a user can have a number of pre-set settings for different operating environments, all loaded from the main window so the user does advanced settings once, saves the settings file and then they can recall quickly and easily from main window, without going into advanced settings everytime.
    - I can then open my custom 'Powerpoint Presenter' settings that automatically put into presenter mode and have all my programmed buttones. Then I can then open my 'Student Kindlelab' settings that have the outside toggles set for students and the partial screen tracking I set for Kindle lab. Then I can open my 'Onenote' settings that have my onenote specific tools, etc
    - Maybe worth the 'Settings File' be named on the 'Main Window' so user knows which file is currently loaded.

Currently I have separated the outside click settings file because I feel that these files can be shared by the users easily.
I am now thinking of ways to allow easy switching of the settings files.

Until now I have not actually used the Wiimote Presenter....must try this soon.

The settings file named in the window will be in too.

4. If the Presenter Mode & Whiteboard switch is on the Wiimote you reduce the number of programmable keys, I think it would be better on the 'Main window'. It could be an option for those that want it.
5. The key programming options should then be a tab in the advanced settings window.

Benpaddlejones   

Noted!

On the updates for my next version
I have created a small notification window that will fade in and out when you have toggled an outside click. (very useful..from now onwards I will keep this enabled all the time)

Cursor Control Toolbar - easily resizable and switch the toolbar to be vertical/horizontal

Boon Jin

[benpaddlejones]

Boonjin
I look forward to testing!

The presenter is an awesome program I have used many professional presenters (some costing over $200) and the Wiimote prsenter does it so much better (cursor control and  heaps more buttons) plus it is by default very ergonomic.

The only missing element from a professional presenter is a laser pointer. If you could push a button which turns the mouse to a red dot this it would make the wiimote better than any presenter on the market by a long shot.

Many higher education teachers would use the presenter more than the Interactive Whiteboard. Having them bundled together makes an awesome one-stop software solution.

Benpaddlejones

[boonjin]

Boonjin
I look forward to testing!

The presenter is an awesome program I have used many professional presenters (some costing over $200) and the Wiimote prsenter does it so much better (cursor control and  heaps more buttons) plus it is by default very ergonomic.

The only missing element from a professional presenter is a laser pointer. If you could push a button which turns the mouse to a red dot this it would make the wiimote better than any presenter on the market by a long shot.

Many higher education teachers would use the presenter more than the Interactive Whiteboard. Having them bundled together makes an awesome one-stop software solution.

Benpaddlejones

Last night I tried out the Wiimote Presenter. It was awesome!
I could control my desktop from my bed.

Will start ripping it apart and integrating into Wiimote Smooth Board. Just converted the Wiimote Smooth Board to the C# 2008 to suit the Wiimote Presenter.

Do I just keep the Wiimote Presenter file format and configuration interface? However, I am planning to remove the LED timings etc.

Btw, Wiimote Smooth Board 0.2 and Wiimote Presenter can actually run together if you have two wiimotes. Run Wiimote Presenter first and then run Wiimote Smooth Board (set to multiple wiimotes).

Boon Jin

[jmitchell]

The whiteboard and presenter functions are two completely different functions and I would say keep them separate. My fear is that the growing complexity will affect performance, though perhaps unfounded. There could be two versions of the software: 1)Wiimote Smooth Board and 2) Wiimote Smooth Board w/Wiimote Presenter. Just a thought...

[benpaddlejones]

jmitchell
Reason for integrating is switching between the two crashes wiimote connection and occasionally your system.

Plus my expereince with most low-tech teachers is that they find multiple programs confusing. They are more likely to use only one program. The settings files will allow for settings to be preset/shared then the tecaher can just open settings and have what they want. High-tech teachers will just do what they have always done (personalise/customise and work arround).

Benpaddlejones

[boonjin]

The whiteboard and presenter functions are two completely different functions and I would say keep them separate. My fear is that the growing complexity will affect performance, though perhaps unfounded. There could be two versions of the software: 1)Wiimote Smooth Board and 2) Wiimote Smooth Board w/Wiimote Presenter. Just a thought...

jmitchell
Reason for integrating is switching between the two crashes wiimote connection and occasionally your system.

Plus my expereince with most low-tech teachers is that they find multiple programs confusing. They are more likely to use only one program. The settings files will allow for settings to be preset/shared then the tecaher can just open settings and have what they want. High-tech teachers will just do what they have always done (personalise/customise and work arround).

Benpaddlejones

I have just successfully integrated the Wiimote Presenter into the Wiimote Smooth Board. Took me quite a long time to do as the user interface was quite huge (many elements) and I am now using the WiimoteLib 1.4 instead of 1.2.

Now, we have the ultimate wiimote smooth board.
With two wiimotes you can actually use the Whiteboard and Presenter simultaneously. Primary Wiimote for Whiteboard and Secondary Wiimote for Presenter.

There is a radio button in the main page. Whiteboard, Presenter, and Wiimote and Presenter.

Now I am working on a quick way to switch setting files.

Boon Jin

[benpaddlejones]

With two wiimotes you can actually use the Whiteboard and Presenter simultaneously. Primary Wiimote for Whiteboard and Secondary Wiimote for Presenter.

Great minds think alike!

I was wondering if this was possible but thought I'd let you get your head arround the presenter first!

Did you have any luck with a laser pointer function on the presenter?

I think the settings file should be uploaded from the main window. Saves the need to go into advanced settings. A tech-savy teacher can create settings, demonstrate to the tech-novice then they can simply upload settings, without getting lost in the advanced settings.

Thinking about the main window providing basic needs, can a mirror of the Tracking Utilisation/Calibration image be displayed there?

Benpaddlejones :-)

[boonjin]

Great minds think alike!

I was wondering if this was possible but thought I'd let you get your head arround the presenter first!

Did you have any luck with a laser pointer function on the presenter?

I think the settings file should be uploaded from the main window. Saves the need to go into advanced settings. A tech-savy teacher can create settings, demonstrate to the tech-novice then they can simply upload settings, without getting lost in the advanced settings.

Thinking about the main window providing basic needs, can a mirror of the Tracking Utilisation/Calibration image be displayed there?

Benpaddlejones :-)

I have not tried to make a laser pointer yet.

Changing settings is now as easy as pressing Next and Previous on the main window. there is one for Outside Screen Toggles and one for Wiimote Presenter
The file name will be stated there.

I think the main window is already a bit crowded. The stuff here is about all that I will try to fit. I am scared it will be intimidating for the first time users. 

Boon Jin

[jmitchell]

I have just successfully integrated the Wiimote Presenter into the Wiimote Smooth Board. Took me quite a long time to do as the user interface was quite huge (many elements) and I am now using the WiimoteLib 1.4 instead of 1.2.

Now, we have the ultimate wiimote smooth board.
With two wiimotes you can actually use the Whiteboard and Presenter simultaneously. Primary Wiimote for Whiteboard and Secondary Wiimote for Presenter.

There is a radio button in the main page. Whiteboard, Presenter, and Wiimote and Presenter.

Now I am working on a quick way to switch setting files.

Boon Jin

WOOOWWWW! Am looking forward to testing that out for sure!!!

[boonjin]

WOOOWWWW! Am looking forward to testing that out for sure!!!

It is a good reason to get another Wiimote for those who have only one. 
It was really fun to play with the ability to use the cursor from afar (Presenter) and draw on the screen (Whiteboard). During presentations, you can hold the Presenter wiimote on your left hand while using the IR pen on your right (I am right handed). The Presenter will allow seamless changes between slides/features with the assigned buttons.

I have successfully made an option to convert your cursor into a laser pointer (drawn by myself). However, I can't seem to convert it back to the original default cursor. As a temporary solution, you can choose any of the cursors that are stored in a subdirectory (\cursors). I have included Vista, XP cursors but it might not be accurate as I have edited them myself (could not find the original files). There is a large laser pointer and an ordinary laser pointer.

If anyone has some nice looking or even the original windows cursors, please send to me. Thanks!

Yesterday, I have also completed the option to allow users to select the screen used for the whiteboard. Previously, only the primary screen can be used. After selecting the display, notifications,select screen area,cursor toggle area,and calibration will be shown on the chosen display.

A potential problem with using the Whiteboard and Presenter simultaneously is the IR source, which is usually placed near the screen. The application might register this IR source as a Whiteboard click. Therefore, I have included a simple feature to allow you to ignore this stationary IR source. IR dots found within this area will be
ignored by the Whiteboard.

As suggested by Ben, I have allowed the application to minimize to the system tray.
How about the original RightClick system tray icon. Will it be still useful or we can just scrap it off? Hm...Just a few weeks ago this was the core of my development. heeheh

My final addition will be the cursor smoothing for the Presenter mode.

[benpaddlejones]

A potential problem with using the Whiteboard and Presenter simultaneously is the IR source, which is usually placed near the screen. The application might register this IR source as a Whiteboard click. Therefore, I have included a simple feature to allow you to ignore this stationary IR source. IR dots found within this area will be
ignored by the Whiteboard.

What if the stationary IR-Source is out of the calibrated area (and the periferal programmed zones), do you still need to ignor?

How about the original RightClick system tray icon. Will it be still useful or we can just scrap it off?

Can it be made optional? I use it heeps but I know some system trays are really full and some won't use it. Making it optional gives users the most flexibility.

My final addition will be the cursor smoothing for the Presenter mode.

Will be very helpfull I'm a shaker (too much caffine & Red Bull) so I find Jason's app difficult to select Icon's.

Hm...Just a few weeks ago this was the core of my development. heeheh

I thought you had skill then! Now, I think its pretty safe to say you CAN program!

Benpaddlejones

[boonjin]

What if the stationary IR-Source is out of the calibrated area (and the periferal programmed zones), do you still need to ignor?

Can it be made optional? I use it heeps but I know some system trays are really full and some won't use it. Making it optional gives users the most flexibility.

Sure.

Will be very helpfull I'm a shaker (too much caffine & Red Bull) so I find Jason's app difficult to select Icon's.

Yeah, it was difficult to click on icons or launch applications. Most of the time, it was a drag motion.

I have added the smoothing feature. Reused most of my previous code and it works quite well.

Once this is done, I will need help on rearranging the user interface (minor changes) to be more intuitive and adding simple understandable instructions within the user interface.
Lastly, we will need to create user guides for teachers and also detailed instructions.
Thanks!