Smoothboard Air with Duo - 2 Users Wiimote Whiteboard with Annotation

[boonjin]

[youtube]-FFrUJJDthw[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMJzVkCUCmI[/youtube]

Updated on 6th July 2012:

Smoothboard Air with Duo which supports 2 IR Pens simultaneously is now available for download at http://www.smoothboard.net/air

The Smoothboard Air with Duo software is compatible with the  Wii Remote Plus (Nintendo RVL-CNT-01-TR). Toshiba Bluetooth stack is required.

The new split-screen mode allows two users to work on the screen simultaneously with independent toolbars at each side of the screen.




PowerPoint Integration
Annotate directly on a PowerPoint slideshow
Annotations are attached to each slide and can be saved into a PowerPoint file


Flip Chart
Flip Chart feature for multi-page drawing


Collaborate and annotate from mobile devices (iPad, iPhone, Android Tablets, Laptops)
The new Smoothboard Air with Duo software also allows you to annotate and collaborate via one or more mobile devices


Quickly switch slides in PowerPoint with a tablet wirelessly or with an IR Pen at the screen.



Previous updates:

Smoothboard 2.5 can be downloaded at my website: http://www.smoothboard.net

              Smoothboard - The Wiimote Whiteboard
            Version 2.5

----------------------
Features
----------------------
SmoothConnect - Automated connection to Wiimotes that requires no learning curve.

Multiple Wiimotes Support - allows the usage of a secondary Wiimote for redundancy
    Primary and Secondary Wiimotes can be switched
    Primary Wiimote can be used to focus a specific screen area
    Activate Whiteboard Mode and Presenter Mode simultaneously
    Configurable Screen Area Tracking - calibrate a selected screen area and/or select another display to be used as an interactive whiteboard

Annotation Tool - write anywhere on your screen with the built-in annotation feature
   Pen, Highlighter, Shapes and Eraser/Erase All
   Easily switch between drawing modes, colors and sizes
   Backgrounds with Lines or Grid
   Select Tool for moving and resizing annotations
   Undo/Redo functionality
   Snapshot - Automatically save screenshot of whole screen or specific region.

Floating Toolbar
   Simulate Mouse Click - right click and double click
    Simulate Key Press - allows multiple key combinations
    Launch or execute any application/file which has a default viewer
    Notification Balloon - displays triggered events

Click and hold trigger -
    Activate Right Click or Smart Menu when IR pen is held down for more than 1 second.

Outside Screen Toggles
        Usage of the sides of the screen to switch presentation slides
        Bottom of the screen to toggle right click

IR Calibration
   Viewable calibration setup to allow easier adjustments for greater tracking utilization
   Configurable infrared (IR) sensitivity to allow greater range or improved accuracy

Integrated Wiimote Presenter- allows the control of the computer even when away from the screen
    Cursor Control - with a stationary IR source
    Key Press - using mapped Wiimote buttons
    Timers - tool to keep track of timings
    Compatible with pre-existing Wiimote Presenter files
    Laser Pointer Cursor
Easy switching between settings files - for Whiteboard Mode and Presenter Mode

Cursor Smoothing - reduces jagged lines when drawing in Whiteboard Mode and Presenter Mode

And More!


----------------------
Requirements
----------------------
Hardware Requirements

- A computer with a bluetooth adaptor (Most laptops have built-in bluetooth chipsets).
- An infrared pen. You can build the pen yourself or get a pre-made one from http://irpensonline.com/
- At least a single Wiimote.  Smoothboard supports up to two Wiimotes.
- A flat surface display (projected screen or flat panel)

Software Requirements

- Windows operating system. The application has been tested in Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7 for both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.
- Bluetooth stack that will enable you to connect to the Wiimote.
- Microsoft .Net 3.5 Framework from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=333325FD-AE52-4E35-B531-508D977D32A6&displaylang=en



----------------------
Change Log
----------------------
New Release 2.0
---------------------------------------
Date: 30 June 2010
New : Extended Annotation features - Size, Color, Shape (Line, Arrow, Rectangle, Ellipse, Scribble), Undo/Redo (15 steps), Select and Move/Resize, Screen Tools (Snapshot Screen, Snapshot Region, Background Color (White/Black), Background Lines/Grid).

New : Smart Menu, alternative to Floating Toolbar. Allows quick access to Right Click, Middle Click (for scrolling) and all the Floating Toolbar Functionality.

New : Click and hold trigger - Activates Right Click or Smart Menu if the IR pen is held down for about 1 second.

Enhancement : Floating Toolbar is now resizeable and can be minimized to a small footprint.

Modification: Outside Screen Toggles now fixed with Up and Down triggers on both sides of the screen. Bottom of the screen used to toggle to Right Click. Useful for PowerPoint presentations and general Windows navigation.

Enhancement: Configurations for - minimizing to taskbar, minimize application when launched, switch calibration settings for Primary/Secondary Wiimotes, show/hide Floating Toolbar when launched, snapshot folder.

Enhancement: Executables are now signed with our Smoothboard Tech certificate to prevent unauthorized changes after the release of the compilation.

Bug Fixes for 1.6.0.7
---------------------------------------
Date: 19th September 2009
Fix : Missing System.Core error on certain computers due to incomplete installation of the latest .NET 3.5 Framework. Removed dependency on the file and thus error will not occur on such systems on this release.

New Features for 1.6.0.1
---------------------------------------
Date: 31st August 2009
New : SmoothConnect for automatic connection to Wii Remotes.

Bug Fixes and New Features for 1.5.5.1
---------------------------------------
Date: 10th August 2009
Fix : Annotation tool now works on 16-bit video settings.
Enhancement : Improved performance of the floating toolbar closing and opening.

Bug Fixes and New Features for 1.5.4.1
---------------------------------------
Date: 19th July 2009
Enhancement : Performance issues due to multiple drawing layers of the annotation feature is greatly reduced. Slower computers will be able to use the software smoothly now.
Fix : In slow computers, the floating toolbar occasional was blinking every few seconds.
Enhancement : Snapshots directly can be directly accessed from the main window. File->Open Snapshots Directory
      Snapshots are compressed into smaller files in JPG.
Fix : Some users reported that the floating toolbar will cause other applications to be minimized/maximized. The situation has resolved as the floating toolbar will not get the focus when clicked with an IR Pen
Fix : Several minor bugs regarding the floating toolbar.

Bug Fixes for 1.5.3.0
---------------------------------------
Date: 30th June 2009
Fix : Error during exit of application
Fix : Selection for large number of toggle settings not clickable with IR Pen.

Bug Fixes  for 1.5.1.1
---------------------------------------
Date: 30th June 2009
Fix : IR pen could not select long combo box items
Fix : Eraser could not work in XP. Now works in Win Xp and Vista.

New Features for 1.5.1.0
---------------------------------------
Date: 26th June 2009
New : Annotation tool that allows drawings on top of any window
   Pen (Colors - Red, Blue, Black, White), Highlighter, Eraser, White Screen, Snapshot
New : Customizable icons for each toggle in the floating window

Bug Fixes and New Features for 1.2.1.0
---------------------------------------
Date: 20th June 2009
Fix : Calibration Viewer does not accurately shows the whiteboard calibrated setup.
New : Toggle Floating Window to indicate the outside screen toggles for each screen area
New : The Toggle floating window is also clickable and dragable.

Bug Fixes and New Features for 1.1.1.0
---------------------------------------
Date: 4th June 2009
Fix : Corrected graphical issues with display DPI of 120.
Fix : Solved issue when calibration crosshair disappears if hidden behind graphics.
New : Confirmation dialog box before exiting
New : Smoothboard works with low-cost alternative Wiimotes
New : Enhanced software update check

Bug Fixes and New Features for build 1006
---------------------------------------
Date: 15th April 2009
Fix : Launching through Thex's WiimoteConnect 0.6 causes wrong path in file saves
Fix : Smoothboard is working on 64-bit operating systems
Fix : Smoothboard icons did not disappear when closed.
Fix : Crash when a Wiimote is disconnected. A popup will not notify the user regarding the disconnection.
New : Smoothboard do not need to be restarted when resolution is changed. However, the calibration will have to be repeated.


Bug Fixes and New Features for build 1003
---------------------------------------
Date: 1st February 2009
New : Icons for start menu items
New : Icons for Smoothboard menu items
New : This readme file
Fix : Application could not start in certain cases due to invalid license detected
Fix : Application request for license key although have been previously activated


Additional details here: http://www.smoothboard.net


Thanks to everyone who have given their valuable feedback.

Screenshots for Wiimote Smooth Board 0.4.6







 



Features for Wiimote Smoothboard 0.4.5

Multiple Wiimotes Support – allows the usage of a secondary Wiimote for redundancy
   -Primary and Secondary Wiimotes can be switched
   -Primary Wiimote can be used to focus a specific screen area
   -Activate Whiteboard Mode and Presenter Mode simultaneously
Configurable Screen Area Tracking – calibrate a selected screen area and/or select another display to be used as an interactive whiteboard
Outside Screen Area Toggles
   -Simulate Mouse Clicks – right click and double click
   -Simulate Key Presses – allows multiple key combinations
   -Launch or execute any application/file which has a default viewer
   -Notification Balloon – displays triggered events
Cursor Control Toolbar – resizable toolbar that allows quick toggles between left click, right click, double click and motion only cursor.
IR Calibration
   -Viewable calibration setup to allow easier adjustments for greater tracking utilization
   -Configurable infrared (IR) sensitivity to allow greater range or improved accuracy
Integrated Wiimote Presenter 0.2- allows the control of the computer even when away from the screen
   -Cursor Control – with a stationary IR source
   -Key Presses – using mapped Wiimote buttons
   -Timers – tool to keep track of timings
   -Compatible with pre-existing Wiimote Presenter files
   -Laser Pointer cursors - Use this at your own risk!
Easy switching between settings files for Whiteboard Mode and Presenter Mode
Cursor Smoothing – reduces jagged lines when drawing in Whiteboard Mode and Presenter Mode
And More!


Thanks for supporting Smoothboard!

Boon Jin


Wiimote Smooth Board 0.1 - Demonstration Video
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j90JIH--RkI[/youtube]

Smoothboard is available in more than 20 languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Korean, Malay, Polish, Portuguese, Serbian, Slovenian, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish and Vietnamese

Download your localized version from http://www.smoothboard.net/download

[benpaddlejones]

Boonjin
If only I had my Wiimote at home to test, will have to wait until Monday! 

This looks awesome. I think you have just taken the lead for the most functional Wiimote Whiteboard Application.

I look forward to testing 

Benpaddlejones :-)

[boonjin]

Boonjin
If only I had my Wiimote at home to test, will have to wait until Monday! 

This looks awesome. I think you have just taken the lead for the most functional Wiimote Whiteboard Application.

I look forward to testing 

Benpaddlejones :-)

Maybe you can start creating your settings files.

Boon Jin

[sts70nl]

2 tumbs up Boon Jin

I did a quick test on the screen of my PC.  Works like a charm so far and the ALT-TAB function, which is for me a very nice functionality works great.

User interface is very workable and easy to use.

What I particularly like is having an idea what the Wiimote sees for optimizing the tracking area. It would be equally interesting, if possible, to have an indicator of how much sensitivity the Wiimote has to help selecting a good sensitivity level.

Coming Tuesday I have a good possibility to field test it.  I think I will put some post-its around the projected area with ALT, TAB, and enter on it.  I'm looking forward to it, the more since I built myself an IR pen that has the switch in the tip (press the pen on the board = IR led is on, remove the pressure on the board = IR led is off).

Again, great work Boon Jin!!!

Stefan

[boonjin]

2 tumbs up Boon Jin

I did a quick test on the screen of my PC.  Works like a charm so far and the ALT-TAB function, which is for me a very nice functionality works great.

User interface is very workable and easy to use.

What I particularly like is having an idea what the Wiimote sees for optimizing the tracking area. It would be equally interesting, if possible, to have an indicator of how much sensitivity the Wiimote has to help selecting a good sensitivity level.

Coming Tuesday I have a good possibility to field test it.  I think I will put some post-its around the projected area with ALT, TAB, and enter on it.  I'm looking forward to it, the more since I built myself an IR pen that has the switch in the tip (press the pen on the board = IR led is on, remove the pressure on the board = IR led is off).

Again, great work Boon Jin!!!

Stefan

Thanks for your quick feedback.
Hopefully it works well for you. 

Regarding the sensitivity indicator, I might include it in the next version. However, I have difficulty testing it as I do not have a projector, and placing the Wiimote near the screen (using a small screen). Maybe I can include just a slight feedback regarding the blob size of the IR source and also some calculations to determine the consistency of the detection of the IR source.

Thanks again for the suggestion!

[apdewith]

Great!!! software!!!
Calibration is Advanced Settings is very helpfull and the clickareas are very usefull.
Would it be possible to make versions in other languages (Dutch in my case)?

I was thinking about a more 'realtime' calibration: suppose I have a frame of some kind with four IR LED's at the corners.
The size should fit the calibration area on the whiteboard.
Would it then possible to position the Wiimote while the calibration screen is continuously updated so that you can easily find the best position?
I understand that the Wii mote can detect 4 sources of IR LED's. Perhaps an idea for a separate calibration tool?


Thanks again for this software.
I will further test and report if necessary.

[jmitchell]

I've watched and read with excited anticipation of the development of Boon Jin's whiteboard modifications and improvements. I think Boon Jin should be rewarded with his own projector so he can get the full effect of what he is revolutionizing. I will gladly contribute...

Got a paypal account Boon Jin?

[apdewith]

I've watched and read with excited anticipation of the development of Boon Jin's whiteboard modifications and improvements. I think Boon Jin should be rewarded with his own projector so he can get the full effect of what he is revolutionizing. I will gladly contribute...

Got a paypal account Boon Jin?

I will contribute as well

[taitrt]

BoonJin, this looks amazing.

The one thing that I'd love to see implemented in a windows environment is the ability to use multiple wiimotes.  It has been implemented in both the Linux version and the Mac (Java) version, but I haven't seen it in a good ol' windows environment.

Basically, the problem is this:  I use my wiimote whiteboard in my high school classroom... mostly in my Chemistry Honors classes.  My wiimote is mounted centrally on the ceiling and does a pretty good job "seeing" the screen.  However, sometimes students will stand directly in front of where they are trying to write blocking the IR camera completely. I'd like to be able to have 2 wiimotes "seeing" the screen at all times, so even if one is blocked by a student the other will see it.

Here's an example picture.

[boonjin]

Great!!! software!!!
Calibration is Advanced Settings is very helpfull and the clickareas are very usefull.
Would it be possible to make versions in other languages (Dutch in my case)?

I was thinking about a more 'realtime' calibration: suppose I have a frame of some kind with four IR LED's at the corners.
The size should fit the calibration area on the whiteboard.
Would it then possible to position the Wiimote while the calibration screen is continuously updated so that you can easily find the best position?
I understand that the Wii mote can detect 4 sources of IR LED's. Perhaps an idea for a separate calibration tool?


Thanks again for this software.
I will further test and report if necessary.

I've watched and read with excited anticipation of the development of Boon Jin's whiteboard modifications and improvements. I think Boon Jin should be rewarded with his own projector so he can get the full effect of what he is revolutionizing. I will gladly contribute...

Got a paypal account Boon Jin?

Thanks for your positive responses!

About localizing the software to different languages, I think it can be done when the software is stable and ready to be released officially. Will need a lot of help with this. 

The real time calibration method will be useful but requires a bit more work on the setup. The IR diodes have to be placed at the corners of the screen and activated by a switch which might be a bit awkward. hehe. The programming part of this will not be difficult as the I can retrieve the four IR sources in real time.
I will certainly add this to the 'todo' list. 

By testing the software and providing suggestions, you have already contributed a lot. Many thanks to all!

Once the application is stable, we can start promoting it to be used as an end-user application.

[boonjin]

BoonJin, this looks amazing.

The one thing that I'd love to see implemented in a windows environment is the ability to use multiple wiimotes.  It has been implemented in both the Linux version and the Mac (Java) version, but I haven't seen it in a good ol' windows environment.

Basically, the problem is this:  I use my wiimote whiteboard in my high school classroom... mostly in my Chemistry Honors classes.  My wiimote is mounted centrally on the ceiling and does a pretty good job "seeing" the screen.  However, sometimes students will stand directly in front of where they are trying to write blocking the IR camera completely. I'd like to be able to have 2 wiimotes "seeing" the screen at all times, so even if one is blocked by a student the other will see it.

Here's an example picture.

Hi!

My original aim in developing the new wiimote whiteboard is actually to support two Wiimotes. However, I found that the usability of the wiimote whiteboard can be first improved by having toggles. This can allow presenters to use the whiteboard without the need of going to the keyboard or using a mouse.

Next, I will be trying to do the multiple (two) Wiimote support like you have mentioned. Most probably I will just provide some basic functions first. Such as the second Wiimote only is used when it detects an IR source and the primary Wiimote does not.

Boon Jin

PS: How did you mount it to the ceiling? How do you pair and power the Wiimote?
Thanks!!

[benpaddlejones]

Boonjin
Borrowed a friend’s wiimote, works awesome the settings and functions are very user friendly.

Given end of term, I won't have a few classes in a row to test its stability. Given last few versions have been very stable I don't this will be a big issue, although I think you need a 64bit tester to check no 64bit issues.

Richwhite http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lR3TriDV1kghas put out a video where he is also using the wiimote as a whiteboard and application controller. I am thinking the following idea could combine functions into one application:

In the main window in the cursor section have a toggle option "Calibrated Tracking Area" or "All Tracking Area". If calibrated tracking area is checked then as is. If all tracking area is checked it works the same as Jason Smiths Presenter application.

In the Advanced setting window is a third tab "Keyboard Controls" this tab allows users to custom set each wiimote keyboard (and accelerometer too if poss) settings.

This then only leaves the connection issue? Do you think the Java connection can be ported to yours? This is very stable and appears to connect across all platforms including widcomm.

Once again great work   

Benpaddlejones

[boonjin]

Boonjin
Borrowed a friend’s wiimote, works awesome the settings and functions are very user friendly.

Given end of term, I won't have a few classes in a row to test its stability. Given last few versions have been very stable I don't this will be a big issue, although I think you need a 64bit tester to check no 64bit issues.

Richwhite http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lR3TriDV1kghas put out a video where he is also using the wiimote as a whiteboard and application controller. I am thinking the following idea could combine functions into one application:

In the main window in the cursor section have a toggle option "Calibrated Tracking Area" or "All Tracking Area". If calibrated tracking area is checked then as is. If all tracking area is checked it works the same as Jason Smiths Presenter application.

In the Advanced setting window is a third tab "Keyboard Controls" this tab allows users to custom set each wiimote keyboard (and accelerometer too if poss) settings.

This then only leaves the connection issue? Do you think the Java connection can be ported to yours? This is very stable and appears to connect across all platforms including widcomm.

Once again great work   

Benpaddlejones

Ben

I have not used the Wiimote Presenter yet. Can you explain more about the All Tracking Area option?

Thanks!

Boon Jin
(will be adding a feedback form template at the first post)

[UndCon]

Impressive stuff here

[benpaddlejones]

I have not used the Wiimote Presenter yet. Can you explain more about the All Tracking Area option?

Rather than a static remote & dynamic IR-Source in a calibrated zone (your whiteboard setup)

The full tracking area is sensitive and is not calibrated. I have a perminatly on IR-Source sitting on my whitebaord ledge.

I then hold the wiimote (the buttons are set to send specific key strokes). I use as a Powerpoint Presenter. Thus I can press buttons to run mouse clicks & keybaord strokes as per my settings.

If I want to control the mouse I point the wiimote at the white board and it moves the mouse based on hand movement relitive to the perminant IR-source.

Best way to explain is as a reverse whiteboard. The IR-source is static and the wiimote is dynamic. Movement always controls the cursor but need to push a button to acheive mouse clicks (left/right/middle).

Ben :-)